The story of David and Goliath is one most people are familiar with. Believer, or not, I think it is a story that resonates with most who have experienced trials, hardships, and have had to face the giants in their own lives. We want to find hope in the story of the little shepherd boy; overlooked by his own father, discounted and devalued for his meager stature. We want to see that if someone who stood no chance at all, not only defeated but rose in victory against his giant, we have hope for doing the very same things. David faced his giant head on. He did not come well-equipped with multiple weapons, tools and techniques. He had one. One trusted tool that would serve him well. He knew that he was capable. He believed in his ability. Of course, from a faith perspective, he knew that the one who was going before Him would be the one to truly fight the battle. He knew that with God on his side, there was nothing he couldn’t do.
Perhaps you are a believer and this story is one you find comfort and solace in. Perhaps the one you go to in your darkest times is the Lord, and you know that He goes before you and walks beside you. For those of you who are not believers, there is still hope in this story for you. The story comes down to one person who had the biggest giant of his life to face. It is the tale of one man, with a tiny rock (one effective and healthy coping skill), that would save his life. It reminds us that we do not need to be the biggest, strongest, or even the healthiest to overcome our giants, we just need to believe we can and trust in the process. Sometimes we need to turn to someone who can help us figure out what a healthy tool is. Sometimes we need someone in our corner rooting for us, believing in us, and helping us believe in ourselves.
In the United states alone, 43.8 million adults experience mental illness in a given year, that is 1 out of every 5 adults. Nearly 1 in 25 (or 10 million) of those with mental illness live with a severe or serious diagnosis; out of those, one-half will see symptoms as early as age 14, and three-quarters will be diagnosed by the age of 24. Nearly 60% of adults do not receive treatment or help for their mental illness. Children and teens also struggle, with 1 in 5 being diagnosed with a serious mental illness, 20% of our youth struggle. 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by the age of 14, and suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in our youth aged 10-24. (https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Infographics/Children-MH-Facts-NAMI.pdf ). Mental illness is a huge giant many of us face. In the midst of our struggles we often feel alone, misunderstood, rejected, and as though no one could ever understand. There is fear in reaching out and asking for help. Shame for struggling and feeling this way. So many of us have been told to “just snap out of it… to stop feeling this way… and to just try harder.” But mental illness is not something you can just push aside. It is a giant that, when left ignored, just gets bigger.
The good news, it is a giant you can learn to defeat.
While many people live with chronic mental illness, 80% of those who received help, or 8 out of 10 people, report feeling better with treatment (www.scottmiller.com). Treatment looks different for everyone. For some it is a few sessions with a qualified therapist, learning some new coping skills and healthy techniques to manage your life better. For others it is seeing a therapist and possibly evaluating if medication can help relieve symptoms. Some people utilize solution focused therapy, coming for 6-8 sessions and finding resolution and restoration. Others utilize therapy for longer periods of time and dive deeper into the origin of their symptoms. There is no right or wrong way. But having someone on your side who will help you in the deepest trenches can make all the difference in how you feel. Therapy is not for the weak, it is for the strong; those who want to rewrite their stories and live a life they will love. Vulnerability is not weakness either, it is strength, courage and bravery. To face your giant, you have to understand your own limitations, and then learn how to capitalize on your strengths. Whatever personal giant you are facing, please know that there is hope and there is help. You are not alone, and there will always be someone rooting for you in your corner.
*If you or someone you know is struggling, feel free to take a screening at