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How to Support Someone with Mental Health Challenges: Don't Call Me Crazy, Understand Me

The day that I would never forget was in Spring 2014, I was diagnosed with depression. Prior to this, during my pregnancy, I was struggling with my marriage, and brought me to a place of anger and fear. And I was taking an anti-depressant prescribed by the doctor. The weight of depression and saving my marriage was difficult to process. And November of the same year, my mother passed away, and I went home for the funeral. It was the darkest year of my life.



And I thought Christians don’t get depressed. But the struggles and pain were real. I felt hopeless, alone, and a failure. Occasionally, I blamed myself for my situation. And certainly did not like myself.


But the grace of God has always been in my life, even if I did not think about it. He slowly lifted me up and brought me to life around early 2015. I wrote a poem about it entitled “LOST.” He embraced me with His love, forgiveness, and rest in His grace. He led me to people who could help me and understood me with their loving kindness.


Recently….


For the past months, it’s been difficult for me and my family. Trying to fight is what I have been intentionally pushing myself because I know there are people who still believes in me. Obviously, my son needs me more than anyone else.


There were days I was fine, but most of those days, I could not see the light in the tunnel. But by the grace of God, I can still deal with the situation and go to work, take care of my son, and talk to people without being mean to them (I believe so..)


I am not afraid to share my journey because I know someone out there needed to hear this.


I know the feeling of being alone, hurt, and low or worthless most days, and even having sleep problems, loss of interest in activities and socializing with people, or change in appetite. I wasn’t enjoying things that used to bring joy into my life, such as writing. And being easily irritated or frustrated, experiencing physical issues like headache and stomachache. Depression hit me again.


Coming from a background of culture that depression is being mentally crazy and shameful experience. Depression from my culture is a sign of weakness. Majority of the people would always associate depression to shame and an overreaction to life’s problem. The stigma towards people with mental illness back home is rampant. There seems to be a lack of sensitivity in referencing mental health issues. When you open up how you feel and talk about depression in the Philippines, their response will be, “It’s only on your head. Get over it.” That being said, people are afraid to share their story and seeking help from a therapist. It is really a sad reality.


However, as years passed, the culture waned a bit, opening up and embracing the ideas of recognizing this problem. The door of acceptance is tolerable now and more lenient that some people come out and share their story. In fact, the Philippines has recently passed its first Mental Health Act (Republic Act No. 11036). The Act seeks to establish access to comprehensive and integrated mental health services, while protecting the rights of people with mental disorder and their family members.


Overcoming…


But there is always a way out, even if it seems there is none. As the Scriptures commanded us to fight the good fight of faith in 1 Timothy 6:12, (KJV)“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”


“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds* through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)


There are many encouragement and protection in the Scripture to fight depression, and of course, prayer.


Besides the spiritual aspect of coping depression, there are ways how to manage and treat it. Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Approximately 80% to 90% of people with depression who seek treatment eventually respond well to treatment. Treatment options include Psychotherapy, and medication. Talking with a mental health professional is helpful. Your therapist helps you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. It helps you when you talk to someone without judgment but has a heart and compassion to understand your struggle. I am grateful to my therapist for helping me to navigate my emotions, and listening to me with compassion.


Then, medication can also help change the brain chemistry that causes depression. There are several types of prescription medicine for anti-depressant. Some anti-depressants have side effects, which often improve with time, the reason I did not take my medication for a long period from the last time of my depression. And now, I have found an amazing supplement which supports a positive mental outlook. It is a natural alternative to promoting emotional health, balanced mood, and general well-being. The amazing thing is it has a patented blend of St. John’s Wort, Griffonia seed, folate, and Vitamin B12.


St. John’s Wort contains many chemicals that act on messengers in the brain that regulate mood. And I am forever grateful to find this product in my wellness shopping club.


Thank you to the person who shared this with me. If you are experiencing depression, this product is the best medication treatment. It is a plant-based, healthier option, and a dietary supplement.




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