Davids Daily Dose

A Trip Down the Stairs

Heal me, Oh Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise

Jeremiah 17:14 (NKJV)

If you fall head-first down a flight of stairs, you’ll be in the hospital for a week and your friends will feel sorry for you.

But take an emotional tumble, that feels like somersaulting into a wine cellar, and your loved ones may not understand.

After all, falling down a flight of stairs is an accident, but feeling like you’ve done a cerebral cartwheel into the basement is not.

In truth, injuries to the psyche are all too real, and they leave the scars to prove it.

Confession: I’m a tortured artist type who occasionally struggles with roller-coaster emotions.

But I don’t decide to be anxious or sad any more than I’d choose to fall down a flight of stairs.

I’m simply one of many who struggle with inexplicable negative feelings.

From the dizzying heights of anxiety, to the double loops of despondency, I’ve experienced the whole enchilada.

Yet the coolest thing is, God rides along, rooting for me the whole way! And, when it’s over, I always return to a healthier perspective.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

Kind reader, please don’t steer clear of a buddy who is struggling with their mental health. Come along side; ask about their well being. Then bring them back upstairs for some hot chamomile tea and a nap.

Disclaimer:
I speak from my own experience. Your situation may be different. If you struggle with long term anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self-harm, please seek professional help.

If you’re still alive, it’s not too late

Regular David (me)

Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️prayers and love.

This post originally published in July, 2019. Inspired by my friend Rainer–The Devotional Guy, who recently shared about his own mental health struggles, I decided to republish it.

The Stigma Stops Here.🛑

#mentalhealthmatters

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Comments

31 responses to “A Trip Down the Stairs”

  1. Aman Singh Avatar
    Aman Singh

    Great content!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. BerryBunch.family Avatar
    BerryBunch.family

    Isaiah 43 encourages me because it reminds me that God will travel with me through the storm 😊

    Liked by 2 people

  3. peggywritesblog Avatar
    peggywritesblog

    That is a blessing, David! Blessings!!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    I now know that panic attacks are rarely fatal, it just feels like you’re losing control. I had two, in two weeks time, and no more since. I’ve learned to heed the warning signs and make life adjustments before it happens.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. peggywritesblog Avatar
    peggywritesblog

    I can’t imagine how frightening that would be! But again, thank you, it does help others, my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    True, brother Matt. A brain scan may come back clear, but what’s going on inside can present real symptoms that affect our lives.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    You’re welcome, Peggy. Thank you for being a frequent contributor to the discussion on my little blog.
    As I mentioned to another commenter, my first panic attack felt so debilitating, I went to the emergency room of a local hospital, only to be told there was nothing medically wrong me with me. It was true—all their tests came back negative, but no one took the time to tell me what was happening.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. jesusluvsall Avatar
    jesusluvsall

    Our brains are a physical part of our physical bodies, Mental health should not have stigma attached to it. Thank you for sharing your post again.

    I am thankful we have a Savior, Jesus, who understand us in our weakness.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. peggywritesblog Avatar
    peggywritesblog

    David, I applaud you (and all who are brave and caring enough) for sharing your struggles so that we can realize we are not alone. It is encouraging and shows the love of God to others. Thank you!

    Liked by 2 people

  10. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    Thank you, Mike. The first time I had a panic attack, I didn’t know what was happening, so I went to a hospital Emergency Room. There, I was told there was basically nothing medically wrong with me. It was the truth, but I was treated like a third-class patient who took up too much of their time. Thankfully, a kind nurse gave me compassionate care and considered my psychological state (anxiety) which had caused my physical symptoms.
    Thank you for reading and commenting.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    Thank you for the bravery of sharing your own story, as well as the reminder that mental health is something we all need to be aware of. I’m grateful for your witness and your writing.

    Liked by 2 people

  12. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    Thank you for sharing, LettaJo. Some think depression and anxiety can be wished away with the snap of one’s fingers, but this isn’t always so. When my anxiety was at its worst, I could not control the panic that swept over me. Yes, thank God, He helps us through I toughest moments!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. LettaJo Avatar
    LettaJo

    This is so real because I can be going thru my day perfectly fine and all of a sudden trip and fall into some unwanted emotion that I usually have to fight my way out of because I didn’t and don’t choose to be stuck there. To God be the glory that He gives the the strength to pull myself up and keep on walking.

