(Photo by Selma Komisky)

All The Feels
A Discussion on Seeking Professional Help Via Therapy 

By Selma Komisky

Did you know we can lose the ability to enjoy life? When we repress our feelings, we lose touch with ourselves and others. In James 5:16, the World English Bible says, “Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed…” I think what James is really saying is that we need to share with God first and then, a safe person. We need like-minded people to do life with and be vulnerable with. Then, we can be real. When we confess to another person, God hears too. He is present with us in our confession. However, many of us are afraid to get real with God and with others.

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

– 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT)

Jesus wants us to live in freedom. Not to suffer in emotional pain. Jesus wants us to enjoy life and “feel again.” It has become commonplace in this day and age to repress your feelings. We have learned to withdraw emotionally to avoid feeling pain and to protect ourselves. So basically, we have become good “stuffers.” We’d rather lie to ourselves that were okay so we don’t have to go to that sore place. But what we don’t realize is that sooner or later, these unexpressed feelings, hurts, problems, and stress, manifest in unhealthy ways like anxiety, depression, drinking, addictions, insomnia, anger, etc. On a side note, I don’t want to promote wallowing in your emotions and leaning on your feelings as your guide. God’s desire is that you don’t stay stuck in your past. He wants to do a new thing, give you a sound mind, and use our stories to help others for good.

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?”

– Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)

“Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”

– Philippians 3:13 (NLT)

Our feelings matter. We can’t keep ignoring those areas that we haven’t dealt with. Especially if it’s been an extended period of time. God wants us to talk to Him and to others, that’s why it’s important not to let the stigma of seeking professional help from a licensed therapist or medical professional stop you from getting help. They have been trained and know how to guide, diagnosis, and allow you to discuss your feelings while they provide you with helpful tools to implement.

What we think about affects how we feel. We can change with God’s help and gain a new perspective on life. Dealing with our feelings means we can move forward and grow healthier.

So, allow Jesus to help you let go, learn to be vulnerable, and implement self-care. God loves you and you are worth investing time into your recovery.