I’m sitting here across the street from where we went to church for a decade, and so many memories flood my mind.

My depression took its turn for the worst during that decade, not because of that church, but because my serotonin levels dropped really low. I’m thankful for my psychologist, psychiatrist and neurologist who were incredible partners in my healing journey. I can sit here in hindsight sighing gratitude to the great Physician who never leaves me nor forsakes me, and He sustained all three of us to enjoy the blessings of life we have now. How appropriate we approach the Thanksgiving holiday.

My daughter is practicing soccer as I type this post, and the healing presence she has been in my recovery is no less a God-send as I contemplate her thirteen years in my life. She’s truly amazing, and I could write a book about her. Maybe I will.

I love to write. I’ve been writing my entire life, and I have to say that writing has played a big part in my recovery as well. There are a number of us here on WordPress who struggle with mental illness, and we have found a safe place to bear each other’s burdens. There’s no substitute for face-to-face interaction, but when you can give someone hope through their transparent sharing on a blog it’s not wasted encouragement.

I was reading something recently about 9/11, and that was a tough time for our country. It redefined us as a country in so many ways, and though I can’t base it on any research I’d dare say mental illness climbed significantly during that horrific attack on our own soil.

That was just a really hard time for many people, and to say to someone that they need to get over it is not Christlike.

Gentleness and kindness are two fruits of the Spirit that characterized Jesus so much when He was in human form. Yes, I know he cleared the Temple of money changers because they were stealing from others, but I need to concentrate on His gentleness and kindness more than His wrath of the Father demeanor.

Mercy, love, gentleness and kindness are in sharp decline as we see the world increasing with hate. Jesus came to lay down His life, and He has called us to do the same.

Healing from mental illness starts there. Be kind to yourself. Be gentle with others and yourself. You have no idea what someone is up against at face value.