***This was originally written to be posed at the end of May but we had so many amazing submissions, it is getting posted in June. I am still accepting submission for Mental Health Awareness. So if you want to send me something, just send a private message. I am working on a post of resources available in the community and will be posting that soon! Thank you so much to everyone that submitted already! - Victoria Everett***

The month of May is Mental Health Awareness.  Mental Health is defined as a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.  Based upon this definition, we all have suffered, and therefore, if we’re honest with ourselves we all have mental health issues.  

We have read the stories that have been shared.  Although none of the stories were the same because they were each individuals’ stories.  For some people who weren’t quite ready to tell their story, they saw themselves in a story because they could relate.  In each story, no matter what the situations or circumstances, the most important thing was realized was that we couldn’t overcome the situations by ourselves and needed help.  Then we got the help we needed, whether it was through medication or rehab but most importantly our Lord and Savior helped us through it all.

I’ve always been told that you have to admit there’s a problem in order to receive the help you need and I believe that is so true.  We get so good at pretending that sometimes we even fool ourselves into thinking we got this when in reality we don’t.  Life has a way of throwing a curve ball at you.  Through sickness, alcohol, drugs, molestation, depression, anxiety, finances, death, and so much more that it’s overwhelming at times.  To everyone that shared their story, believe me when I say that was part of your healing but in the process you helped so many others.

You have shown how strong you have become by the 7 C’s of resilience: Control, Competence, Coping, Confidence, Connection, Character, and Contribution.  Thankfully we all are overcomers and can help others in similar situations.  It is my prayer that we continue to grow and bring awareness to others.  Just because you experience bad things, it doesn’t make you a bad person.  We’re all made in the image of God.  

In closing, I leave Psalm 28:7 with you, “The Lord is in your life to not only be your strength, but for you to put your trust into so that you may be helped through him.”

God bless each and every one.

-Glenda Marshall