There is a beautiful life in front of you, but you have to keep going in order to see it.
During any sort of mental health crisis, we tend to have strong feelings of pain, regret, and sorrow. These feelings can manifest in extreme ways and cause us to feel as though we are not needed. As someone who has struggled with mental health for most of my life, I am aware of how severe some episodes can get. Sadly, there is not much help for those who struggle with mental health concerns, which is something that needs to change.
Due to high prices at the doctor’s office as well as the therapist’s office, we have a hard time getting the help we need. If you haven’t been able to get the help you need, know that there are many resources to help people that are low-income families. To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit organization that helps people with mental health struggles. If you want to connect to them and apply for their new scholarship program, here is the link: https://twloha.com/find-help/.
There is nothing wrong with seeking help. When I was first diagnosed with anorexia, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, I didn’t know where to start. I felt I was a lost cause and that I would never be able to get better. While I am still on the road to recovery and healing, there have been many things that I have found to be helpful. One of these key things is knowing that I am needed.
If you have ever dealt with the feelings that you are not needed or wanted, you know how painful they can be. Instead of feeling secure, hopeful, and loved, you feel the exact opposite. Negative thoughts and the inner self critic can leave you with a horrible self-image and a bad view of yourself. Rather than allowing these negative thoughts and voices to dictate your life, try to look at the reasons why you are needed and wanted.
Here are five reasons you are needed:
1. God Created You for a Unique Purpose
One reason why you are needed is because God created you for a unique person. When God created you, He did so with intention, care, and love. The Bible tells us that all of us are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). This is a beautiful truth that we need to reflect on more in our lives. Many of us allow the world or what others say to dictate our self-view, but this is something that we have to stop doing. Instead of allowing the world or other people to dictate your worth, choose to find your worth in God.
God created you wonderfully and beautifully (Psalm 139:13-16). He didn’t make a mistake when He created you. When we are going through a difficult time and we feel as though nobody needs us, we need to remember that God created us for a unique purpose. He has a plan for your life that only you can accomplish. Many of us believe that only some people or the “spiritually elite” can do things for Christ, but this is not true. All of us can do great things for the Lord because He has already planned for us to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).
2. You Are Loved
A second reason why you are needed is because you are loved. There are countless people in your life who love you. Your friends, your family, and your church family. Not only do all of them love you, but God also loves you. Think about that for a few minutes—the Creator of the universe loves you. There is nothing greater than this.
To know that the Creator of everything loves you goes beyond human understanding. The One who created the ocean, the sun, the flowers, and all the beautiful mountains still saw that there was something missing—you. He created you because He loves you, and you are worth more than you know! Remember this truth when you are feeling as though you aren't needed.
3. You Are Wanted
With this being said, it is also important to know that you are wanted. Many of us grow up with the idea that nobody wants us. Sadly, many of our loved ones can make us feel like this. If you have ever known someone to make you feel unwanted, know that it was a problem with them, not a problem with you. People are complex and they can say many things that they don’t mean. Instead of listening to the people who made you feel bad, listen to the truth that you are wanted.
Try to surround yourself with people who make you feel valued, loved, and worthy. These will be the individuals who help you know that you are wanted. God does not want us to spend our time with people who make us feel bad about ourselves. Instead, He wants us to spend time with those who actually care about us and help us flourish into the people He created us to be. We cannot do this if we are always feeling as though nobody wants us.
4. You Are Important
A fourth reason you are needed is because you are important. We can often be too hard on ourselves and think that we aren’t important. Since we think we are not “as good” or “as smart” to someone else, then that means we are not important. This could not be further from the truth. You are important, and every thought of yours is valued by the Lord. He loves to hear all of your opinions and your thoughts concerning the day.
You matter. Do not allow anyone or anything to make you feel otherwise. Your life is important, your past is important, and your future is important. There is a beautiful life in front of you, but you have to keep going in order to see it. You are needed, and you are important.
5. You Are Stronger Than Whatever You Are Facing
A fifth reason you are needed is because you are stronger than whatever you are facing. At times, our mental health can get severely worse and cause us to think that we are not strong enough to face things. This is not true. You are stronger than whatever you are facing because God is with you. We are never alone in any of our battles. The Lord is always on our side.
Maybe you are thinking of hiding away in your room rather than facing the day. If you struggle with depression or anxiety, you are aware of how common this can be. Know that you are stronger than the depression or the anxiety. Your feelings are perfectly valid and sometimes you might have to hide away for the day, but know that you are always stronger than your struggles.
Mental health is hard to deal with at times, but God is always on our side. No matter how hard life gets, we are never alone. There is always someone who needs us. This could be your partner, a younger sibling, or a friend. All of these individuals need us. Even if we have felt at times that nobody wants or needs us, there are always people who want, need, and love us, especially God.
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