Hope

Let's talk about mental health for a moment. We have probably all been there, hanging by a thread and at our wit's end. Stress can be good for us, although it doesn't feel great. What happens when your body is on constant alert? It can take a toll on your health, mentally and physically. I experienced this around the age of 16. Doctor's couldn't explain my condition. I had a hard time sleeping, eating, focusing. I was constantly fearful, anxious, and lost a lot of weight as a result. I literally was wasting away. It was frustrating and scary. My family behaved around me like I was one panic attack from death. I could have allowed myself to slip into a state of darkness that only comes from the complete loss of hope. I felt no one understood but me what it felt like to be trapped in this situation I found myself in. This went on for two years.

Like a candle's light that flickers in the wind, I held onto the small flame of hope that resided in me. I recall being seven and singing in elementary school..."this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine...let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!" One of my favorite general authorities, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught, "Spiritual light rarely comes to those who merely sit in darkness waiting for someone to flip a switch. It takes an act of faith to open our eyes to the Light of Christ..." A clarity came to me and I felt an overwhelming sense of humility when I remembered my Savior's sacrifice for me. I realized in Him I had the power to dispel the darkness that loomed around me.

Eventually, I withdrew from public school while I recovered. Doctors diagnosed me with depression and prescribed a low dose antidepressant, and I began counseling. It was a daily struggle, but I refused to give up. I found comfort in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the love of my family and friends. I was able to find the strength to take myself off the medication and was able to feel peace. There is no sweeter feeling than when the storm has passed and you see that sunlight shinning through the dark clouds. You feel alive again!

I promise you that no matter how dark the day ahead may feel to you, you can find peace again. Keep that prayer in your heart and don't lose hope.

" A rewarding, abundant, and eternal life is the very object of His merciful plan for His children! It is a plan predicated on the truth 'that all things work together for good to them that love God.' So keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever." -Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, 2016, Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders among You