“Mental Battles”
Finding peace in God even when our minds feel at war
There was a time when the weight of my thoughts felt unbearable—when anxiety made me anxious, depression clouded my hope, and ADHD made my days feel scattered and overwhelming. As I tried to keep up with academics, work, and the expectations of growing into adulthood, I found myself caught in a silent battle within my mind. But in the middle of the chaos, there was still a small voice that appeared and never left me.
This post isn’t just about the struggle—it’s about how God pulled me out. It’s about learning how to quiet the panic, not with my strength but by anchoring myself in the promises of God. Through every tear, sleepless nights, and every moment of doubt, He was there–faithful, patient, listening, and loving.
If you’re walking through your mental battles, know this: healing is possible, and hope is real. Not because the journey ahead is easy, but because God walks it with us. This is my story—and I pray it reminds you that you’re never alone.
I could begin to sense the shift once I started my journey through college. It was in the year of August 2018 when I was first diagnosed. For a long time, I knew that there was something wrong, but I didn’t have the finances or insurance at the time to go and get seen. I used my resources on my campus and spoke to my counselor. But while doing that, God showed me that I was depending too much on them and not relying on and putting my trust into Him. So much so that God removed every close mentor or counselor I had a deep connection with, and they were separated throughout the year and left the college for different reasons. God showed me at that moment Will you depend on me? I was stuck on feeling “tired” or “behind”. I couldn't shake the feeling of being overwhelmed, moments of depression, and constant frustration from struggling to stay focused. Whether I was at school or work, I felt like I was one step behind. I questioned my ability and sometimes my purpose. I remember being in the car crying to my mom, pleading that I needed help. My panic attacks worsened, so I went to the emergency room twice. I remember having to see a cardiologist and having to wear a heart monitor. I didn’t want to admit it–I was mentally exhausted, and spiritually distant. My close friends at the time, who knew what I was going through, I used to call them sometimes during the middle of the night, confessing that I couldn’t do this anymore and feeling lost.
Around this time, I joined the Student Christian Fellowship at the University of South Carolina and A Touch Of Faith gospel choir. This space allowed me to open up for the first time in a group setting about the battles that I was facing with anxiety and depression for the first time. I felt heard and seen, and I was glad that I was able to surround myself with a community that now has turned into a village and family. Being a part of this organization saved me when I was in a dark space, and helped me to recenter my relationship and walk with God. It was through this storm in my life that I felt God ever so present. When I began to know Him for myself, I learned how to pray and seek His face. One scripture that God gave me and transformed my perspective was “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:7. God didn’t ask me to carry my anxiety alone. He didn’t shame me for feeling overwhelmed. Instead, He invited me to hand it all over to Him. And when I did, I discovered that His care wasn’t just comforting–it was healing.
Over time, I learned to stop trying to control everything (and still learning…). I began to pray more intentionally, getting into my word, and trusting Him with all of the parts in my life. My panic attacks became less frequent. My thoughts grew calmer. My joy began to return–not because life was getting “easier”, but because I stopped doing it without Him. My relationship with God became more personal. In my connection and relationship with God, I found and experienced peace that I have never felt before.
If you’re facing your mental battles, I want you to know—you’re not alone. God sees you. He knows the weight you carry. And He’s not asking you to fake being okay. He’s asking you to give it to Him. Let go of the pressure to have it all together. Instead, hold on to the One who holds you together. Spoiler alert: you’re more than enough
In this post, I’d like to add a prayer of reflection:
Lord, thank You for being nearby. Thank you for caring about our minds, our feelings, and our struggles. For the one reading this who may be battling silently, I ask you, Lord, to bring them peace. Remind them that You are not distant—that You are a present help in the time of need. Teach us to cast our anxiety on you and trust that you will carry us through. Allow us to dream again and find hope again.
Amen
