Merry and Jolly! How about not really, or not at all? During these festive times, we tend to see this commercialization of “joy” in the form of lights, gifts, gatherings, and the list goes on. However, for many of us, this season brings out nostalgia and let us call it what it is: it triggers our mental illness symptoms. You are not alone my friend. I am right there with you. Even though we try to put on that happy face for those around us, there is this feeling of emptiness, and confusion that we feel for not being onboard with everyone else.
If you feel like you cannot turn on your happy thoughts as easily as the Christmas tree lights do, please know that it is okay to not be or feel okay. You might feel less than for not having that hallmark picture family or lost a loved one you will never get to celebrate with or feel bad about yourself because you continue to struggle with your mental health. All the above are true for me, but I am here writing you this letter as an act of courage, because if we could have these honest conversations, especially during this time of the year, then I believe we are somehow lighting up the world more than we know.
As many of you know, NAMI CC has partnered with many local faith-based organizations throughout the year, and in doing so, these faith-based organizations have been learning the skills they require to better provide resources for their members who are suffering from mental illness. This is wonderful, because during this time of year, we see more of our community turn to a place of worship. It inspires me to know that the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, which is the central theme behind Christmas, is more than just a birth.
I think of this holiday as a remembrance of the first physical manifestation of our Creator coming down from His throne to save us. To love us, even as broken as we sometimes feel. Is that not refreshing to know? How can it possibly be that the same holiday that makes us sad, is the same holiday that in essence carries the message of true freedom? When I read stories about Jesus Christ loving people, to the point of healing mental illness, and comforting those who were suffering by practicing empathy towards them- yes, He cries with us… Then maybe, no matter how we feel right now, we ought to know that that baby on a humble manger grew up to be our Savior who will never leave us nor forsake us.
So, love, love is the reason for the season. Not the lights or the trees or the gifts and glitz… and that brings us comfort and peace. I love you all, and I pray that my God will comfort your hearts throughout this holiday season, for you are more special than you know.