By Jennifer Heggie
7 Steps to Good Orderly Direction
Have you ever experienced depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or any other mental health issue? You are not alone! Research shows that tens of millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. Most women try to be “Superwoman”—being a mom, cooking, cleaning, taking care of family/extended family, helping with homework, working a full-time job, being a wife or girlfriend, and just being YOU—without expecting anything in return or asking for help.
Mental stability is just as important as physical health. Taking care of your mental health can help you feel better physically, spiritually, and help you enjoy life to the fullest. Your sanity affects how you relate and act to your family, friends and co-workers. Taking care of your emotional health is not only good for you, but also those around you. The key is to find a healthy balance between mental health, spiritual health, emotional health, and physical health.
Some people find it easier to bounce back from hard times than others; however, the ability to bounce back and deal with problems when they come is a big part of good mental health. Your mental health needs change throughout every stage in your life. Some women struggle with bouncing back, which can interfere with being emotionally and mentally present with your family and friends, taking care of others, and cause problems at work and home.
I have always heard that God does not give us more than we can handle; however, I heard a different perspective from a pastor that sometimes God does give us more than we can handle to see if we are going to reach out for help from Him in prayer, and seek godly counsel from Christian friends and family and/or from Christian counselors.
One acronym for GOD is Good Orderly Direction, which if you seek God He will give you that direction you have been searching for. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Here are some suggestions that help improve mental health:
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Daily Bible Reading, prayer, and meditation
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Being around supportive family and friends
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Volunteering to help others
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Exercise and eating healthy
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Relaxation—Bubble baths, yoga, meditation, manicure, and pedicure
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Enjoy life—Play or listen to music, play a game, play with your kids, spend time with friends; just have fun
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Take time for yourself
Remember, your mental health is important! You have to take care of yourself so you can take care of others who depend on you. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Everyone needs help at some point.
Jennifer Heggie has 10 years clinical experience working with addictions, eating disorders, self-injury, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, body-image issues with clients of all ages. 601.949.