I am currently reading, and almost finished with, Drop the Stones by Carlos A. Rodriguez. It is a very good book that will make you think and realize what being a follower of Jesus should be like.
Rodriguez is bluntly honest about his shortcomings in all aspects of his life which is refreshing.
It is refreshing because he writes about his life and the "downs", but that there are "ups" also, but we all feel "down" at some point.
I have been honest about my own mental health both online and in class, I think it's important to be genuine and honest. I believe it brings support and understanding from those who may or may not know me. Some may disagree, and that is fine, I love you anyway.
After the tornado hit Henryville schools, I went through some major anxiety and depression. And I felt so lost. I have always been a "I can't control what happens to me, but I can control how I deal with it" kind of person and this threw me for a loop.
There are certain events that happen in your life that you will never forget.
One is the night when everything hit the bottom and I walked around my basement completely number and uncaring about everything. I know it was a battle going on in my mind by a demon, the devil, whatever you want to say, but it was the bottom.
I was so worn out that the next morning, I went to Life Springs in Jeffersonville, because I needed to talk to someone and maybe be medicated.
I went, and they were providing Henryville residents 5 free sessions. So I signed up and the woman behind the counter told me:
We will get back with you next week.
I was lost.
I was worn down and had turned to the one place I thought could help me.
I went and sat in my car and felt like I could not go on, and I prayed a small prayer "God help me".
I called my family doctor and usually I have to wait a couple days or even a week or so to get in, but that morning the woman on the other side of the phone said these words "We actually had a cancellation, can you get here today?" Me: "When!?" Her: "How about 15 minutes?".
I cried.
From there my doctor helped me with some medications, and eventually I got in to Life Springs.
And it was wonderful...both of them.
I did not grow up in the church and have a minor in psychology, so I knew how good both of those things were for the average person, so I had not shame.
But I found as I shared my story with deep followers or pastors, they felt a need to let me know it was ok for counseling and medications.
It floored me to think there are people in the church who might not look for help, and may feel ashamed they are medicated.
It's dumb...no, really it is.
And today reading Drop the Stones, I came across this quote on page 124.
Read, believe it, and seek it.
"Therapy is not demonic; taking antidepressants is not a sin; seeing a psychiatrist is not anti-Christian; and those who suffer from mental health problems are not a failure." Carlos A. Rodriguez
By the way, it hit me during counseling, I couldn't control that a tornado went over top of me, destroyed my school and sent me spiraling mentally, but I did control the situation....I asked for help.
Love you guys.
