MAY DAY !! MAY DAY !!

MAY DAY !!  MAY DAY !!

That has been the international distress call on the high seas and in the air for ship captains and pilots in trouble.  I am well aware of the need to call out for HELP in my former home.  

The month of May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month.  It is no secret that living in a domestic abuse situation will certainly subject us to a wide variety of mental health symptoms, even as Christians.

Victims of domestic abuse suffer from depression and anxiety, PTSD as well as substance use disorders.  The American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that “many survivors of domestic violence may blame themselves for the abuse they received.  They can become self-critical, self-destructive and suicidal.  Chronic abuse can create trauma responses that interfere with future relationships.”

And that’s not all.  Survivors may also struggle with emotional regulation, dissociation, numbing and have trouble reading social cues.  As a counselor, I’ve spoken with many women who describe these symptoms and more.  Many of them mask their depression with alcohol or other substances.  Obviously, living in abusive homes impacts the children also.

Although mental health sickness is as real as physical health sickness, it’s often ignored and stigmatized, even today.  And yet Jesus sees your pain, your fear, your sadness and He is with you.  He beckons “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”

So for the month of May, let’s take a deep dive into mental health and domestic abuse.  And let’s believe that our loving Lord Jesus Christ will help us to get free from the bondage of depression, anxiety and substance abuse.  Let’s believe together that in His great resurrection power more women can actually escape from their abusers and find real freedom in Christ.