Stop Dealing With Mental Illness and Manage It.
Dealing with Mental illness vs. Managing it.
Not sure if you sense or see the difference, here. If we are believers in the cross and what Jesus did for us, we should then be walking in WAY more power and authority than we do right now.
2 Timothy 1:7 is such an incredible verse to memorize in moments we forget of the authority Jesus has given us. It declares and reminds us, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-control.” The reality is that when we walk according to the flesh, we WILL experience hopelessness, little to no strength, incredible weakness, fear, and so much doubt. Depression and Anxiety is just a result of 1. An actual chemical balance or 2. The reality of walking by the flesh and being overcome by the flesh.
I want to be sensitive to the people struggling with mental illness that is an actual chemical imbalance. I am not going to pretend that I know everything about the science behind it. I’m currently studying more into that so I can have a deeper understanding. But in any and all circumstances, I believe God is stronger than any chemical imbalance, chronic illness, or disease that sometimes aren’t healed during our time on earth. That doesn’t mean it rules our life, though.
Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
If authority has been given to Jesus, we get that prize that is His. We get to reap the reward of His sacrifice. WE get to reap what He sowed. This is why we live through grace, not the law that has been completed. Romans 6:14
One of the biggest questions I get on Instagram is, “How do I deal with anxiety?”
I will be honest, my heart drops Every. Single. Time. that I get these messages/ questions. I become angry, mad, sad, and frustrated. Not at the people asking the question, but the enemy. The enemy has warped our minds into thinking that we have to DEAL with something that (most times, not always!) can be managed with intimacy with Jesus. Can be managed with time in the word. Can be managed with learning how to rewire/ train your mind. Romans 12:2 Can be managed in ways of taking care of self.
By saying we have to “deal” with it implies that we are under bondage. We are having to settle with a way of living because of something the Lord actually wants to use for His glory. We are empowered through His spirit to fight. Because we are more than conquerors through Christ who strengthens us. Romans 8:37
Before you get angry or offended or think I am saying that you struggle because you don’t have enough faith, let me explain.
I believe that God sent His son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for whoever wants to believe in Him and follow Him.
I believe that because Jesus Christ lived a perfect life and then resurrected from the dead, He has defeated the enemy and all schemes of the enemy.
I believe that because I have said yes to believing Jesus, I am saved. I am saved from sin and will be spending eternity with God, instead of Hell.
But until that day, I am here on earth.
I believe that while I am on earth, I am to walk in the power that Jesus Christ has given me through His spirit that He has left us in order to complete the Great Commission. (Eph 1:13, Matthew 28:16-20)
“The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.” (John 14:26)
I love this verse. I love this explanation of the Holy Spirit. He is not only our helper, but our reminder of things forgotten.
“Rachael, How does this all lead into mental illness?”
Oh, I am so glad you asked.
If we are SEALED with the Holy Spirit when we receive salvation… (Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30)
If we have the Holy Spirit, that means we have authority over ALL. (Luke 10:17-20)
If we have authority over all because we have the Holy Spirit, that means we don’t need to fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)
If we don’t need to fear and we have the Holy Spirit... what happens now? How does this help my anxiety and depression?
We can have Freedom. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
We may have Joy AND Peace AND Hope. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
We will not be alone. We WILL have a helper at all times. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.” John 14:16
Just like the disciples did, we may walk in POWER through the spirit. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Alright, I shared a lot of scripture about who God is. I know it may be overwhelming. But here’s the deal, TRUTH is what will set you free. Maybe not healed while on earth, but there is freedom in God. John 8:31-32
Mental Illness is hard. There is 100% no doubt about that. But there is NOTHING God is not in control of. Nothing.
You may not get miraculously healed, but in each panic attack, God is waiting for your cry for help. Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Here are some tangible ways to manage your mental illness:
Be in the word daily. If not multiple times a day. You are not too busy. This is the place you get your strength, your courage, and your peace.
Get your sleep. Sleep is SO important. Make boundaries so that you can fall asleep at a reasonable time for you. Put your phone away and get a book/ bible out. Reading always makes me sleepy before bed.
Memorize scripture. Memorize scripture for times where your anxiety/ depression is lying to you. Take charge of your thoughts. Don’t let your thoughts take charge of you.
Tell your friends what is going on. Push through the temptation to isolate yourself. People care. But people don't know what is going on unless you tell them. Have them keep you accountable. Have them pray for you.
Post declarations of TRUTH around your room/ house. On sticky notes, remind yourself of scripture and what the word of God says. This is where you get your authority. This is where you get your strength and power from.
This is hard. But guess what? God has already won the battle. God already won. You now get to walk in this victory under His wing.
Deuteronomy 20:4
John 16:33
Ephesians 6:13
James 1:1-5
You are loved, friend. By a perfect Father who doesn’t expect you to be perfect. Who doesn’t want you to pretend that you are strong. Because through your weakness, HE is glorified. Through your mental illness, He will be glorified. But walk in the victory He has given you through His son, Jesus. <3