When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. (Isaiah 43:2)
What a year 2020 has been? I don't know what other scripture best summarizes this altered reality than the one posted above. like an apocalypse, the whole world is turned downside up as a result of the Covid- 19 pandemic and the enforced lock down would not have helped the mental health of millions world wide.
The truth is, it has indeed been an overwhelming year- Personally I have had my moments where I just drifted into unending sleep and battling with feelings of depression. The whole world has been on fire for almost a year now! I know like me, you found no respite. When you switch on your TV, there is hardly anything to make you smile. The Social Media is not even helping matters as well and it begs the question What do you do? Where do you turn? What is the way out?
As a Nigerian, I still carry the pains from the #ENDSARS protest violence which happened a day before my birthday. I couldn't even celebrate my birthday except make a post on social media to thank God for the gift of life. To add insult to the already sored injury, Nigeria is in recession in a time as difficult as this.
Many homes are in tears in this immensely difficult period for everyone- a lot of what should be happy meals in families has turned harsh reminder of the reality of this troubling times. Does this period make your mental health less important? No it doesn't! This is a time to draw strength like no other and find the courage to fight and come out stronger in this trying time of much more importance.
Do you know the plans and purpose of God for your life does not change with the reality of the times you are in. He wants you to discover your purpose in life- live it, walk it, fulfill it! How can you do that if you don't Say Yes To Mental Health . get it?😀 that is why it gives me great joy to recommend this book to you! Now you might probably ask, what is the book all about? I am fine! My mental health is fine! I don't need this!- Are you sure? Those were the same questions I had to rethink through the priceless opportunity I had to review this book prior to which I used to think mental health discussions are only for those with mental issues like insanity, addictions and the likes- Until the light came for me.
Through the 344 pages of this book, I walked the journey of discovery. To begin with, believe for a truth that the process of life is a battle we fight to win per second. Even Paul understands this in his book when he said:
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus ( Phil. 2:5)
The aptness of this verse in the journey of life is what the author succinctly describes as Jesus Christ Therapy (JCT) that's a new one right! Now you know I wasn't joking when I told you this book will take you on the journey of discovering who you are and what plans God has for your mental health. This is why the devil fights restlessly to wrestle the gear of your mind from you and drive you into the state of confusion, distress and despair till you completely have no clear picture of who you are and what clear plans God have for you in this existence called life!
Don't be deceived, neither allow yourself to be fooled that life is not a battle- This is why many have driven down the path of self destruction which tragically have ended in suicide, identity crisis which many struggle with. Believe this truth, Your identity can only be found in God- not in the dictates of society or the circumstances around you. I coined this quote, rather than let situations define you, let the solutions refine you!- remember, Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. ( Heb. 12:2).
The book '' Say Yes to Mental Health'' consists of 50 chapters divided into 7 parts. In the words of the author, it is an excellent blend of both academic facts and biblical truths. Without a doubt, I haven't found any book on mental health which upon discovery covers this important topic in a balanced way as the author has done. Some of the aspects this book focuses on includes: Myth about mental health disorders, types of mental health disorders, the effects of peoples upbringing on their mental health, how to recover from toxic upbringing, applying God's word for recovery, your role in the recovery process, how the church, family, friends; and the government can help, a ministry from your challenges, embracing a godly lifestyle, setting and protecting your healthy boundaries without feeling guilty, the importance of self discovery, self acceptance and balanced self esteem, cultivating healthy relationships and lots more.
A single post is insufficient to really explicate the rich contents you will find in this book. What you will get from this book is that in every chapter, through the pages lie word of life that will jump at you. The part I love most in this book is in the aspect of setting healthy boundaries for yourself as well as cultivating healthy relationships. In the past I always wanted to make friends with everyone I came in contact with, that way I found it difficult to set healthy boundaries around myself because I permitted all manners of character in my life without testing the spirit that controls such friends and being assured of the value or impact such will have on your life. Through this book, I understood God is interested in your friendships and a purpose God wants to establish through it. I hold this from the book- the friends you keep cannot leave your life neutral, they can either make or mar you! I also got to understand the profitability of setting healthy boundaries without being apologetic about it. The crucial need to always take a stand and have control over what you will permit in and around your life and how crucial it is to your purpose.
