Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month, first organized in 1949. That surprises me because I don't remember hearing about it until recent years. Perhaps that shows how we pay attention to things only when they become personal. NAMI's theme for this year is "In Every Story, There's Strength". Their goal is to spread awareness that helps break the stigma and to address the challenges for the millions of Americans who live with mental health issues every day.

Many of you are familiar with my story but for those who aren't I will share it again. Depression is just one part of mental health. It is especially close to me as I have experienced it since I was young, though it was only diagnosed in my late 20s. Thanks to my husband, he recognized my growing depression and first called in our pastor and then a doctor to help me.

Unfortunately, as with many people, the fix was not immediate. I was put on various medications to try and help but one even made my depression worse. I nearly took my own life after an overdose that ended in the ER only because my husband came home early one day. I spent weeks in a mental ward of a hospital as they tried to find a medicine to help me.

I endured long stretches of medication trials, therapy, intensive psychiatric therapy at Mayo, more medication changes, and weeks of ECT when medicine didn't work. Medication changes are ongoing because of side effects that sometimes become too much to endure. My chronic recurrent major depressive disorder is currently controlled by numerous medications. Throughout, it all, my faith has been the therapy I cling to.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord," (Psalm 40:1-3 NIV).

Thank You, Lord, for being the One I can call on, no matter what state of mind I am in. I praise You when I am high on peace and when I am low on pain. You are always the same. I can trust in You always. Lord, please hear the cries of others who seek you in their illness and guide them to the help they need. I worship You only God, and praise You for sending Your Son to bring us into a relationship with You. I pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.