Hello and welcome to Battle Cry Newsletter, May 2020 edition. This month’s focus is on mental health and suicide prevention. With all the stress and uncertainty that we are all facing today, we don’t want to forget that, although it may look a little different right now, help is available!
In my area, the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan, we not only have had to live through one of the toughest Covid-19 “Stay Home” orders in America, but we are now also facing devastating flood damage as a result of heavy rains and two dam failures. It is reported that over 10,000 residents were evacuated in a matter of hours, with no open hotels to go to. Watching this unfold from a TV screen, or even seeing pictures of the after effects does not even come close to relaying the complete and utter devastation that these people are facing. It is heartbreaking!
People’s whole lives have been turned upside down. Yes, we are so grateful that no lives were lost, but these people have lost every possession they ever held dear to them. I can only imagine that feeling as I sit here writing this and wondering how I would feel if the one box of items and pictures I have left to remember my late mom and dad by was washed away. I would be devastated, heartbroken, maybe even depressed or grief stricken…and that is what these people are feeling now!
In this particular situation in Michigan, or in any situation where we see hurting people, our human nature wants to respond and help in any way we can, and we should…but please don’t forget to not only meet the physical need, but also remember to offer people emotional/spiritual help as well. Many times, this is the help that people need the most, and yet they are the needs most people are unwilling to let others see.
If you know someone who is struggling with their mental health or displaying signs of suicidal thoughts or intentions, please reach out to them today. Sometimes just being available to LISTEN is all the help someone needs. I know for my own self that there have been times recently when I was just plain depressed. I didn’t want to “talk” to anyone because I didn’t really want to hear their “pep talk” or suggestions on how to get myself out of this funk….I just wanted someone to LISTEN to what I was feeling, and not tell me what to do about it! [sometimes I do get tired of talking to myself :)]
Husbands are famous for this because they are natural “fixers” and want to always make everything better. Many times lately I have let my husband know that I am not interested in him attempting to “fix” anything I’m about to say – I just need to say it and then let it go. If he can’t promise to NOT give me “advice”, then I will talk to a trusted friend with this particular issue. It is hard for him, I can see that he fights the desire to step in and save me, but he respects my needs and keeps his comments to himself.
Everyone should have one or more TRUSTED friends to be able to be 100% honest and open with. If you don’t have anyone yet, start reaching out to someone today.
Everyone should BE a trusted friend to others. We don’t always need to share our thoughts, opinions, or advice with others…especially when they are struggling with a mental health issue (mental warfare). If they ask for advice, then by all means give them some good, healthy advice…but if they do not, please just let them talk and do your best to hear their heart (“out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” Luke 6:45). You may never know just how much your ear can help someone. The Bible also says that ALL parts of the body supply (are used in the help of others). Sometimes a mouth is needed…and sometimes just an ear!
Here are some additional resources for mental health and suicide prevention.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Michigan Suicide Hotlines 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Focus on the Family: Mental Health 1-800-A-FAMILY (1-800-232-6459)
Lighthouse Network 1-844-LifeChange (1-844-543-3242)
The Battle is Real, but there is HOPE! Never give up!!!
