Running on All Cylinders

By Lisa M. Leonard –

 

Since being diagnosed with the bipolar disorder 2003, I have gradually learned how to maintain my mental wellness without the help of medication. It’s been quite journey, and I’m grateful to God for revealing to me some of the key components that contribute to recovery and my ability to live the kind of life I never dreamed possible.

 

I’ve been a Christian since the age of eighteen, but it took a breakdown and a stay in the psychiatric ward to help me realize how vital spiritual growth is when battling mental illness. Sadly, most people who have some form of mental illness are trying to control it without God’s help. Religion leaves a bad taste in people’s mouths, but when you’re desperately ill and in need of serious help, why would you shut Him out if He has the power to help you?

 

The first thing I started doing as part of my wellness plan was reading God’s word every day. I have two devotionals that I really like. “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young and “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. Young’s writings are very comforting and encouraging when you’re feeling rejected and unlovable. Chambers challenges us to think critically and do some self-analysis regarding our tendency toward pride, laziness, and fear.

 

One of the tools I rely on daily is the Bott Radio Network. I have benefitted tremendously from the Bible teaching offered by such pastors as Charles Swindoll, Alistair Begg, and Chip Ingram. If I only allowed myself to hear sermons on Sunday morning, I do not believe I would be the peaceful, joyful Christian I am today.

 

 

When the heart is functioning properly, the brain is getting the blood and oxygen it requires. This in turn helps me think more clearly, which also helps me cope with adverse circumstances in a way that leaves me much less vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

 

As a child I was rather shy, but in my middle years I am relying upon God to guide me so that I no longer fear rejection. I’ve been amazed by how much easier it is to relate to others now that I am secure in my relationship with God. Just knowing that He loves me unconditionally and will never leave me or forsake me has given me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there. It’s okay if some people don’t like me. There are enough who do. And they care enough to let me know when I’m starting to get off track in my thinking and the way I express myself.

 

Since becoming a small business owner, I absolutely love meeting new people and sharing my goals and aspirations with them. I am trusting God to give me the right words to say and the right way to say them, so others can see my enthusiasm and also the benefits of using my services. In addition to residential cleaning, I also provide house and dog sitting. I even help people pack up their belongings when they’re planning to move. Not only does this kind of work offer me the variety I crave, but it also is proving quite lucrative because so many people want what I offer – so it’s a win-win.

 

One of the things I tell the Lord is, “I’m trusting you to keep me just as busy as You want me to be.” I’m also trusting Him to help me earn the money I need so that I can meet all of my financial obligations. My short-term goal is to purchase a new car in January. My long-term goal is to reunite with my husband. We separated in 2014 but are on good terms.

 

Even if my business and my marriage fail, I will not brand myself a failure. Whatever happens in this life, I have a glorious one to look forward to in heaven. Until it’s my time to go, I will serve him with gladness and trust Him to lead me in the direction He wants me to go. As long as I’m allowing Him to have His rightly place in my life, I can trust Him to keep me strong and sturdy so that pills are never again required for my mental and emotional wellbeing.

 

You will never hear me tell anyone they should not be taking medication for their mental illness. But one thing I look forward to telling many who are hurting is that it is possible to reach the point in your life where you no longer require pills. This kind of transition demands a great deal of faith and diligence. In order to run on all cylinders, we must be willing to devote time and effort. Exercising our bodies will help our brains work more efficiently. Exercising our faith will help us move forward with confidence and determination.

 

Despite all of the naysayers who insist that mental patients can never go off their meds, I am here to tell you that it can be done. But only if you are willing to draw near, so very near to God and allow Him to be the most important person in your life.

 

A lot of people struggle with co-dependency, which often exacerbates mental illness because we allow the feelings and opinions of others to become more important to us than what God has to say. This is another reason why it is so vital to saturate our minds and hearts with scripture on a daily basis. We have the world, the flesh, and the devil all working against us in our effort to get well and stay well. God’s word provides the spiritual nourishment that strengthens us in the midst of emotional trauma.

 

So take a brisk walk if your body will allow it, and take some deep, deep breaths. Make sure you eat something that’s good for you before you treat yourself to something loaded with sugar and fat. If you must eat that greasy pepperoni pizza, eat a salad first. If you absolutely have to have that cookie, eat a piece of fruit first. Your body and your brain will thank you for it. And you will be taking responsibility for your own recovery.

 

With God all things are possible. There will be times when this principle slips through the cracks in our brokenness. But I can tell you from personal experience that overcoming mental illness is much easier when we put our lives in His loving hands. When He has your heart, you can trust Him to also have your back. 

 

Lisa M. Leonard

 

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