By Katie Ginn
Today has been weird. My feelings have sort of held me hostage.
That’s not the kind of day I planned to have. Today was supposed to be the head-down, super productive, stay-home workday I needed. I had already circled the priority items on my to-do list. I even listened to a praise song and read some scripture first thing this morning.
But for some reason, my brain got antsy after that.
Before I even made breakfast, I felt a sense of stress and anxiety from seemingly out of nowhere. So I did the following:
- Opened Spotify and played my “classical/instrumental” playlist.
- Tried not to rush around too much while cooking. (I was only somewhat successful.)
- Decluttered a little after breakfast.
- Took out the trash and brushed my teeth.
Finally, feeling a little calmer, I came into my office and checked my emails.
That’s when I saw a message saying our pastor would be leading an Israel tour next fall. I clicked the link, read the descriptions, and imagined evenings around the table with our church’s “cool crowd,” relaxing after a day’s explorations of the Holy Land.
I told Stephen: It’s only $5,800 per person!
I went back to work. The problem is, I had exactly one urgent task to complete, and I got it done too quickly. Then I saw another email.
It was from Close Reads, a podcast I’ve been following ever since I myself became a “literary” podcaster. The email said that in June 2027, Close Reads will host a retreat in England. I might as well have canceled the rest of my workday.
OK, I’m exaggerating. But I definitely read that entire email, checked out the unbearably charming destination (a 12th-century village in the Cotswolds!), and looked up flights. Then I started asking ChatGPT about mine and Stephen’s top three European destinations.
I love my life, y’all. We do take vacations. We’re going to Charlotte this fall for a concert that I’m really excited about, and we will go to Europe, Lord willing. Possibly even next summer, or at least within the next five-ish years!
But today, for whatever reason, I want an escape. Does this mean I read one too many travel-related emails … or that I actually need an escape? Yes.
I mentioned being a literary podcaster. One thing about reading: If it’s a well-written story, it’ll absolutely provide a mental escape. Sometimes our minds need a vacation as much as our bodies, and I plan to get away into a good book this evening.
I probably also need to pray – or rather, sit still with God and shut up, which is usually more effective.
Maybe “pray and read a book” doesn’t sound like profound mental health advice, though I do stand by it. But to be fair, I’m not a professional counselor. You’ll find them in our Cover Story, as well as our “From the Field” article.
For the Cover Story, I interviewed three Christian counselors – two of whom specialize in adolescents, and one with over 40 years’ experience counseling families and individuals. In “From the Field,” other mental health professionals and organizations provide warning signs and tips to help you protect your teen.
Sometimes we don’t have the luxury of caring for our mental health to the utmost. The world is broken, healthcare is expensive, and the devil is real. Plus, we can’t expect our journey with a crucified Savior to exclude mental hardship.
But that doesn’t mean help and hope are not available. Our crucified Savior rose from the dead, after all! God doesn’t expect us to “just keep going” anytime we feel mentally unwell – and He will hold us accountable when we’ve “kept going” so long that our neuroses start to hurt others.
If we’re to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matt. 22:37); and if He’s given us the spirit of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7); it seems He wants us to steward that mind as best we can.
Maybe you’re just feeling restless like me. Or maybe a more serious diagnosis or circumstance has sunk its claws into you and won’t let go. Whatever it is, tell the Lord, tell a trusted believer – and if you even think you might need to tell a professional, please, do that too if at all possible. God loves you, and the Body of Christ needs you.
