I saw this picture years ago and have shared it over the years with friends going through tough times.
As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression in life, these pictures beautifully show how sometimes the person struggling doesn’t know how to articulate what they are experiencing. Also, it gives a beautiful example of a caring response where the person isn’t trying to fix the other person or snap them out of it. Instead they lovingly choose to come beside them reminding them they aren’t alone.
I share this with you today because there has been a lot of conversations about mental health in these unique times. It is an important discussion to listen to or participate in in some capacity so we can better understand the struggle for ourselves or so we are able to better relate to someone we know who is struggling.
I invite you to join me to...
pause. breathe. pray.
May we acknowledge that mental health matters. And if we are struggling, may we find the courage and strength to reach out to someone to let them know. And if we know someone who struggles, may we take the first step towards them to remind them they aren’t alone.
Something important to note is that if someone we love is struggling, don’t try and fix them. Start by being with them, and offer to be a bridge towards their healing. Simply sitting there beside them to listen or just be there in silence is in itself a helpful first step.
As a woman of faith, I want to say that yes, prayer is beneficial. I pray all the time. Yet as someone who has benefitted from the gifts of meds and therapy myself when I went through my walks with anxiety, depression & cancer, I wholeheartedly believe those can add value in the healing process too. They are not the whole answer, but can be stepping stones to help us get better footing as we journey towards solid ground.
With love and hope,
Shawn
PS If anyone knows where this picture originated please lmk so I can give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
“Love one another as I have loved you.” - John 13:34