Our society is plagued with individuals living with anxiety, depression, chronic pain and addiction. So, what fuels these, we ask.
Over the years, struggles come. Problems hit us hard on every side. Loved ones betray us. We face physical and emotional pain. Do we know where to turn? Do we know how to deal with it?
If we don’t have good role models, we often just shut down. Our role models should be aware of our struggles. They should also teach us how to deal with things in a positive and restorative way. Burying things deep inside builds over the years. We often lack understanding or courage to handle and release our hurts and pain. Faced with onslaughts from the outside, we turn to whatever means we have available. Sometimes, these means are brought to us by others. This can start with food. It can also start with smoking (cigarettes or pot), alcohol, or pain medications. Sex or even approval in whatever means we can obtain it. It can be as simple as coffee to as extreme as street drugs that can bring devastating results.
We are so busy with our lives. We often miss the “symbols” or “symptoms” of stress. This stress reaches a level that is detrimental to one’s well-being. It affects those around us and our personal lives.
The problem worsens and can manifest in depression, withdrawal, or turning to substances that lead to addiction. Often, we have no idea how to deal with these issues. We also may not know a trusted individual to go to for help.
When we have a good and positive view and understanding there is a “God” who is available to understand. That He is a good God, who does care about us. That He does have answers when we turn to Him for help and direction. This can help us sidestep many land mines. These obstacles can lead to devastation. They can also limit our ability to work on the level we should. We want to achieve this level of functioning.
When this is not a choice or available to us, we shut down emotionally. We can find ourselves in a total shut down. We start using any means available to us. We try to escape the clutches of emotions. These emotions are a total mess. If we are functioning in a negative spiral, it can lead to destruction.
The first step in resolving the situation is acknowledgment. We must recognize that somehow we have become devoid of emotions. This lack of emotion makes it difficult to maneuver through our current situations.
From there, we need to find trusted friends, counselors, or a support group that addresses our “issues.” Joining a good church group or starting to listen to uplifting music can also help. Each of these can all make a huge difference in our emotional uplifting.
We need to recognize the struggle. If we notice this in a close friend, family member, or co-worker, I believe God wants us to intervene. We should offer a “hand of hope” to them as well.
Sometimes it’s just a word of kindness that can make such a different in someone’s life. In our own life, when someone extends kindness our way, it changes our outlook drastically. Knowing someone cares and notices that we are struggling can make a huge shift for us. Realizing that we even exist and matter to another person is touching. If nothing else, we can add them to our prayer list. Hopefully you have one. We ask God to be there for them and us. We ask God to send them someone to help find their way back to a healthy life at every level. It is often when we reach out to help another, where we find the help and strength for ourselves. We get out of “our own little world.” We focus on others’ struggles. This often re-grounds us. We realize that maybe our situation isn’t as bad as we thought. We see what others are struggling with in their lives. And sometimes, it’s just the fact that everyone is dealing with something. We are all just pros at hiding what we have buried.
Prayers as you have the courage to recognize where you are. Ask God to help you find someone, a book, message, or song to help you emerge from your “hole.” It takes guts to take that step. Become vulnerable enough to accept the help we need to get back up and then join life again.
And on our journey, I pray you take the time to be aware of those around you who are struggling. They try to hide it as they keep on moving through the masses. Then, take time to reach out with a word of hope or encouragement. At the very least, say a prayer with or for them. This can significantly impact someone else on their journey. It helps them navigate their drama, trauma, and chaos. It guides them back to peace and joy in their lives as well.
Know that when we do not have the strength to take another step, don’t despair. There is a God who wants to be our Father. He will give us His strength when we are too weak to make it on our own. All we need to do is stop and ask for His love. We must receive His love and listen to His guidance. Know that He can and will make a way when there seems to be no way out. Nothing is impossible when we walk with Him.
Many Blessings on your journey to finding your joy for life once again.