“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
🌱 Matthew 11:28-30 🌱
We all struggle or know someone who struggles with mental health issues. Seven million individuals report that depression and anxiety interfere with their abilities to carry out the everyday functions of life (Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). I was diagnosed with a significant mental illness in 2005. The diagnosis brought a greater understanding of the whys of my thoughts, feelings, and actions, but it also brought feelings of uncertainty, anger, and shame. Slowly, painstakingly I began to understand what resilience was and how to develop that muscle. Resilience is the ability to overcome the effects of disability, mental illness, trauma, abuse, and crippling stress while maintaining your core integrity and purpose. Our resilience is strengthened as we develop our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. Our goal is to educate, equip, and empower those who are affected by mental health challenges so we can build a strong community where differences make no difference, and there is no stigma associated with a mental illness.