Years ago, when the diagnosis of anxiety and depression was finally discovered for me, I experienced many different emotions. I had already journeyed through the ups and downs of joy and sadness. My daily activities were often interrupted by a serious change in emotions that would arise at any moment.
Doctor visits often left me feeling “less than” and “frustrated” by the comments like “Just get some rest. You’re just tired.” Those particular doctors had no clue. I’m thankful I kept searching until I found doctors who made the correct diagnosis and provided a personalized treatment plan.
When I began feeling better and learned ways to cope with anxiety and depression, I felt in charge of my mind for the first time in a while. I thanked God for great doctors and a loving, caring, and compassionate family. I also thanked Him for friends and family who stood by me and helped.
Over the span of years, I have learned that anxiety and depression may never fully leave me, but I have been given tools to help me maneuver through each trying experience.
Even with a diagnosis and treatment plan, I still have fear from time to time. My biggest fear when it comes to my mental health is that my anxiety and depression will return with a vengeance and I will have to be hospitalized again. I did spend time in the hospital when I was first diagnosed and the doctor felt I needed more help than just an office visit. There is no shame in seeking help.
At the hospital, I learned the coping mechanisms for when anxiety and depression returns. I appreciate the knowledge and wisdom God has given my doctors.
Yet…I know I don’t have to be afraid. I know God is with me at all times. My faith is very important to me.
My biggest fear will fall when I seek Him. I will not be afraid.
If you have fear when it comes to your mental health, please reach out to a professional. Seek help. You are not alone.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas”. She contributes articles and devotions to various magazines and websites. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. She and her husband Alan moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near son, daughter-in-love and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
Defying Shadows 
Absolutely excellent piece. We often fear the unknown, and getting educated about what we or our loved ones are facing regarding mental illness can dispel so much fear. Meds and therapy can also be a big help! And the other HUGE piece is clinging to God, who is there with us in all of it and knows our psyche, our soul, our emotions, fully and intimately.
Thank you Jessica. I am thankful for the peace God provides. I am also thankful for the wisdom He gives to medical professionals.
There is no shame in seeking help. Thank you for being transparent about what you’ve struggled against. That helps others find the courage to do the same.
Thank you Nancy. I pray others who experience anxiety and/or depression will seek help.
Thank you for your transparency, Melissa.
This is one area I believe the Church can do a better job that we have been doing. Just as we need to seek medical help for physical illness, we also need to utilize the resources God provides in the medical community for our mental health, too.
Thank you Ava. I agree with you. Have a blessed week!
Thank you for sharing your experience and your heart, Melissa. This is so important. All people struggle with anxiety and depression from time to time. But sometimes, it is so strong, we do need to seek help. This is wise, not weak. I pray many are helped by your message of honesty and hope.
Thank you Melissa. I appreciate you. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
Having the right diagnosis is important. Getting the wrong one or not a full picture of the problem can actually be damaging. I suffer from anxiety as well, sometimes it’s extreme. I’m so thankful for the treatment that the doctors have given me. Thank you for sharing and speaking out about mental illness. It’s a needed topic today for many people suffer from it.
Thank you Marcie. I am thankful for the wisdom God has given my doctors. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
One fear I had with my mental health involves the impact my autoimmune diseases have on my brain. “Brain fog” is a side effect of many autoimmune diseases, and I have brain fog, particularly when I’m overtired or when I’m in a new environment. Jump forward to our relocation across the country and then across our metropolitan area. I was confused and couldn’t find anything in our new location, especially after the second move. My daughters were so concerned when I saw them after all of this that they suggested I get checked by my Doctor of Internal Medicine. I came back from the exam with a good result. No dementia. No diminished functionality. “Just” autoimmune brain fog. No matter what mental challenge we may face, it’s a blessing to live in a country where we can get good care, either in-patient, or outpatient with a counselor, regular group therapy sessions, or through an exam that identifies what’s going on. Many of us, I know, are struggling emotionally and mentally during this pandemic. My memory has been impacted. Stress does this. The Lord loves us no matter what, and he oversees everything that touches our lives. Thank you for sharing so openly, Melissa. Your words always encourage many.
Thank you Melinda. I appreciate you sharing your journey. Brain fog can happen in various situations. Chemotherapy 15 years ago gave me brain fog. I am thankful for the help from medical professionals, family, friends and strangers. Amen, the Lord loves us no matter what. Have a blessed weekend. 🙂
Melissa, I love how open and vulnerable you are in your journey with anxiety and depression. As you may remember, I’ve had bouts with anxiety over the years. And as recent as earlier this year from a traumatic experience. I still have to battle it at times. I’ll always remember something my PC doctor said on a visit in February. It will take a team to get you through this time and I’m leading the way. It was so comforting.
Thank you Karen for sharing your journey. Yes, it will take a team to get through the experiences. I am thankful God is in charge of the team. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