It’s Okay Not to Be Okay: Embracing the Journey of Healing with Faith and Therapy
It’s okay not to be okay sometimes.
Have you ever felt like you didn’t know if you were coming or going?
Have your ever felt like you just wanted to sleep the entire day away?
Have you ever felt like you wanted to cry instead of smile or laugh?
Have you ever felt like you were alone even amongst people?
It's okay not to be okay sometimes
❤️
It's okay not to be okay sometimes ❤️
In a world that often expects us to be happy, productive, and “on top of things” all the time, it can be incredibly difficult to admit when we’re struggling. Many of us have been taught that feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed is something to hide or fix quickly. But the truth is, it’s okay not to be okay sometimes.
Acknowledging our mental health struggles doesn’t make us weak—it makes us human. And it’s through both spiritual and emotional care that we can begin to heal. In this blog, we’ll explore how embracing our imperfections, combining therapy with faith, and leaning on the support of both our beliefs and professional guidance can help us navigate life’s toughest moments.
1. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Acknowledging Your Feelings
We often fear that admitting we’re struggling might mean we’ve failed, or that others will judge us. But God’s Word offers comfort and assurance that we are never alone in our pain. Even Jesus Himself expressed deep sorrow in His moments of despair.
Matthew 26:38 says, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Jesus didn’t hide His emotional struggles—He was honest with His disciples, showing us that it’s okay to express vulnerability and reach out for help when we’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether we’re dealing with grief, anxiety, depression, or just the exhaustion of daily life, acknowledging that we’re not okay is the first step to healing. Jesus took his pain to prayer. Jesus faced his hardest battle.
Therapy Tip: When you’re feeling down, it’s important to allow yourself the space to feel without judgment. A therapist can help guide you through these feelings, teaching you how to identify, understand, and process your emotions without shame. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly useful in reframing negative thought patterns that tell you “something is wrong with me” when you’re struggling.
2. Healing Takes Time: Trusting the Process
Many of us want quick fixes. We want to feel better immediately, or at least be able to “move on” as soon as we experience emotional pain. But healing doesn’t happen overnight—and that’s okay.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
God promises that even in our exhaustion, He will provide the strength we need to persevere. But this renewal takes time. Sometimes, healing requires us to walk through difficult seasons slowly, patiently, and with hope. Therapy can be a crucial part of that healing process. It’s a safe space where you can unpack the layers of pain and begin to understand yourself better, all while working toward emotional wellness.
Therapy Tip: Healing often feels like two steps forward and one step back. This is normal. Therapy helps provide structure, tools, and coping strategies to help you navigate setbacks without giving up. And just like in the faith journey, recovery is an ongoing process, so trust in the gradual transformation.
3. You Are Not Alone: The Power of Support
It’s easy to feel isolated in our struggles. When we’re facing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, we may convince ourselves that no one else understands. But the truth is, we are never truly alone—God is with us, and we have a community around us that wants to support us.
In Galatians 6:2, we’re called to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This is a reminder that we don’t have to carry our struggles alone. Just as we rely on our faith, we can also rely on trusted friends, family, and professionals who help shoulder our burdens with us.
Therapy can be an essential part of building this support system. A therapist provides a compassionate, unbiased space for you to express yourself without fear of judgment. But therapy also encourages building your own support network—whether through trusted friends, family members, or a faith community.
Therapy Tip: If you feel isolated, consider reaching out to someone you trust, whether it’s a close friend or a therapist. Support isn’t just about “fixing” you—it’s about being present with you in your pain, offering encouragement, and reminding you that you are loved.
4. God’s Grace in the Healing Process
One of the most beautiful aspects of combining faith with therapy is the understanding that healing is not about achieving perfection. It’s about accepting God’s grace and understanding that we don’t have to do everything on our own.
2 Corinthians 12:9 speaks to this beautifully: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
When we’re struggling, it’s easy to believe that we’re “broken” or “less than.” But God’s power shines brightest in our moments of vulnerability. Therapy can help you identify the areas of weakness and pain and provide tools for growth, while your faith reminds you that it’s in these very weaknesses that God’s strength can be made most evident.
Therapy Tip: In therapy, you may explore your weaknesses, triggers, and past wounds, but you will also discover your resilience. It’s important to remind yourself that seeking help—whether through therapy or prayer—does not mean you are weak; it means you are brave enough to take the steps toward healing.
5. Choosing Hope: Embracing a New Day
Even when we don’t feel okay, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. Each day brings a new opportunity for growth, healing, and peace.
Psalm 30:5 offers a hopeful reminder: “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
While your struggles may feel overwhelming now, remember that emotions are temporary. Healing is possible, and the light at the end of the tunnel is real.
Therapy Tip: When you’re in the depths of emotional pain, it can feel like it will never end. But every small step you take in therapy, and every prayer you send up, is a step toward that joy and peace. Celebrate the small victories along the way, and trust that healing is unfolding, even if you can’t always see it.
EMBRACE YOUR JOURNEY.
It’s okay not to be okay. Life’s challenges, both mental and emotional, are a natural part of the human experience. But through the combination of faith, therapy, and self-compassion, we can find healing and hope. Lean on God’s promises, trust the therapeutic process, and remember that you are worthy of the support you need.
If you’re struggling, know this: you are not alone, and you don’t have to go through it by yourself. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to take your time in the healing process. You are enough, just as you are, and God’s grace is always there to carry you through.
Additional Resources:
If you’re looking for professional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed therapist or counselor. We can offer guidance, tools, and compassion as you walk this journey of healing.
And, of course, don’t forget to rely on your faith. God is with you every step of the way.