Navigating the healing process

November 13, 2024

Let’s talk about something many people don’t realize. The truth is that anxiety and/or depression could have an underlying physical cause. It could be a hormonal imbalance, lack of an essential chemical, a lot of inflammation or a need for some serious lifestyle changes. The anxiety and depression could also be situational, created by life events, intentional or unintentional.

The peace I give is a gift that the world cannot give. (John 14:27)

We need to stop assuming that someone with anxiety or depression is just mentally ill with no underlying physical source. We need to be aware that if we have these issues, it doesn’t mean that we automatically have a chemical imbalance in our brain. This kind of thinking could overlook the real reason for the mental and physical anguish and, in the end, not fix the problem.

I’m not saying that the reason for mental instability can never be a chemical imbalance or that medication will never work. Medication can and does work for some people, quite well in some cases, but for many of us, it’s not a viable option. For those instances, we must dig deeper and not just treat everyone the same way. There are many treatment options available, more every year. We don’t have to jump straight to pharmaceuticals.

God, who began a good work within you, will continue His work until Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:6)

I know it’s hard to argue with your primary care physician when they’re telling you that medication Is the only option, but we would want all the information concerning treatments for other kinds of illnesses before we agreed to take medication so why not treat mental illness the same. I’m not saying that everyone should reject pharmaceuticals, but we shouldn’t be so quick to take them either. I understand wanting to feel better as soon as possible. I’ve been there. I’m there now and it’s very hard to wait on healing, especially with emotional pain.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our savior, who daily bears our burdens. (Psalms 68:19)

It's been a long journey and I’m still in the thick of it. I haven’t found that certain something, or combination of things to bring me back to full wellness. But I have had some improvements, and we think we may be on the right track now. It will take time and commitment to do the work on my part. Nothing good happens without effort. So, let’s keep trying and hoping for a breakthrough or even just a positive change.

Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves. “Quiet! Be still!”. Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. (Mark 4:39)