    Liked by 2 people

  14. God Still Speaks Avatar
    God Still Speaks

    Bonus points for eternity? Awesome!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    And my bonus points never expire

    Liked by 1 person

  16. God Still Speaks Avatar
    God Still Speaks

    I appreciate your loving support and bonus points! You are such a good brother!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    Thank you, my brother. The one another part of the body of Christ is a key to so much love, peace, and comfort from God Himself.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. My Life in Our Father's World Avatar
    My Life in Our Father’s World

    So true

    Liked by 1 person

  19. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    Amen, Sister Super-C. We just got out of church and I had the opportunity to approve your comments. I spoke up because Rainer spoke up—about the reality of mental health struggles. Thank you for your loving support. 7102 bonus points to you.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    Yes, indeed, Barb. Your comment brought to mind a quote about not judging until we understand.
    “Don’t conclude before you understand. After you understand, don’t judge.”
    Ann Dunham, anthropologist
    Thank you for reading and sharing. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. My Life in Our Father's World Avatar
    My Life in Our Father’s World

    Ugh, the feeling of falling down an emotional staircase is all too real and hard for others to understand. Only God (and maybe a good therapist)

    Liked by 2 people

  22. God Still Speaks Avatar
    God Still Speaks

    I’m here for you and David!

    Liked by 2 people

  23. God Still Speaks Avatar
    God Still Speaks

    I love that God takes the tumble with us, and helps stand us back up on out feet. I also love the part about the cup of tea and a nap. God, tea, and nap are all very restorative! And I just read Rainer’s post. It is so good to have a place to share these things!

    Liked by 2 people

  24. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    I understand what you’re saying. Life in this fallen world can get complicated in a hurry. Every human is flawed and we each see things from our own unique perspective. This is where the power of intercessory prayer is a big help. It has no drawbacks! Thank you for reading and sharing. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Alan Kearns Avatar
    Alan Kearns

    Thank you for sharing this important and encouraging post David. Silence about mental health is not good – I would go as far to say it is the devil’s work. We need to be there for one another (the “one another” statements in God’sWord says so!) , even when it is uncomfortable. I have my own struggles occasionally as a result of my brain tumour history, but God is always by my side – hallelujah! Be assured of my prayers for you and Nancy my dear brother 🙏 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

    Liked by 3 people

  26. FlowIntoWords Avatar
    FlowIntoWords

    Thank you for sharing your own experiences and this reminder to show up for others. ❤️

    I’ve had my moments like this too – and God is the only one we can fully rely on. I don’t mean that in a cynical way either, it’s just people are flawed and limited. It makes me so anxious when I try to be there for someone and they don’t have a relationship with God – I know I’m going to mess up in multiple ways despite my best efforts. They need more than me.

    Liked by 3 people

  27. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    You do have my continued support, brother! There’s often a stigma attached to mental health trauma, and that just shouldn’t be.
    We are body, soul, and spirit; any one (or all) of these can be impacted by life stressors that affect us in very real ways.
    Been there. Done that. Bought the tee-shirt. And I will always advocate for anyone facing a mental health challenge. The wounds and scars may be harder to see, but they are nonetheless real.

    Liked by 2 people

  28. Betty Avatar
    Betty

    Thank you, David. I appreciate your kind words. Enjoy your day, too!

    Liked by 2 people

  29. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    So true, Betty. And I recognize that you are a person who is often in “high receive “—open to anyone who may need a smile or an encouraging word. You’ve certainly encouraged me to keep on keeping on with my positive little blog. I appreciate you and Dan and your can-do-let’s-go! spirit.
    As you say, enjoy your day!

    Liked by 2 people

  30. Betty Avatar
    Betty

    We never know what someone else is going through. Thanks for the reminder that we are never alone, and kindness matters.

    Liked by 4 people

  31. The Devotional Guy™ Avatar
    The Devotional Guy™

    Words inadequately express my gratitude for your thoughtful support through sharing your own struggles. Yes, mental illness leaves scars, although they might not be as easy to see at first like a cut or burn might be. But part of you still recognizes “that’s going to hurt” or “that will leave a mark”. As I prioritize my own mental wellbeing, I am thankful for friends like you who care enough to show their support. I may need to steal some of your graphics…

    Liked by 3 people

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