How to hold up in today’s world

Tell someone. So many times, people suffer in
silence. Sometimes we think we are the only
ones with this type of problem, or we feel
shame, guilt, or embarrassment about the
situation. These feelings are normal as well.
There are people who want to help us. Is there a
trusted individual in our life with whom we can
share our situation? Perhaps there is a friend or
family member who can lend a helpful listening
ear. Sometimes individuals may be too close to a
situation to give us all the support we need, but
they may be able to connect us with someone
who can. The WarmLine for non-crisis peer
support is available to us from 4 to 8 p.m.
Thursdays through Sundays 507-287-7161. And,
the suicide prevention crisis hotline is available
at all times at 800-273-8255.
Take care of ourselves. Sometimes, when we get
wrapped up in a situation, we can lose ourselves
in a way. We must be purposeful to make time
for ourselves, and care for our own needs.
Perhaps taking a walk, being around others, or
having some quiet time alone will help bring
some balance into our lives. Getting some good
rest, having a checkup, eating well, and being
active can help our bodies become more in line
with health and strength. And, our mental health
is just as important as our physical health. The
United Way of Freeborn County resources include
the Mental Health Resource Directory, which can
be accessed online or by contacting them.
Use spirituality. Oftentimes, when we are
overwhelmed, our spiritual health can be out of
balance as well. We can abandon spirituality by
seeing the situation as hopeless, letting anger
with God get in our way, or feeling like He does
not care about what we are experiencing. Or, we
can focus so much on spirituality alone, that we
do not make healthy choices in what we can
control in the situation, somehow believing God
will make everything happen without our
contribution in the effort. We must make healthy
decisions about what is in our control, and we
can take this opportunity to make spiritual
connections. We can talk with our spiritual leader
about our situation. Our church family is an
important part of our support group. If we are
not a part of a body of believers, we can take
that step and make a call or drop in on an
activity at the church of our choice. We can talk
to the people and the pastor, and find out what
God can do for us. In the darkest of times, He is
the light.