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Do You Have a Minute? Part 2

 |  CFC Features

This is Part 2 in a blog series on mental health, written by CFCer, Amy Roush. Amy speaks from the experience of her own mental health journey; and desires to share with those God puts in her path, that no one should ever have to face life alone. Amy is the author of the book Crossing The Borderline Journaling a Journey from Madness and Mayhem to Faith and Forgiveness.

To read part I, Click on the button on the bottom of the page.

Hello. I just thought I would check-in. After our last conversation, I just wanted to see how things were going. You do not have to tell me anything, or we can talk about whatever you would like. I know you have been holding a tremendous amount inside, and I wanted to make sure you were safe, and well.

Oh, your family doctor recommended a therapist? Yep, You are right. I have been there. I know it seems impossible to even think about going to a therapist or doctor to deal with mental and emotional health issues. I know, I grew up in an environment where we did not speak of these things. We handled them on our own and just “powered through it,” “prayed through it,” or “stayed strong.”

Those things may have helped me for a moment or two, but they didn’t completely take care of my situation, and I was angry with myself for that. Why should I need therapy or meds to help my brain regulate chemicals?

I was unkind to myself for decades. People say all the “stuff” these days. “If it were cancer or a heart attack and the doctor gave you meds, you would take them.” “If you broke your leg, you would do the physical therapy.” Those are valid points. But it was not until three years ago, when I was training as a volunteer crisis counselor, that I learned the one question that actually helped me the most. When I am toughest on myself, it is hardest to answer, but here it is.

“What would you tell a friend who is going through the same situations and emotions that you are?”

Here are my answers, and they are almost always the same.
So, I get it. When you talk to someone, and therapy is suggested, it sounds impossible and counter-intuitive. I did not have the tools to cope on my own. I needed to work with people who could give them to me.

  • You matter

  • God created you, and you are some of His best work

  • It is okay not to be okay

  • It is okay to get the help you need

  • Sometimes God heals through therapy and medicine

Everyone needs help sometimes. It is okay. Actually, it is super brave to ask for the help that you need. It’s brilliant to show up and do the work. Just know that you don’t have to go it alone. There are people at CFC who would be happy to talk with you and pray with you. God created us to stand together. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Let’s talk again soon.

If you need someone to talk to, please email care@communityfellowship.com. We can connect you with someone to pray with you or connect you with a mental health professional. If you prefer to remain anonymous The National Suicide Prevention LIfeline number is 800-273-8255, or you can reach the Crisis Text line by texting home to the short code 741741.To contact Amy directly, at amroush@xingtheborderline.com

Do You Have a Minute? Part I