I recall overhearing conversations between the elders telling each other to pray and read the bible. Women complaining about men, children, jobs, struggles, and every other concern. The advice was usually to get in the bible and say some prayers. Sometimes, specific scriptures were given out to those that were willing to take the advice. I witnessed women crying out in churches every Sunday hoping that prayers would make all the pain go away. Women suffering were told to hang on and keep praying. Women had to cry silently and usually in private because the stress of the world was weighing them down. What they really needed was support from other women, quiet time, mediation, support groups, therapy and or counseling. They needed a vacation for a few days to relax and breath, however, women were told to pray and let time go by. This was no help and it didn't improve conditions. Sitting back saying prayers while you are overwhelmed and overburden is the recipe for a mental breakdown. Worrying, stress and depression should be taken seriously. When someone tell me to just pray when I complain about stressors of the world, I know they are only giving me advice that was given to them. Sometimes it comes off as a bit sarcastic, but the truth is, many women that are suffering with depression think it's taboo to seek mental health counseling or get advice from a professional. From generation to generation, black women have been told to turn all of their problems to God and pray. We have suffered with a false hope that a prayer will make all of the pain disappear, or prayer will give us the strength to endure more pain. We have been taught accept pain and depression. We have been told that pain and suffering leads to strength or that our pain is just a part of our future testimonies.
The truth is, we shouldn't have to suffer when there is help available. There is professional help, medication, and therapy. How long will we carry mental scars? How long will we carry overweight baggage of pain that will weigh us down, paralyze us, and kill dreams.
Very informative and well written post! Quite interesting and nice topic chosen for the post Nice Post keep it up.Excellent post. I want to thank you for this informative post. I really appreciate sharing this great post. Keep up your work.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I am glad you enjoyed.You are more than welcome!!!
ReplyDeleteBravo for writing this much-needed article! I myself could write a book about what you're saying. I'm an avid mental health advocate, and found myself in complete despair when dealing with severe post-partum depression. You can't just pray for yourself to 'snap out of it'. It simply doesn't work that way as you well know. I would love for you to check out my blog as I have several articles about dealing with depression and such. Many blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful and inspiring read. You are so right, what women really needed is a community of women who support them, alone time, and proper therapy/counseling. Thank you for speaking up for all of us.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the answer to prayer is to see a therapist or counselor. I believe some depression can be demonic or it could be a hormonal imbalance requiring meds. Just like we see a medical doctor for our body sometimes we need a therapist for our mind. Depression can lead to deeper problems, but don’t count out prayer
ReplyDeletehttp://www.treasuresinchrist.com/2019/09/12/no-suicide-god-loves-you/
I totally agree with you on this one
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