Blue Monday is a serious issue. Researchers have said that the third Monday of January is noted for being the saddest day of the year.  The consensus is that there are a combination of factors affecting our mood at that time, bringing us down.

The Reason’s Why

The researchers blame:

• Bad Weather
• Post-Christmas Debt
• Work Stress
• Long Wait For Summer

Getting Worn Down

I don’t know if your family and friend group is anything like mine but I have many in both groups who struggle with mental health issues that in turn, can often create relationship health issues. I’ve had to be the part of suicide watch for too many people.  Each time taking a toll on my mental health. 

The Effects of Woodney’s Show

To be honest, I believe this has left me with a form of PTSD that was triggered last summer by an event and again while writing and recording this week’s Soul H2O Radio & Podcast show when Woodney Pierre shares the story of her brother’s suicide and how she’s finding hope to heal.  

As I talk about in her show, Woodney is comforted in knowing that Jesus understands.  

How We Know… Jesus Understands

Hebrews 4:15 says:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Matthew 26:36-38 says:

Then Jesus went with them to a garden called Gethsemane and told his disciples, “Stay here while I go over there and pray.” Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he plunged into an agonizing sorrow. Then he said, “This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me.”

Beyond Jesus just understanding, we KNOW that he came to fulfill the prophecies in Isaiah 42:3 and Isaiah 61:1 to bind up the brokenhearted.

Jesus Came To Heal

Matthew 12:20 says:

He won’t brush aside the bruised and broken.
He will be gentle with the weak and feeble,
until his victory releases justice.

Jesus understands feelings of wanting to die and He overcame them so you can too! 

Jesus came, so you could overcome!

Christ came to bring you hope and healing, so don’t let your feelings make you feel like a failure and that God is rejecting you.  Those are lies from the enemy and not the truth. God loves you and wants to be close to you.

Psalm 34:18 says:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Thankfully, those who I’ve had to help through times of serious suicidal ideations have made it through to the other side and I’m so very proud of them.  They’re all living their best life now and learning how to shut down negative or depressive thoughts so they aren’t tempted to self-harm, bad life choices or suicide. 

Through all of these struggles, I’ve learned healthier coping skills that enable me to rise above my times of sadness.  Whenever events or emotions are triggered, I go to things that will leave me stronger… not with more problems after I placate the feelings.  

Here are some of my GO-TO Coping Skills:

• Deep Breathing Exercises
• Move: Go for a walk, change your position (sitting… then stand)
• Pray
• Read God’s Word
• Read a Christian book that encourages me
• Listen to and inspiring Christian Radio Show or Podcast
• Watch some Great Christian Television or Videos
• Dance
• Put on a funny movie
• Listen to comedy
• Call my counselor (she’s on speed dial 😂)
• Call a friend that will pray with me

You NEED to do something.  Don’t just sit in it.  Learn from David in Psalms 42:5, 11 and 43:5

Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:5 CSB

If you choose to just sit in it, you’re going to have a hard time to get up and as my friend Cheryl Nembhard often encourages, “Get up Sis. You’re a Warrior.” 

So, if you’re facing Blue Monday and #BellLetsTalk Day with depression, and anxiety and worry in your way… Here’s some content I’ve created to help you find hope and healing in the One who came to bind up the brokenhearted.

Much love,

Sherry
xoxo

#BellLetsTalk Day is usually the third Thursday of the month (January 28th in 2021).  This day was created to help breakdown the negative stigma of mental health issues and donate funds to help.
https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/bell-lets-talk-day

MY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR YOU

CRISIS MENTAL HEALTH HELP & SUICIDE HOTLINES

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts and tendencies, please ask for help, there’s no need to face this on your own. You can find hope and healing. 

CLICK TO FIND HELP
https://www.sherrystahl.com/crisis-help-suicide-hotlines/

Help & Encouragement From The Soul H2O Blog, Radio & Podcast Show along with Sherry’s Website

Read More