The Surge in Mental Health Awareness

Conversations on mental health are a hot topic nowadays. As I scroll through social media, mental health is one of the focus points of many posts, but I remember a time when I did not hear or see anything about mental health. These conversations surrounding mental health have always been important, and I’m glad that more people are shedding light on it! The resources and insights being shared aid in making sure the state of our mental health is in tip-top shape.

Because tip-top shape hasn’t always been the case for me.

A Personal Journey Through Mental Health

“Stop looking like the world is over.”

I recall hearing that phrase often as a teen. I was told to stop walking around as if something was wrong and that the weight of the world was on my shoulders because I looked sad. Two things were at play: first, I wasn’t aware of how I appeared to others; second, the truth is, I was sad. I had a rollercoaster of emotions–high highs and low lows, with no clear way to express or understand my feelings. I didn’t know what to say and didn’t want to seem ungrateful. A mental battle was going on. Mental battles are the battles that no one sees. It can be hidden from others for extended periods of time.

Thoughts of “You have no friends,” “Nobody loves you,” “____ doesn’t love you,” “You will never be successful because of ____,” “This is all your fault,” and more insecure and drowning thoughts would rush in. It wasn’t all the time, but when they hit. THEY HIT.

The reality was that all those things were furthest from the truth. My mind was telling me one thing that didn’t line up with how my life actually was.

Teen and Undergraduate Years

The teenage years are challenging as is. So, hormonal imbalances played a role in my mental health, and feeling like I didn’t belong made everything more complicated. Despite having family, friends, church, sports, and community activities, I thought I had no one to talk to and was often misunderstood when speaking. I was still trying to find my way. My feelings were real, though I didn’t have the words to best articulate them. “I’m fine” was my go-to response, even when I wasn’t.

So, I resorted to journaling. I felt that if no one else heard me, my journal did. I felt like I was writing to God. I would cry out to God for help – to change, be heard, be more consistent, not be a burden on anyone, and be seen. Sadly, sometimes, I even downed myself for my emotions of sadness and anger and the extremes of it. I thought something was wrong with me because everyone told me I shouldn’t feel how I felt. After all, I had everything I could possibly need or want. I was confused. 

Things would get better, but the cycle would repeat. I didn’t know what the root cause was. The battle in my mind was slightly easier to mask as a teen. It was easy in college, too, UNTIL it began overflowing into everything else in my life. My sophomore and junior college years were hard (2020-2022). I felt like I was losing everything (friends, relationships, time, money) and going through a season of isolation. I continued to put on a mask and did the best I could, but behind closed doors, I started neglecting my well-being. I would lay in bed crying late at night, feeling so alone, wishing I wasn’t here, that I was different because I felt like I kept messing everything up. I noticed a decline in the upkeep of my room, emotional eating, and sleeping to avoid problems and people. Things had to change.

Understanding Mental Health

As you can see, the mind is influential, meaning the state of your mental health is of even more importance because it affects EVERYTHING. Now, think about it, do you really know what mental health is? I won’t bore you with what all the textbook or dictionary definitions say, but if you’d like that information, click below :). 

Merriam-Webster put it simply as the general condition of one’s mental and emotional state. 

You see, back then, I didn’t understand the state of my mental health. I couldn’t see the light. It truly felt like life wasn’t going to get any better.

But, God!

One day, the Lord told me, “Get Up!” He saw me, and He heard me. He turned the battlefield into a safe space.

He directed me to scripture. We are told several times throughout the Bible that the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells me that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. 

He reminded me of who He is. El Roi – the God who sees, Jehovah Jireh – The Lord our Provider, Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is Peace.

I had started depending on myself (mentally and emotionally)–trying to do it on my own–leaning on my own understanding. But I couldn’t do it. I had to hand it to God. 

He restored my mind. He consistently reminded me that He loves me. He would whisper for me to trust him-Proverbs 3:5-6-ultimately because He had a plan. He knew things I didn’t but needed me to see how He had been there all along. How the enemy tried to instill in my mind that the Lord had left me. He hadn’t. His hand was in every situation. 

I have come to understand because now, when a part of my mind (or a seed trying to be planted by the enemy) tries to drag me to the deep end, I can look back over my life and to the Word to know what’s true and not. I know God will turn it around! For every tear I shed, all the emotions I had and didn’t know how to deal with them, and all the times I couldn’t get out of bed because I had no hope and wanted to drown in my sorrows, He reminded me He had a plan for me, that He loves me, and that He sees me. 

I realize now, no, the world wasn’t over then, but it sure did feel like it.

Today’s Perspective

Now, at 23, the previous feelings try to arise, but I don’t stay in that frame of mind. 

The difference is that I have the knowledge, wisdom, and resources to get back on the right path. Most importantly, I know who to run to – Jesus. 

From feeling like I had no one to talk to to never shutting up (haha), I learned that sometimes I may be misunderstood, but I also have to communicate and not shut down. I have to let people in (that is the tricky part). No matter how much I’d like to think people know, no one knows what I’m thinking or how I’m truly feeling. Certain actions and words may show, but I have to take responsibility when I become aware of it. I also had to learn to forgive.

I am in a good place mentally, physically, and spiritually today. It’s definitely a journey, but the Holy Spirit has been so graciously teaching me how to maneuver through this life – by taking responsibility for my actions, giving me the words to say, how to combat the mental war, revealing the root of issues, and more. The Holy Spirit is necessary for every part of life.

Lean on Him!

When my flesh and mind tell me (or even repeat what people have told me), the Holy Spirit will remind me of who I am, how God sees me, and what He says about me. 

Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise thee: for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

I share to encourage you to let you know you are not alone and that you will get through this!

Daily Practices

Today, I prioritize my overall health because, if you didn’t know-it’s all connected! Here are some things I do that may help you to try:

• Equip myself with the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6).
• Pray
• Journal
• Read the Bible
• Listen to worship music
• Read relaxing books, listen to podcasts, or paint
• Go for a walk, try a new hairstyle, or enjoy my favorite meal/dessert
• Spend time with loved ones, engage in fun activities, and take social media breaks.
• If none of that seems to help, then maybe a good old-fashioned cry is needed. Haha

Some of these practices are done daily, while others are to help when the boat gets rocky. Ultimately, allow the God to lead you in all things, even your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Challenge

I challenge you to take one step towards improving your mental health. Don’t hide and hold on to your struggles. Instead, lay them at the Lord’s feet. Reach out to someone you trust or seek professional support if needed.

For those on the other side who have overcome similar challenges, I challenge you to offer support, provide a listening ear to those in need, and share your testimony when led! Be the safe space for someone else!

If led, utilize the comment section to share your testimony!

If you need immediate help, reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This post is not professional advice or a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re experiencing a crisis, please consult a licensed mental health professional.

Know that I love you and that God loves you!

Thanks for Tuning in to Life with Ken!