Today my attention was captured as I overheard a talk show reporting that Michelle Williams, a member of the female group, Destiny’s Child that was very popular from 1997 – 2006, had revealed she sought professional help for mental health issues, specifically depression. She is quoted as saying, “Today I proudly, happily and healthily stand here as someone who will continue to always lead by example as I tirelessly advocate for the betterment of those in need.” I salute her for the bold decision she made as she admits she arrived at this decision when she listened to the same advice she had given to thousands and sought help from a great team of healthcare professionals.

As I turned my attention to the show to hear more details, my mind quickly went to the opening pages of my book entitled “Your Journey Through A Personal Spiritual Rehabilitation”. As I did my research for the direction of the book, I remember researching famous people and celebrities who admitted themselves into rehabilitation facilities for help with personal issues they were struggling with. Some I was already aware of, but there were others I was shocked to discover they had certain difficulties, and the journey they submitted themselves to in pursuit of a healthier life. I have tremendous admiration and respect for anyone who is bold enough to take that initiative.

In many of my blogs I make reference to everyday life and its challenges. I truly believe that we are living in the best of times, but also the worst of times. Crime rates, divorce rates, and suicide rates seem to be skyrocketing leaving us scrambling for answers and sometimes reaching few satisfactory conclusions. The fact is, people are in trouble and are often struggling in silence. Struggling in silence is due to a number of reasons.

The individual feels if they share how they really feel, they will be perceived differently and judged. They are fearful of running the risk of losing the socioeconomic status they have worked so tirelessly to achieve. Thoughts surface that if I say what’s really going on in my head people will think I’m “cray, cray”! But are we really living a life of “wholeness” if some areas seem to be functioning well, while others are severely suffering due to lack of attention? It is important that our lives are balanced physically, emotionally, and spiritually, but it requires constant effort, introspective evaluation, and conscious living. That is not just a mouthful, but rather a requirement. Romans 12: 3 cautions us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to; while Ephesians 2: 10 tells us that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works! Ok . . . so how do we find the “happy medium”, which is simply a course of action or condition between two extremes.

One way is to make sure that although God expects us to help and bless others, we must recognize that there will always be areas and times in our lives when we will need help. No matter how much we accomplished and what grand things we’re doing in life – we have not mastered it all! Pride is the devious culprit that slides the self-constructed pedestal underneath our feet and causes us to lose sight of reality. The greatest testimony I believe anyone can share is “I can understand where you are right now, because I have been in a place where I needed help! What I was dealing with was beyond my control and I had to forget what anyone said or thought about me and take the necessary steps to first admit that I needed help and then make the effort to get it!” A person who can be that transparent is one who not only will be successful in life, but their success will thrive from a genuine place of character and integrity.

For many years, mental health has been a taboo subject. By and large you’ll find that people are far more comfortable with discussing their physical health issues than issues surrounding their mental health. One should not take precedence over the other. But it takes a bold person to be able to say “I NEED HELP! That’s the beginning of personal wholeness and making your contribution to a better environment to all those around us.

Source: First Lady Denise