April 14, 2025. That was the day I stopped trying to "tough it out." I dialed 988, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The woman who answered was named Hope. The social worker who saw me at the clinic was named Heavenly. I don’t believe in "coincidences" anymore.
I was struggling with deep anxiety and the loss of my "safe space." Through their help, medical care, and the support of new friends, I started leaning on a promise found in Philippians 4: “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I was still in the valley, but I wasn't walking alone.
The climb out of the valley had begun. (Part 2 of 4)
