Today I’m reminded of the large number of people who are actively pursing some type or form of mental health therapy or counseling. I’ve often questioned the true worth of a therapist, and the motives or reasons people seek therapy. As I’ve never said to myself, “Maybe I should go to a therapist.” It may be that I possibly have been blessed with a community of genuine loving respectable people. As I do have friends and family who I trust to share my life with and give me wise counsel if necessary.

It’s not that I don’t have personal problems. It’s just that I have never thought I should ask or pay a therapist to listen to me talk about it. I don’t see anything wrong with seeking therapy. As I do realize there are many people who need help because they suffer from depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

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I recently saw a few clips of Michelle Obama talking about her marriage to Barack, and admitting that she couldn’t stand him for 10 years of their marriage. In my opinion, they seemingly have the perfect marriage and family, even though in my heart I know no marriage is perfect. In the social media clips, Michelle was speaking to various people about how she went to therapy and marriage counseling, and its positive impact on her life and marriage.

I applaud Michelle for being transparent and acknowledging the importance of mental health and family. However, I do wonder why she chose to disclose certain things publicly about her marriage to Barack. Nor do I recall any other First Lady talk about their mental health and personal marriage without being asked. It makes me wonder if her podcast and her public interviews are truly meant to function as a form of therapy for herself.

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Here are some facts on mental health. 1 in 5 adults have received mental health treatment last year. And, 2 of every 5 young teens and young adults (Generation Z – born between 1997-2012) regularly attend therapy.

As a child who grew up in a town of around 300 people on a 200 acre farm without any neighbors. Some may say I grew up in an isolated social environment. However, I felt more community when I was a child than I do now. And, I now live in the Dallas metroplex where I’m surrounded by people who I assume fear social interaction and walk by me without acknowledging my presence. The truth is social isolation and loneliness tend to increase as people age, even with social media, smartphones and modern technology. 

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In my opinion I feel our society is suffering from poor leadership. So many of our spiritual leaders and elected officials openly model and practice values that don’t involve personal sacrifice, truth, duty, honor, humility and empathy towards others. Plus, they block/prevent those with good morals from obtaining positions of leadership.

How does your faith affect your emotional health?

I feel there are many causes of anxiety and depression. But, I personally believe that prolonged emotional distress is a symptom of not being spiritually grounded. People who have a strong connection to things outside of themselves (whether it’s the universe, nature, religion) will oftentimes have a greater sense of purpose in life… and when your life has meaning beyond yourself, you are more likely embody what the Bible calls the fruits of the spirit, which are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Life is so much more than making money, being pleasured, looking good, and living a wealthy lifestyle. Like, we’ve all spent hours worrying about things that never even happened. I’ve learned to not worry about the things I can’t control. Trust God. Be optimistic. Take authority over your emotions. 

I’ve learned to accept the good with the bad, as I’ve had to endure much and accept the outcome. But, I know I’m blessed. And, I continually pray and ask God for the desires of my heart.

When I open my eyes each day… I’m reminded that I didn’t have to wake up.