I like to ask myself the question: How is it with my soul? This is not a phrase unique to me, but one that I have heard from many religious leaders throughout my life. Unfortunately, the truth of the answer to that question in my life is often messy. Life is tough, and I find that there seems to always be a struggle. However, there is another question I frequently ask myself that goes along with the first one: How do I want to appear on social media? I VERY rarely tell the truth of the answer to question 1 when I consider the answer to question 2. Social media seems to be too often a place for me to hide and deceive, rather than to be honest and raw. No one sees the scars. No one sees anything wrong. I am perfect.
Well, today I want to pull the curtain back slightly and discuss a topic close to my heart which is mental health. Yesterday, October 10th, was #Worldmentalhealthday and while I posted a nice photo and cute caption to my Instagram and Facebook accounts, I really was not sharing much. Mental health has been a struggle for me since I was quite young, but the stigma surrounding it has often stopped me from dialoging openly about my experiences. As I have shared on The Ladybug, my blog, I have been ill with a physical disease from a tick bite since mid-April 2025, and the journey to recovery has been a rough one. What I have not said is the way this disease has changed my mental abilities. Let’s talk about it.
I have become extremely anxious and much more depressed since I got sick in April. In addition, I have horrible bouts of brain fog and cognitive confusion that make it difficult for me to do my college schoolwork and do it well. For the sake of this blog, I want to focus on talking about my depression. I am extremely sensitive to medications for depression, and so, unfortunately, that line of treatment is unavailable to me. I must rely mainly on lifestyle changes and coping skills learned in therapy to treat the symptoms. This is very difficult. I wish so much that there was a magic cure for the darkness that creeps into my mind. I must thank my parents who have been Super supportive throughout my struggle, and my friends who have prayed for me. God is Good, and I am not alone.
While acknowledging the deep pain of difficult to treat depression, I also want to focus on all the many ways to attack this mental illness. Here are some of the ways that I have been coping:
- Talking to a professional therapist and psychiatrist. It is helpful for me to have an objective professional hear me discuss what is happening and support me with cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. In addition, I see a Nurse Practitioner for extra support.
- Taking time to study the Bible and connect with God while journaling and listening to music. This is my “Spirit Time,” and it sustains my soul with the light I need.
- Walks with the family dog outside in the sunlight, preferably through the woods. Nature combined with gentle exercise can be quite healing.
- Looking at a relaxing magazine or loosing myself in a funny light-hearted book. This changes my mental scenery.
- Not going on social media too much, and only remaining on sites that support my soul. For example, I love ballet posts on Instagram, as well as inspirational Christian posts.
- Trying to keep eating and hydrating. I tend to stop eating when I am depressed, and good nutrition is crucial. In addition, staying sober, and only drinking favorite things like black coffee and matcha lattes is important!
- Talking! I must not loose contact with those who love me! I know I am not alone, and friendship and family, including church family, is a lovely tonic.
- Writing. You, readers, are a support for me as well, even if you did not know it. I find a great deal of purpose through my writing, and typing away my crazy thoughts on The Ladybug, or the book I am currently writing, is quite meaningful.
- NEVER GIVE UP!!! Putting that on repeat. NEVER GIVE UP!!! Amen!
- Take it 5 minutes at a time when things get bad; every 24 hours is a victory!
It was helpful for me to review these skills as I typed, and my hope is to help others.
My social media platforms show smiles non-stop, but I want those who struggle to know that it is okay not to be perfect, because I certainly am not!! I have deeper thoughts and deeper pain that is a real and sometimes everyday burden. You are not alone. God is an ever-present help, just ask!
I also want to share that if someone is reading this and feels in crisis, please call 988, the national hotline. Or visit www.afsp.org
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a great resource for support!!
Blessings my friends! Thank you for sharing the truth with me. G.
The Ladybug 
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