I leave you with the author's personal testimony in the book:
23
My Testimony of Recovery
Introduction
I was born on Wednesday, April 13, 1960; this is my physical (or first) birth. I became born again on Tuesday, November 28, 1978; this is my spiritual (or second) birth! Alleluia!!!
I am currently 59 years as I write this Book, “Say Yes to Mental Health”. I thank God for preserving my life, saving my precious soul, sustaining me in the Christian race; and for His all-round healing. I am eternally grateful.
Faced with life’s challenges
It is a known fact that life is full of challenges; I have had my own share of hardships on life’s path. My thoughts were centered on the challenges I faced so much that I couldn’t help thinking about them; this became overwhelming!
Along the line, I was confused, and was often crying! I felt helpless and hopeless; suffered from migraine and insomnia; struggled with sadness, shame, fear, self-pity, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression!
Driven to God’s Word
The challenges drove me to dig deep into the Holy Bible for solace, help, hope, healing, guidance; and sustenance in the Christian race. I constantly claimed God’s promises in the Bible; applying His Word to my situation.
Looked up to God
My eyes were on God, as I held on to His Word as my Lifeline. “They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.” Psalm 34:5. I will keep looking to God and His Word till the end in Jesus Christ’s Name, Amen.
Also, read relevant Bible-based Christian Books. I regularly listened to spiritually healthy songs and sermons; which I often put on “repeats”; for them to sink deep into my spirit!
Having been raised in the Anglican Church, I really love hymns; and sang many of them. I offered praise, worship and thanks to God; a sort of “I know I am safe in Your Hands Dad!”
I also prayed and fasted; I really did! I cried and poured my heart to my very caring Heavenly Father. I told God how depressed, discouraged, emotionally depleted, helpless, and hopeless I felt; I was greatly relieved by these!
Please, always remember that God is aware of all that we pass through in life, but He wants us to talk to Him about them; we are never a nuisance to Him! “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.
Please note: Pregnant women, and people with medical challenge may not fast food. They can “fast” time spent on the social media (or other things); to spend more time on praying, studying, and meditating on the Bible.
Busy for God
I served (and will continually do) in the children ministry. The teaching of God’s Word to children is my greatest passion; closely followed by my Book writing God-given talent.
Whenever, I got to minister to children in those days of chronic anxiety and depression, I often experience an immense joy in my heart; and felt fulfilled! Even now after my recovery, I still enjoy ministering God’s Word to children.
Closeness to God
As I regularly spent time on praying, studying and meditating on the Bible, I enjoyed more time in God’s Presence; and my heart was lightened! The glory of God robbed on me; this made me very radiant, healthier, and fresher.
I drew closer to God, and became increasingly bonded with Him. I have more intimacy with the wonderful Holy Spirit, a steady growth in Christ, a boost for my writing ministry; and great fulfillment!
The joy of the Lord
My smiles returned, as my heart is full of the Lord’s joy; that joy that is unaffected by life’s challenges. This renews me for the race, and for my daily tasks; as it is written; “… the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10c.
The Lifeline
I held on to the Word of God as contained in the Holy Bible; and I was delivered from anxiety and depression! Indeed, “He sent His word and healed… and delivered… from… destructions.”
Psalm 107:20.
I was never on anti-depressants! In the Name of Jesus Christ, I will keep delving into God’s Word that brought me thus far; to regularly renew my mind to abide in victory till the end, Amen!
God’s agents of help
It is important to mention that during the challenges, God blessed me with some true Christian friends and family members. They gave me emotional and prayerful supports; and ministered God’s Word to me as the need arose!
Product details
Item Weight : 1.35 pounds
Paperback : 344 pages
ISBN-10 : 9785483533
ISBN-13 : 978-9785483536
Dimensions : 6.14 x 0.78 x 9.21 inches
Publisher : Jochebed Publishing House (August 9, 2020)
Language: : English
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