Happy Monday! My blog post are typically super cheery and motivating but sometimes we need to talk about real life issues. I am writing today to anyone who has ever experienced any type of doubt, sudden sadness, anxiety or depression. In previous generations, and especially in minority communities, mental health was not highly spoken of. It was one of those topics people just did not talk about.
I am all about speaking life and being positive however a real conversation surrounding mental health is necessary. Mental illness is also not limited solely to those with traumatic life experiences or those with family members with mental illnesses. You can be a mom, wife, work a 9 to 5, a CEO or leader in the community and experience feelings of overwhelmingness, depression, anxiety or all three.
As a mother of three, wife and sole practitioner accountant and Co-Pastor I want to shed some light on how you can overcome depression and anxiety.
*These are my personal experiences. If you are experiencing heavy mental illness immediately seek professional help.
1. Know what God has called You to
We all have a different mantle to carry and God governs us all differently. We should pursue what God has called us individually to do and not subconsciously watch or be negatively motivated and misguided by others.
Social media is great (it’s probably how you were directed to this post) however it can spur comparison and question why you are or not somewhere in life. If you have to cancel your social media for a season do it without the pressure to “know what is going on”. Everyone will be right where you left off.
Spend that same amount of time allocated to social media increasing your relationship with God.
2. Examine Your Commitments
I talk about this all the time. The same person you were ten, five or even one year ago is not the same person you are today. You likely have greater responsibilities including people around you to lead or heightened financial responsibilities. Your commitments cannot be all over the place! Focus, rather than diversification, is the name of the game when it comes to commitments. Because time is limited you must be intentional about who receives your energy.
Just because you were committed to something last year doesn’t mean you have to stay there. Be led by the Lord and he will show you where you are over or even under-committed to.
3. Support System
A support system is anything that helps you be your best. Don’t limit it and get what you need! In our era of technology support as transcended to even the most simple tasks. Take advantage of it! Common areas where you can outsource include:
Grocery delivery service (Hey Instacart!)
Babysitter
Housekeeper
Fitness & vitamin supplement regimen
Even a family member watching your kids for an hour or monthly women’s small group can give you the encouragement and break needed in this season of your life.
4. Seek Biblical Counseling
The feelings of depression and anxiety can be so overwhelming that it often pushes one into an isolated corner. While temporary “me time” is healthy and necessary to debrief, a constant feeling and need to be alone is a concern and should not be taken lightly.
Forget about people “thinking you are crazy” or what people may say about you. Seek biblical counseling if needed. Counseling is a great support system to talk things through when needed most. There are people specifically trained for these areas. Again, take advantage!
"Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety."
Proverbs 11:14
5. God’s Word brings Sustainability
Truth speaking you can receive all of the counseling, complete every fitness regimen, have your groceries delivered, house cleaned weekly and still feel overwhelmed. Reading, meditating and applying God’s word is the one tool you can count on to sustain and lift you out of any period of depression or anxiety. This may mean that you need to surrender control of your life and follow the voice of the Lord.
Applying His word silences the voice of anxiety and depression.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path."
Psalm 119:105
I have prayed for each person that reads this post. I pray that you will be filled with the wisdom and knowledge from God’s word and put practical items in place to ensure you remain full of joy, hope, love and peace!
Chrystal
