(Photo by Natalie Reed)

Our Note to Guys: Mental Health

By Sarah and Selma Komisky

QUESTION: What is an encouraging word you would like to share with our guy readers this month struggling with mental health issues?

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

– Micah 6:8 (ESV)

This is our prayer for you.

SURVEY ANSWERS:

“You are loved, you are not alone, and you are heard, Keep going. The strongest man who ever lived, Jesus, cried out to His father for help.”

“You matter. You are not alone. Reach out to someone you trust.”

“Society may say mental health struggles aren’t strong and manly. But reading Psalms shows how the strong, battle experienced, leader David had highs and lows. He was never afraid to ask God the hard and painful questions, but always knew that God was his hope and strength.”

“Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.”

“Struggling with mental illness does not make you weak or weird. If anything, confronting it and seeking help is brave. By seeking help and confronting it head on you can silence the lies of the enemy and help others who are also affected by the stigma of mental illness. I truly believe when we come out of hiding the enemy loses that grip that held us captive to the lies and Christ’s light covers us and His redeeming power overcomes the darkness.”

“I want to say sorry. Sorry for those who have labeled you and misunderstood you. Sorry for those who judged you and shamed you. Your mental illness does not define you. You are valued. You are unique. You are needed in this world. There is hope. You are loved by the God who sees and loves you unconditionally through your pain.”

“Press hard  into Jesus … seek Him through His Word … try reading a psalm and a proverb in the Bible every day. Have a great bunch of daily devotionals by your bedside … when you are struggling pick one up and read it … then read another and keep reading until your spirit quickens and you receive a breakthrough word from the Lord for this moment you are in… illumination for your path ahead.  Always pray first before you read and always pray about what you just read. James 1:5 – ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.’ Hebrews 4:12a – For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. The following devotionals are free online as well as available to purchase. May I suggest: https://www.bibleleague.org/verse-of-the-day/; https://www.crosswalk.com/, http://www.pastorchuck.org/wisdom-for-today, ‘My Utmost fir His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers, ‘Streams In The Desert’ by LB Cowman, ‘Morning and Evening’ by Charles Spurgeon.”

“I would say – stand by your man. Support them. Pray for them. Listen and encourage them to seek medical help because the Lord can do anything, but He also wants us to be wise about getting healthy. So, don’t be afraid to encourage that person in love.”