Mental Health Month: Why Counseling Matters

A few years back - I found myself stuck in a mental rut.  Years of deep rooted family issues came to a peak -  job insecurities and financial roller coasters, striving for perfection in a life of constant failures as a parent - balancing marriage, work, and community - internal pressures I placed on myself. 

As a result, my mind was in a constant state of noise - without peace or passion - not living only surviving.  I knew I was not walking in the freedom God so desires for us as His children.  Physically I was healthy - strong - active - however, my mental health was dwindling.   I kept asking myself ( and my community)- why can’t I get over it? Where is this coming from? 

I truly gave a good effort with all of MY power - which only caused more frustration.  I needed more - I deserved more - my family deserved more - I wanted LIFE- Joy - healing - hope.

I made the call. I reached out. At first, I felt as if counseling couldn’t possibly help me - it was not for me - it was a label I did not want.  However, I wanted to move forward, and this step was my next.  

After only one hour - one session- I was more aware than ever of all that I was constantly processing and how it was affecting my spiritual and mental outlook.  I was stuck. God had brought me to a place where in order to move forward I had to go back to allow healing and to process.  

Years of suppressed hurt from a divorced family and unhealthy boundaries within family had brought me to a point of exhaustion, failure, anxiety - I had to learn - to retrain - to work new brain muscles to fight these tendencies.  Through counseling I was led through healing prayers - God’s truths and love were spoken over me in new, life-changing ways. His constant presence revealed. Healing began.  I could see freedom - Hope was renewed.

Your story may not be my story.  Your needs not the same as my needs. But without a doubt - I know your mental health is as important to you as my mental health is to me.  Our thoughts affect our lives - our families’ lives. God desires for us is to live in His freedom - in His constant peace and love.   

Counseling is a journey from which I have been able to see constant growth in myself. I am encouraged along the path God has laid out for me to live my best life.  I am proud to say I see a counselor. I urge my friends to do the same. I have placed my middle school son in counseling before his first crisis. Why? 

Because our mental health is crucial. It gives us life over destruction - joy over hopelessness  - love over fear. 

Thank you to Ivey Broxton for sharing your story with us.