A friend of mine asked me to pray for his son. Life has become a struggle for his son lately. There have been missed days at work, the distance and aloof behavior patterns are repeating again. The suicidal thoughts have come back to haunt him. I asked my friend to pray for my daughter too. She’s been battling with those chronic, intrusive, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. This is the time of year when the days are spent longer in bed, hoping for some light to come and replace the darkness.
In recent weeks, people have approached me with their experience of feeling depressed. They are mostly young people feeling lost in their world of uncertainties, not knowing what their life purpose is. I’ve been listening more than offering advice. In those moments of utter sadness, a person simply wants to be heard. They want their feelings and experiences to be validated. Listening is the best gift I can offer to them.
As my daughter and I were discussing the turbulence of mental illness and the remedies of the treatments, therapies and medicine, I suggested prayer to her. “How about prayer?” I asked. Prayer has no cost, it is free, no appointment required and it is energy medicine. It is a supplement to the treatment she already receives.
Prayer is asking for assistance when your life becomes unbearable. The assistance you receive is from your faith. The belief you have that something beyond yourself is soothing you, helping you heal your wounds. The confirmation from the healing usually comes through as a whisper. The whisper you hear is a reminder that it is going to be okay. You made it to this point where you are asking for help beyond your physical experience.
Winter is hard for some people. It is the season when so many fall into their brooding state of mind while in bed consumed by unwanted gloomy thoughts. During these cold and darker days when it feels impossible to get out of bed, see if you can allow yourself to become quiet and ask for help. The help you are seeking is always there. The answer already exists inside you. You simply have to listen to it.