Day 6: Overcome Fear and Speak
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I used to be really scared of sharks, but we've been catching them lately while fishing and they're kind of cute. Then we bumped into one while snorkeling and he was pretty relaxed. It's funny how you can be scared of something until you experience it, and then it's not too bad.
It's the same when we're starting the process of getting help with our mental ill health. We might be scared to talk about it, but then we do, and it turns out okay. We might fear going to the GP or the psychologist and then find out that they're really helpful. We may not want to talk about it with our family and friends, but then we do and find out that they're struggling too.
But instead of judging you, they end up helping you and you help them. And everybody wins. So can I encourage you to have a brave conversation and speak to someone about your mental wellbeing and start the process towards restoration?
Let’s Talk
Fear has a way of making things seem worse than they really are. When it comes to mental health, our imagination often fills in the gaps with worst-case scenarios: rejection, awkwardness, being labelled, or being misunderstood.
But like mistaking seaweed for a shark, the things we dread often shrink once we step into the light. The reality is usually much softer than the story fear tells us.
Starting the conversation…
Booking the appointment…
Letting someone in on what’s really going on…
It can feel terrifying. But it might also be the turning point. The moment where healing begins, even if just by breathing out and saying, “I’m not okay.”
You don’t have to solve everything today. You don’t need perfect words.
You just need to take one honest, brave, imperfect step.
And the Shepherd of Psalm 23 — the One who walks with you through the darkest valley — will be with you in that moment, too.
Scripture
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Mental Health Moment
It’s normal to feel anxious before seeking help — but often, the anticipation is harder than the conversation. GPs, therapists, pastors, and friends have walked with people through dark seasons before. You're not the first, and you won't be the last.
Courage is asking for help when you're unsure how you'll be received — and doing it anyway.
Practice for Today
Who is one person you could talk to about what you're carrying?
Text them now. Set up a time to chat.
Write down one sentence you could say if the words feel hard to find.
A Prayer for Courage
Jesus,
You met people in their mess and never turned away.
Help me take one step toward healing today.
Calm the fear in me.
Give me the right words — and the right people.
Amen.
