You Are Not Alone

Have you ever purchased a new or used car (I’ve done both) and once you drove it off the lot; you’re puzzled each time you pass by a vehicle that looks just like yours. You thought you were the only one with that make, model and color.

That is similar to the feeling I had when I began writing a book about our dad. Though he knew I was going to put his journal entries in print, I found myself hesitating because dad passed away before he would be given the opportunity to read it.

I am confident that he would approve, because in spite of his challenges, what echoes throughout his journals is that he had a desire to reach out to others experiencing similar difficulties and let them know that they are not alone.

Thursday, Oct 8, 2020 was a special mental health episode on “The Talk”. Eve (American rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and talk show hostess from Philadelphia), opens up about anxiety and panic attacks. She shares, “For her, it’s anxiety. She still has it; she still lives with it; it ebbs and flows… But now, she is so thankful to be able to do the show that is able to help people see that they are not alone and in hopes to give them some tools that they can use on their journey.

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
• 1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

A mental health condition isn’t the result of one event. Research suggests multiple, linking causes. Genetics, environment and lifestyle influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home life makes some people more susceptible, as do traumatic life events. Biochemical processes and circuits and basic brain structure may play a role, too.

None of this means that you’re broken or that you, or your family, did something “wrong.” Mental illness is no one’s fault. And for many people, recovery — including meaningful roles in social life, school and work — is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a strong role in your own recovery process.

Unfortunately, the general public does not have empathy for others unless it hits their home. Combined with the labels that society places upon them, it’s no wonder we are now seeing the masses come out from years of isolation. I say ‘Cheers’ to those of you who are brave enough to raise your voices and say, ‘It’s me, but most of all, ‘Thank you’ for reaching out and encouraging and reminding others that they are not alone. (Dad’s book, ‘God’s Got It’ will be published 2021)

Though Pausing With God Ministries was birthed from my season of menopause, we pray for you; our readers for any season that you may be currently experiencing. We want to share that if you have a family member or friend is experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, there is help. NAMI is there to provide you with support and information about community resources for you and your family.

Find education programs and support groups at your local NAMI. Contact the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org if you have any questions about anxiety or want help finding support and resources

#mentalhealthawareness  #selfcare #anxiety #selflove #love #depression #motivation