I struggle with self-injury and mental health issues. I would like to get help for my issues. I am seeing a couselor and psychologist right now, but it does not seem to be working that great. Do you have any advice for someone who is struggleing to live? I know that everyone tells me there is so much to live for, but it seems like there is always so much bad that happens. I hope you can help me. – Samantha
Dear Samantha,
It sounds like you are really hurting, and that the cutting or self -injury is only serving to partially manage the pain at this point. I want to encourage you that, as you continue to heal, there will be good days and bad ones. Sometimes you will feel that there is no hope, but you have to remember that healing does not happen in a straight line, Samantha. Just like life, it’s crooked sometimes. Rest assured you are going in the right direction toward healing and wholeness. It will happen for you, but you must be patient as you heal on the inside.
We have many informative and encouraging videos for you to watch on the topic of self-injury. You are not alone!
I applaud you for staying with the counseling. You are very courageous to step out and ask for help. That is a sign of strength and health! It will be important to tell your therapist and psychologist about how you feel the counseling is not working very well right now. Give them a chance to tell you what they are seeing in you: change, growth, a desire for wholeness. Sometimes we cannot see the change and growth in ourselves, but others can see progress.
Be sure to talk with them about how you are feeling and also about the cutting. If at any time, the fight to live, or the struggle as you put it, gets to be too much, call 911. They will help you through the crisis. You do not ever need to feel that you are alone. There is always someone to reach out to talk with you and help you through the tough times.
Be confident that “He who began a good work in you , will complete it” (Philippians 1:6). I encourage you to read Isaiah 43; this passage is very special. The Lord reminds us that when we feel desperate, when we are going through the deep river of turmoil, or feel that our troubles are so hot they are like a fire, we will not drown and we will not burn. He is with us to provide us with comfort, a shoulder to cry on, he understands, Samantha. He gets it.
So lean into Him, sweetheart, and let Him shower His comfort and love on you through this difficult time. He promises to see you through it, and “never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
FINDINGbalance Team