One thing I am asked often is, “Heather, HOW did you get through it?” I’ve given the answer to this LOTS of years of practice. And with prayer and collective wise counsel, here is a list of 5 things I’ve done (and will do) when my mind isn’t well. They are in no certain order–as ALL of them, combined–gave me light in a dark tunnel…
- Christian Counseling. I’m not talking a one-hour-on-the-couch-thank-you-for-your-time-I’m-healed session. I’m talking a relentless resolve to go, every week to every appointment for the entire hour, UNTIL, You + God + Counselor are in agreement that your time is done. In 2000-2001, I went 52 weeks in a row. This step is of utmost importance.
- Pray on my knees. This was a powerful step for two reasons. One, it forced me to get out of bed every morning. To pray on my knees, I had to rise from my pillow. It’s that simple. Two, it gave me a chance to release all my tears, penned-up anger, and “crazy” unto the Lord before taking on the day. I can’t recommend this enough.
- Journaling. “Oh, Heather, you’re a writer, that comes easy to you.” Nope, that’s not why I journaled in my darkness. I journaled because I was lonely. I didn’t have anyone who could handle all my pain and darkness and pity and trauma and psychosis. But it was all a nasty infectious–and I didn’t want it in me. So I
dumped…journaled…to God. You should see the collection of journals I have. If I write it out, I’m not holding it in. Period. - Prescription Meds. I know, I know…its controversial because Christians shouldn’t need to depend on this. I know, I know, it’s a crutch. I know, I know, there are side effects. I know, I know, not all insurance companies cover it. Look, I’ve heard them ALL–from friends and adversaries. Putting all the dogma aside, here’s what I know, and truty believe for me: My brain gets sick and there are prescriptions that can help it get better. When my body got sick with a cold, I took antibiotics. When my body was recovering from surgery, I took pain relievers. If I had diabetes, I would take insulin. The brain is a part of the body that gets sick too. Thats alls I got to say about that.
- Read. Read. Read. And then Read. I think people get sick of me saying this, but I read like a maniac when I’m walking through a mental affliction. For two reasons: one, it is good for me. Reading forces me to sit, quietly, and get my mind off my mind. I can’t go crazy, I can’t freak out, I can’t have any kind of attack if I am quietly reading. It’s been a safe recreation in my darkest hours. Two, there are experts who God has allowed their stories and their knowledge to be put out there for our gain. I have a vast collection of books that have been huge in encouraging me and helping me heal. (If you would like to know my list of books, email me at heather@wondHerful.com)
I hope this encourages someone today. I’m not an expert. Just one on a journey with a little calamity in the mind. Thanks for stopping by. And remember that it’s always too soon to give up.
Excellent post! I love your last statement, “remember that it’s always too early to give up!” Having struggled through more dark years than I care to remember, I would add the following from my own list of what to do when my mind isn’t well: 1). Exercise. 2). Eat green. 3) serve others and along side others 4)Take my vitamins, especially B complex, D3 and iron 5). Have my hormone levels evaluated.
Excellent post! I love your last statement, “remember that it’s always too early to give up!” Having struggled through more dark years than I care to remember, I would add the following from my own list of what to do when my mind isn’t well: 1). Exercise. 2). Eat green. 3) serve others and along side others 4)Take my vitamins, especially B complex, D3 and iron 5). Have my hormone levels evaluated.
Thanks again. As always .. Inspiring!
Thanks again. As always .. Inspiring!
Sometimes I feel like I bother you but you I understand and I wish we had Christian Counselors here in Eaton a small town with very little. I miss Florida and my friends my whole family knows I want to die I do have journals I have medication I take like going to church every Sunday involved just like I was there. God bless you for speaking to my heart. My happy days was at CBG
Terry,
Your words reached me this morning. I am praying for you NOW! This time last year I too wanted to die. I didn’t want to kill myself, just didn’t want to live. Here’s the thing, having come out on the other side, there is hope, don’t stop fighting the dark thoughts.
If you cannot find Christian counseling, go to ANY counselor and make that appointment today and make sure you be honest with them about where you are in your thoughts and pain. You can always you talk to a Pastor at your church too. Having worked at a church, every day we had people come in just to have prayer, talk, and receive encouragement.
Also, your meds may not be right for you or they may take time to work. Talk to your doctor who subscribed them TODAY!
God knows where you are and will never leave your side as you walk through this terrible time. Let me tell you how beautiful the light is once you come out of the darkness.
Please call me if you need to talk.
Best,
Jill
954-707-0622
Sometimes I feel like I bother you but you I understand and I wish we had Christian Counselors here in Eaton a small town with very little. I miss Florida and my friends my whole family knows I want to die I do have journals I have medication I take like going to church every Sunday involved just like I was there. God bless you for speaking to my heart. My happy days was at CBG
Terry,
Your words reached me this morning. I am praying for you NOW! This time last year I too wanted to die. I didn’t want to kill myself, just didn’t want to live. Here’s the thing, having come out on the other side, there is hope, don’t stop fighting the dark thoughts.
If you cannot find Christian counseling, go to ANY counselor and make that appointment today and make sure you be honest with them about where you are in your thoughts and pain. You can always you talk to a Pastor at your church too. Having worked at a church, every day we had people come in just to have prayer, talk, and receive encouragement.
Also, your meds may not be right for you or they may take time to work. Talk to your doctor who subscribed them TODAY!
God knows where you are and will never leave your side as you walk through this terrible time. Let me tell you how beautiful the light is once you come out of the darkness.
Please call me if you need to talk.
Best,
Jill
954-707-0622
You are simply, wondHerfully, inexplicably AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS AWESOME!
You are simply, wondHerfully, inexplicably AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS AWESOME!
Great advice Heather. Having been there I can attest to your steps! Thank you for sharing your journey to benefit others.
Best
Jill
Great advice Heather. Having been there I can attest to your steps! Thank you for sharing your journey to benefit others.
Best
Jill
Thanks for sharing! Your honesty is refreshing and inspiring. Having been there, the only one one I’ve never done is the journaling. I’ve got to give that one a try!
Thanks for sharing! Your honesty is refreshing and inspiring. Having been there, the only one one I’ve never done is the journaling. I’ve got to give that one a try!
Thank you for sharing your story and suggestions. My daughter shared this post with me and I can relate to living with depression for many years. I have done much of the steps. I just haven’t been consistent with all five of them all the time. Which may be why I still struggle so much. I get to a pretty good place and then think I may not have to continue all of it all the time, and then have to start again.
Thank you for sharing your story and suggestions. My daughter shared this post with me and I can relate to living with depression for many years. I have done much of the steps. I just haven’t been consistent with all five of them all the time. Which may be why I still struggle so much. I get to a pretty good place and then think I may not have to continue all of it all the time, and then have to start again.