Years ago I made the decision to incorporate faith into my mental health regime. I had no idea what I was doing was uncommon and plagued by fears. Personally, I was confused. We ask God to reach down in times of physical health crisis, financial crisis, social crisis, but when it came to mental health, unless depression accompanied a trauma or tragedy, it was the oddity no one wanted to talk about. Discussions involving anxiety, medication, bipolar, and any other disorder were secrets and things ‘we just don’t talk about’.
Flash ahead 23 years, and things are lightening up a bit. There is still an uncomfortable tension in the center of these conversations, but more people are engaging.
These are just a few examples of the impact mental illness has on our society. Not only on a national level, but on a global level, these numbers are staggering.
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports suicide is the 10th leading cause of death
- According the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 18% of the US adult population is affected by an Anxiety Disorder
- Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health report that 4.4% of US adults experience bipolar disorder
I am here to talk about the reality as a Christian living with Bipolar Disorder. My hope is to flash a small light of hope through my faith to those who suffer with a mental health deficiency. There is no shame here, no holding back the raw and authentic truth, and there is no judgement to those who choose to share their story with me.
Follow along with my journey through the maze of mental health. Awareness is key, and truth is a must!
