11/10/2025
Yesterday at church, Pastor Ryan talked about anxiety, depression, and mental health.
Has he been reading my posts? Probably not. But he's hearing and seeing the struggles happening in our church and community - just like I am in my work with exhausted women.
We looked at Philippians 4:4-7 and the story of Elijah. And Pastor Ryan shared 4 insights about what leads to fear, anxiety, and depression.
Every single one hit me right in the chest. Because I've been there. I've lived all four of these:
1) We run until we're exhausted.
Kept busy. Did for everyone. Kept going until I couldn't anymore.
2) We disconnect from our friends.
When I was deepest in my fatigue, I needed my friends - but I didn't reach out. I let those friendships die. And I was in such a dark place without them. I cried. My heart hurt. I wondered if life was worth this pain.
3) We always expect the worst.
For me, this was about my health. I didn't think I'd get better. Another doctor wouldn't listen. My friends wouldn't understand. What was the point?
4) We neglect God.
I was serving at church and beyond exhausted - mentally, physically, spiritually. It wasn't until a friend said, "It's okay to slow down, to not serve. Maybe God wants you to spend time with Him." I had forgotten the most important part of healing.
Here's what nobody told me back then: Even when I tried to calm down, it felt OFF. Wrong, somehow.
Because my nervous system was stuck in fight-or-flight. My body felt danger all the time - even in the calm moments.
I wish I'd known back then what I know now.
More on that this week.
If you've been there too - comment ❤️. You're not alone.
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash