To all the mental health champions—the brave warriors who continue to fight every single day—this letter is for you.
I originally wrote these words for a dear friend who was navigating a tough time. But as I poured my heart into it, I felt a strong conviction that these words needed to reach beyond just one person. There are many of you, courageous mental health warriors, who need to hear this reminder:
That diagnosis may have come as a shock, completely unexpected. “What? I have generalized anxiety disorder. Wow. I missed the warning signs, ignored them until they worsened, and now I need treatment. I must be so stupid.” Stop right there. You are not stupid. You are not ignorant. You simply didn’t have the right environment to express what you were going through, and at the time, it didn’t seem like a big deal. You are not to blame. Yes, circumstances may have affected your mental health, but they do not define you. This diagnosis is not the end of your story; it’s the beginning of a new chapter. This is your moment to reclaim your power, one step at a time.
I know it’s painful when those closest to you—your parents and your friends—don’t understand your diagnosis. when they dismiss your experience or tell you to get over it, regardless, their lack of understanding doesn’t diminish the truth of what you’re going through. You don’t need to live for their approval. What matters most is your health and well-being. Only you truly know what you feel, and you deserve to take care of yourself without guilt or shame.
God’s love might feel distant right now, especially amid your pain and confusion, but I want to assure you that it’s always there. His love isn’t something that wavers with our emotions; it’s rooted in the unchanging truth of Christ’s sacrifice. The love that led Jesus to the cross is the same love that will sustain you through treatment. You are not alone in your struggles; God is with you every step of the way, even when His presence is hard to “feel”.
Remember, acknowledging that you need help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a profound act of strength. It takes immense courage to face the battles within, to confront the thoughts that try to pull you down. You are a warrior, navigating the complexities of your mind with resilience and grace. And walking in faith doesn’t mean neglecting treatment; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Faith and treatment work together, hand in hand, as you journey toward healing. Trust that God can work through the doctors, the therapy, and the support you receive.
It’s okay to have moments where you feel overwhelmed, lost, or even defeated. These feelings don’t diminish your worth or your progress. Healing isn’t a straight path; it’s a journey filled with peaks and valleys, triumphs and setbacks. But remember, every step you take is progress, even when it feels like you’re standing still.
You are not alone in this fight. Others understand, who have walked through the fire and come out stronger. You are part of a community of warriors who stand beside you, ready to lift you when you stumble and to cheer you on when you rise. Lean on them when the weight of the world feels too heavy to bear alone.
You are not defined by a label, a diagnosis, or the struggles you face. You are defined by your spirit (which is made new in Christ), your strength, and your ability to keep going, even when it feels impossible. The road ahead may be challenging, but you have the heart of a champion, and nothing can take that away from you.
So, take a deep breath, and remind yourself: this is not the end. This is the beginning of a new chapter in your story—one filled with courage, hope, and undeniable strength. Keep fighting from victory, keep believing, and most importantly, keep living. Your best days are still ahead.
If you’ve made it this far and someone comes to mind who might need to hear these words, please don’t hesitate to share this letter with them. Thank you.
