we need to lift each other up

Hey guys. It’s me Dai. As you know, May carries special meaning to me. That is because it’s Mental Health Awareness Month. No matter what people say, mental health crises is real. It’s sad that a lot of Christian people don’t believe in anxiety disorders, PTSD, chemical depression, and the likes, because it’s real. Just as real as breaking a bone or skinning a knee. And we all need to know how to handle it.

When I was around thirteen or fourteen, I knew something was wrong with me. I couldn’t talk. I could talk physically, but I was literally scared to. In the night I’d lay in bed thinking of all the words I’d said and I’d wake up wishing I never had to speak. When my mom called for me, I would answer so quietly it would take her several times before she could finally hear my response. The fear of speaking was so excruciating I sat in my room and hit my head on my bookshelf to drown out the thoughts (which didn’t help). I couldn’t even talk to my siblings. The only time all felt okay was when me and my sibs gathered in the living room for our Hangout Nights and I read the Bible aloud.

I would spend hours reading articles on selective mutism and watching videos about social anxiety, but I couldn’t bring myself to just tell my parents how much pain I was in.

The journey to my present self took so long, but the thing that really began the quest was something my mom said. She told me that most people said so much during the day then forgot it all. She told me that the more time I spent talking, the less time I’d spend thinking. It wasn’t some supernatural transformation from there. It took work. But finally, I talk enough– for me.

If there’s something that’s been eating you, keeping you from being yourself or having fun, ask an adult for help. If you’re seeing a counselor and/or taking medication for a mental health season, don’t let anybody shame you. God sends healing in many ways. Whatever you do, though, remember to share your testimony, because you are somebody’s voice. Somebody’s saving grace. Somebody’s inspiration to go on.

And if speaking has been your fear, may this post inspire you to use your voice again.

Until next time.

Keep on dreaming.

#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmonth #mymentalhealthjourney