If you only knew.

It’s not the smile you see everyday. Neither is it the well-covered perkiness in their voice. It certainly can’t be their countenance because they ‘look’ happy.

No.

It’s the invisible mask we have to wear everyday so that no one will see the darkness that lies beneath.

We have to cover up our issues because no one can understand what it’s like having thoughts of torment from the pain that can’t seem to go away from being molested. We have to pretend like we got it all together because who wants to deal with someone who is falling apart on the inside? We have to hide behind our smile because that’s the only way we can defend ourselves from anyone detecting that depression is eating away at our soul. We have to act perky and happy because we’re one stressful situation away from killing ourselves.

But if you looked a little deeper, you can actually see that……

We avoid intimate conversations because it means we have to reveal our pain. We’re afraid that after showing it, you may not see us the same way. Ever. We love it because it’s the only comfort we know. We don’t need anyone calling us a ‘drama queen’ or telling us to stop playing the victim role. We can’t be transparent because we have an image to live up to. Who’s gonna take us serious anymore if we let our guard down and tell you we’re weak and we’re about to break into a million pieces? Our pride is the cheap glue that’s holding our broken emotions together. Our smile is our way of silently screaming for you to ask if we’re really ok. It’s also our defense mechanism to keep you from really knowing the truth about how depressed we really are. If you only knew how depressed we were, you would label us as crazy. We’re afraid of ‘killing your vibe’ with how we actually feel. So instead, we smile and pretend like everything is ok. You know that anxious feeling that can cripple you? Yeah, I didn’t think you did. Every time we have an attack, we have to hide it in fear of being seen as a freak show. What you don’t know is that this costume of perkiness we wear is to shield you from the suicidal thoughts we have day in and day out. Our happiness is as fake as a knock-off Gucci purse. We stay to ourselves because isolation is our only friend. It tells us that we’ll be better off without existing. People don’t need us and they hate us. It tells us that we can leave this life of pain and enjoy the freedom we can have without living.

This is the fear and reality we live in everyday; the stigma of mental illness.

Millions of Americans suffer from some type of mental issue. And even though there are many that do, the judgment that comes from having it keeps them away from getting the help they need. So instead of being open about it, they hide it or remain in denial. The stigma is VERY real and bringing awareness to mental health and and illness is greatly needed. Learning the signs, showing support and being genuine and compassionate about someone’s mental welfare makes the difference. The more we talk about it without judgment or criticism, the more people will be willing to find ways of overcoming it.

Mental Health does matter. And you are not alone.

September is Suicide Prevention Month but it shouldn’t stop there. Start the conversation about suicide and depression. There’s no shame in it and there is help.

If you or anyone needs immediate help and need someone to talk to, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-(800) 273-8255 (TALK) or text HOME at 741741.

There is Life is committed to spreading awareness of suicide prevention and depression through the love of Christ. We are here to encourage and support those that battle it by showing that there is hope in healing. We also have a quarterly support session called “Purposed to Overcome.” We offer a non-judgmental atmosphere through testimonies and sharing both spiritual and practical ways of overcoming depression in Christ. Jesus came that you may have life and so much more of it by healing both your physical and emotional wounds.

“There is Life in the Power of Christ.”

For more information about our foundation, please call us at (706) 393-8725 or email us at thereislifeinyou@gmail.com

When it Gets Hard. 

The holidays. They’re the happiest time of the year; often filled with laughter, family and gifts. People are friendlier, more giving and there’s a glow about them. The euphoric feeling of joy is felt through everyone that looks forward to it and it shows.

But to many, it’s the complete opposite. 

Now, please don’t get me wrong, I love the holidays. They used to be the most wonderful time of year for me; well, before I became divorced and then all of that changed. The truth is, there are many people that dread this time of the year. It’s a reminder of the hollowness of what their life has become. Whether it’s a broken marriage, a lost loved one or just being alone, the holiday cheer is nothing they look forward to. 

And its just plain hard. 

I know and I can relate. Having to deal with loneliness during this time is challenging. Depression sets in and you feel trapped by it. Those feelings of abandonment and worthlessness creep in and they consume every part of your existence. While everyone is enjoying the excitement, you struggle to even break a smile. Trust me, I’ve been there. 

Depression is very real and it’s around the holiday season we see a lot of people slip into its ugly hands, and sadly succumb to suicide. This is the harsh reality of many people and we sometimes turn a blind eye to it because let’s be honest, no one wants to be pulled down by sadness. Its still stigmatized and a lot times there’s no REAL outlet for the raw feelings that come with being depressed. 

Today, I want to encourage you that you don’t have to suffer alone. You’re not in this by yourself and I can tell you that you’re NOT the only one that feels this way. There’s no shame in being depressed but there’s freedom from it. Even with every lonely thought, tear and feelings of rejection, I know that there is one person that can take it all away. 

His name is Jesus. 

You might say, “How can I know that He’s even there?” When you cry, He promised to wipe every tear away (Revelation 21:4). He also promised to give you beauty for the ashes of your hurt and pain (Isaiah 61:3). But most importantly, He promised to be close to your broken heart (Psalm 34:18) and will never leave nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). We may not be able to see Him but we can rest assure that He is there. 

This holiday season, I encourage you to get out and find a local support group to join. Also, there are many shelters and organizations that need volunteers and will love and appreciate your help. Giving is so much better than receiving and someone out there needs your support, love, care and your smile. There’s a beauty in making someone else happy. It can probably turn your sorrows into hope. 

There’s life in you. 

If you know someone or even yourself that need someone to talk to you, please call  the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. 

Local suicide prevention advocate starts 21 day initiative

More than 350 million people suffer from depression worldwide according to the World Health Organization and 8.3 million American adults have reported suicidal thoughts in the past year.

Source: Local suicide prevention advocate starts 21 day initiative

Why Suicide?

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Why Suicide?

Because that was the only way of escape from the never-ending pain and sadness that plagued me day in and out. I hated getting out of bed because it meant that I had to get up and face reality. The reality of my cycle of hitting brick walls. Never seeing anything good happening. Everything was dead. My relationships were a dead end of abuse. I cried just to get relief. Sadness was my attire that I wore everyday. Suicide was my only option.

At the time, that’s what I thought.

On the outside, it seemed like I had it all together, No, I didn’t look like Beyoncé neither was I balling like her. But I was well put together. Hair done, makeup flawless (most days). Dressed well. I ‘looked’ the part, but that was all an act. I had to act like I looked good to play off the war that was going on the inside. Thoughts of never measuring up or being good enough. It was a battle that I fought daily. Depression won every time.

But you’re a Christian.

I know, but who would understand the suicidal thoughts that I had? How will I explain that I wanted my life to end? I’m saved, I’m suppose to know that God is a healer. And yes, He is. But I can’t see Him healing someone like me. How can He? It’s too much. Way too much. I felt ashamed because I’m suppose to know better. Right?

Just because I was saved didn’t mean I stopped having those feelings. It only meant that I didn’t fully surrender to God’s healing. He is a healer and He came to give a life worth living. It’s a decision that one must make. You have to decide whether or not you want to break free from the bondage of depression. It’s a decision and its up to you, if you want to change. God will be with you through the good and bad of your journey and He will never leave you alone. There’s nothing impossible for God to do. He can heal the most broken part of you. Give Him a chance. You’d be surprised at what He can do. So the next time you feel like suicide is your only option, try life. You may like it.