Who Needs a Therapist?

This week in conversation, four different friends mentioned their therapists.  It also seems I asked each one of them who they were seeing, as if I were looking for a therapist, myself.  I’ve asked about insurance coverage and how to make an appointment.  Also this week Simone Biles, our favorite Olympic gymnast, decided to withdraw from the US Olympic Team citing mental health reasons.  Much of talk radio has discussed mental health this week and it’s got me questioning my own. 

As I consider whether or not I need a therapist, I have asked myself what I do to relieve stress.  Last summer I wrote a post called Self-Care is Not Selfish and I referenced the story of David following the death of his and Bathsheba’s child.  2 Samuel 12:20 states,  ”Then David got up from the floor, washed himself, put lotions on, and changed his clothes. Then he went into the Lord’s house to worship. After that, he went home and asked for something to eat. His servants gave him some food, and he ate.”  This was a self care routine that David did for his mental health.  I’ve been thinking on what I do for my mental health.  

I recently took an 8 week break from writing this weekly message that I have written each week since July 2017.  I felt guilty about taking a break and prayed about it extensively, but it was needed and I made good use of the time.  During that time, I tried to put myself in a better headspace by developing a daily routine.  I have been forcing myself to go to bed by 10:00pm.  I awaken at 5:00am.  I have joined a gym and go to the 5:30am workout camp on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - on Wednesday  morning’s I walk 2 miles instead of going to the gym.  I am usually back in my driveway by 6:30am.  I sit in the car with the windows down to cool off and listen to the birds and grasshoppers and read and ponder the Bible Gateway Scripture of the Day.  I then go inside and make a pot of coffee and enjoy the smell of it as I straighten up downstairs, if needed, let the dogs go outside, I water my plants, sometimes I sit on the back porch and rub them for a few minutes, then I head upstairs and dress for work.  I drive to work with my cup of coffee, medicine, and vitamins to begin the day.  This new routine has really been helpful - I’m not rushing around in the morning, my home is cleaner - which is a big stressor - and I plan for 7 hours of sleep.  

As I write this, I am doing something I have wanted to do for quite a while.  I am in a hotel room.  In 2020, hotel rooms were out and one thing I wanted to do this summer was stay in a hotel.  I wanted to go to a place I had not been or had spent little time, so I chose Isle of Palms, SC.  I asked my husband and children if they wanted to come and they were uncertain, so I booked the room and drove down alone.  Yes, I felt guilty doing this, but I invited them and they declined.  I must do this for me.  I cannot express the feeling of only having myself to worry about, even if just for 24 hours.    

Stress is real and everyone’s stress is different.  At this time, I don’t think I need a therapist, but it is good to know that there are many different options and there is absolutely no shame in having a therapist with whom to speak.    Meanwhile, I will continue to take time for myself to be with the Lord each morning and take things day by day.  I encourage you, too, to take time for yourself.  We often say, “Life is short,” when we are about to do something crazy, but it can be short and we must live each day with a grateful heart and seek peace in our relationships and daily living.  Amen. 

~Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

~Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”


Thank you for reading!
Please share with a loved one. 
​Kim