I Lost My Mind and Want to Bring You Hope.
Let me tell you the story I most wanted to keep secret. It’s the experience I never wanted to live, the story I didn’t want affiliated with who I aimed to be, the tale I feared would both define and disqualify me.
I’ll keep it short. You can read a more detailed account here.
After years of enduring cyclical anxiety and depression, things came to a head. I experienced a full-blown mental health crisis. I lost my mind. That’s the core of my mental health story.
The reason I used to be shy about sharing this tale is that I thought it ended there. I thought losing my mind was the story. I mistakenly thought losing it was the most interesting and defining part of the saga. In the years since I’ve come to realize that that being mentally ill is not the most interesting part of the story.
No, friend. The most interesting part of this story isn’t what was lost, but what was found.
- I found strength to fight.
- I found a will to live when suicide seemed like the only peaceful option.
- I found deeply held lies about myself and God and the Truth to uproot them.
- I found a healthier marriage.
- I found peace.
- I found restoration.
- I found healing that lasts.
- I found a living God and redeeming love.
This list could go on and on. I discovered that a history of mental illness, suicidal ideation or believing lies doesn’t mean disqualification or ostracism. If you share this piece of history, or find yourself walking through a time of mental trial, hold onto this truth: you are not disqualified from a thriving future, you are not destined for ostracism.
You’re Not Disqualified | You Can Find Victory
I used to be afraid having walked through life-threatening mental illness would mean I’d never be seen as fit or trustworthy again. This is a lie. Instead, this experience uniquely qualifies me to proclaim God’s power and ability to restore beauty to life’s ugliest bits.
It qualifies me to encourage you in the midst of a mental health battle or in the midst of loving someone who is. If you are wondering if there is can be lasting healing or a life worth living on the other side, let me offer you a generous helping of hope. Allow me to come alongside you who are looking for courage, strength and proof that overcoming is possible.
The redemption waiting for you will qualify you, too. Not just to testify that mental health disorders can be overcome, but for a life exemplifying victory. On the other side of this you will be poised to empathize and encourage others.
Some Things Are Better Off Lost
I’m here to serve you. This story isn’t just about me. It’s about creating a vivid “word-image” of often invisible conditions and unseen pain. It’s about testifying to the possibility of mental wellness, God’s goodness and victory on this side of eternity.
Instead of asking you to raise your hand to admit you’ve lost your mind, I’d like to boldly raise mine first. Just because something gets lost doesn’t mean it can’t be found. Sometimes losing something makes room for finding something better.
Honestly, some things are better off lost and left behind. Depression, fear, anxiety, self-loathing, self-harm and lies are a few of those things.
I Lost My Mind, Now I’m Here to Serve You. How Can I Help?
Here are a few ways, but I’m always open to new ideas.
- Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook where I share more about my past with mental health and action steps for maintaining recovery, coping and raising emotionally healthy littles.
- Sign up for my monthly newsletter where I share encouragement, resources and recommendations.
- Head to the resource page for freebies. I’ve got new resources set to launch summer 2022.
- Allow me to meet with your group in person or virtually to hear more about my testimony, discuss mental health, and field questions. Learn more about speaking engagements here.
- If you are in a position of leadership or ministry, I offer consultation calls designed to answer questions and strategize ways to serve individuals grappling with their mental health.
