You may be familiar with the saying that grief isn’t linear or that recovery isn’t linear…
In my studies, I have discovered as so many other counselors or anyone who does anything with their “helping” ministry, there is no “one-size fits all” method to any type of treatment to someone who is recovering or grieving.
Someone’s outburst of tears can be a type of healing for them while for others, it’s an outward expression of the pain they are in or both!
Someone’s way of coping with their mental illness may not work for Jane or John Smith who also struggles with the same thing.
My years of seeing the psychiatrist and counselor have helped me build tools to recognize when I am feeling like I am about to spiral down the path to the deep dark pit of despair. My last few years of studying has also built my repertoire of coping skills. Do I always tune into what and how I am feeling?
Honestly, no.
I sometimes miss it and before I realize it, I might be worse than I originally thought. Thankfully, I haven’t felt the depression hit hard since I last wrote about how we moved 3 years ago. I thank the Lord for that!
I really believe that God has healed me from the depression and that’s what I am standing on these days…There have been some awful and trying times that could have sent me down that path because let’s face it, if there is a HINT of stress in your life and you struggle with mental illness, it can exacerbate your predisposition towards it.
What do I do that helps my mental health?
I spend a lot of time resting, just chillin out or sleeping because I can’t sleep enough-I have been functioning on not a lot of sleep the last 4 years because of school and before that…children…
I spend time reading God’s Word and just refreshing and renewing my mind with the promises of the Lord reminding me that He is with me, He is for me and that He will never leave me.
I also listen to a lot of worship music and get behind the piano to play and sing my heart out. Worship is healing to the soul!
I also try to spend time with friends and family…while I may be “peopled out” when I am in the middle of my struggle, there’s something that happens when you are with those you love! I LOVE my family and spending time with them! Besides, the kids are growing way too fast and one way to keep their small-ness and kid-ness is to make memories…I need to do this more, though!
I also do some exercises; part of our family time is taking mixed martial arts together! A family that prays together and kicks together is a healthy one! I am also looking for other ways to build my endurance…Any advice is appreciated!
Then, I continue with follow-up appointments with my psychiatrist, I know—my children asked me why I STILL go to one…I said that I need to continue so I can stay healthy. I do need a counselor but right now, the psychiatrist has helped me a ton with staying on top of my mental health.
Lastly, I still take medicine to maintain my mental health. There is a TON of debate out there about taking anti-depressants or whatever, but at the moment, I won’t address that except that there are some out there, like me, who need it.
So, this post is a reminder that there is “one-size fits all” to getting you to feel better. If you need help, please reach out and get the help!
How do you care for your mental and physical health?
