Yes, I know what it is like. Even the neuro-typical brain has experienced this one. True, with a diagnosed mental illness like major depressive disorder (my cross to bear) this can feel worse and even overwhelming at times. But, no, it’s not the end of the world.
It takes a strong mental health built on the foundation of years of learning and work to develop the skills necessary to fight these types of thoughts. When one has a mental illness, it can feel like that journey has no true destination but there is hope and even if you have bouts with it your whole life, God is still good. I say that as one who has a mental illness, I will live with as long as I am in this body.
God Is Good
God is good. God gets glory out of our suffering because suffering teaches us endurance and strength; both physically and mentally. Suffering crafts a fortitude in us that can’t come from anywhere else. Suffering is a great tool for discipleship. I struggled to believe this when I was not as strong as I am now. I have learned that the entirety of my journey and suffering has been for my good and God’s glory.
At times, life can make us feel like it is the end of the world. Then, looking back we realize it wasn’t. We can feel like the individual in the image above. Alone, deserted, frustrated, afraid, anxious, etc. One of the worst things depression can do to you is make you feel like you are all alone. You are not.
Growth Brings Success
We realize over time that those things that previously made us feel as if it were the end of the world are not things that deserve that level of attention from us. I have found that as my mental health has grown stronger, I am far more dismissive of those things that used to occupy a great deal of my mental capacity and time.
One of the symptoms in men with depression is irritation. I can speak from experience that it is a hard symptom to face. I also have seen how over time it has dissipated. I used to be easily irritated by things that did not warrant such irritation. I am glad to have overcome most of that.
If you are in the early stages of your mental health journey or if you are struggling with a mental illness please know that there are brighter days ahead. Trust me, I used to think there were not. I used to fall victim to the “it’s the end of the world” mentality. Take it from a guy who has been there and done that!
If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately from your doctor or by dialing 911 to seek emergency attention if you are suicidal. Your future you will be grateful.
No, it’s not the end of the world even when it feels like it. No, you won’t always feel this way. I know because I have been there. I have learned to decipher when I am sad or depressed and when it is my illness speaking. Thankfully, I have procedures in place now that protect me from the latter. There is hope for you too.
Finally, one day when you are stronger and have made great progress in your mental health journey, someone will come along your path that you will be able to help and you will only be able to help them because of your lived experience. In that moment, you will thank God for your mental health journey because you will be in the perfect place to help others.
