Reading: Transcript - Integration Part 2

Welcome back to the short course on mental health integration. Once again, I'm Brandon Appelhans, and I'm glad to be here with you. This time, we'll delve a bit deeper into self-care before transitioning into exploring the process of integration itself.

Before we dive in, I want to reiterate that if you find this topic intriguing, consider enrolling in the full course. I'm condensing a lot of material here, so there's much more to explore in the extended version.

So, let's start with physical care. We've covered the importance of sleep, exercise, and diet, but now let's discuss the specifics of what types of exercise are beneficial. Generally, incorporating both weight training and some form of cardio into your routine is ideal. Find activities that you enjoy, whether it's running, weightlifting, or something else, and make them a regular part of your routine.

Now, how does physical care tie into questions about identity? Mental health integration involves grappling with the disintegration of our sense of self. In Western societies, we often measure our worth by our capacity—our achievements, titles, and prestige. But when faced with mental health challenges, these external markers of identity can crumble.

As we peel away these layers of identity, we may encounter feelings of emptiness or hollowness. However, beneath these masks, there are parts of ourselves that God longs to restore and make whole. Our true identity as beloved sons and daughters of God remains unchanged, even amidst the struggles of mental illness.

The journey of integration involves rediscovering and embracing this foundational truth about our identity. It's not merely about understanding who we are but deeply believing it. This process requires introspection, facing challenges, and receiving affirmation of our identity from God Himself.

In a similar vein, our understanding of God may undergo transformation during this journey. We may wrestle with doubts and questions about God's intentions and love for us, especially when faced with adversity. Yet, through this process of wrestling and seeking understanding, we can arrive at a deeper, experiential knowledge of God's love and character.

Furthermore, our perception of our own capabilities may shift as we navigate mental health challenges. The American ideal of success often equates worth with achievement and capacity. But when our capacity diminishes due to mental illness, we may grapple with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.

However, it's crucial to recognize that our value and worthiness are not contingent upon our capacity. Even in the midst of struggles, we can cultivate empathy, compassion, and resilience—qualities that demonstrate our inherent worth as human beings. And as we journey through mental health crises, we may find that our capacity fluctuates, but that doesn't diminish our worth or potential for growth.

Ultimately, the primary goal in the midst of a mental health crisis is simply to persevere—to stay alive and keep moving forward, one step at a time. Success may look different during these times, but every day that we continue to fight is a victory in itself.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed or discouraged by your current capacity, know that it's okay. You're still capable, and God has a plan for your life, even in the midst of challenges. Keep pressing forward, and trust that brighter days lie ahead. I'll see you in the next section.