EMBRACING MY ADHD JOURNEY: FINDING PURPOSE IN FAITH

In my recent blog post, I talked about a profound aspect of my life: my journey with ADHD. It all began with the unexpected diagnosis at the age of 42, prompted by my eldest son's own diagnosis at 17. Little did I know that this revelation would unearth a whirlwind of emotions and introspection, shaping my perspective on faith, identity, and acceptance.

Diagnosis and Initial Reaction:

Upon receiving the diagnosis, I was taken aback, to say the least. I never imagined that I could exhibit nearly all the symptoms associated with ADHD. It was a moment of reckoning, a blend of relief at finally understanding the reasons behind my emotional rollercoasters, bouts of anxiety and depression, and struggles with focus. Yet, intertwined with this relief were questions that pierced through my faith: What did this mean for me as a Christian? Could I still stand firm as a believer, an intercessor, a prayer warrior with a mental disorder?

The weight of societal stigma and the echoes of judgment within the walls of the church intensified the turmoil within me. I couldn't help but feel a pain of shame as I dealt with the idea of being labeled as someone with ADHD. The existing attitudes towards mental health conditions cast a shadow over my sense of self-worth and belonging. How could I reconcile the notion of being fearfully and wonderfully made with the reality of living with ADHD?

Overcoming Shame and Stigma:

In the depths of my uncertainty, I turned to the one source of comfort that never fails: prayer. Strengthening my relationship with God became my lifeline. I immersed myself in scriptures that spoke of His unfailing love and the inherent value He placed within each of us. Through daily meditation, fervent prayer, and a deep dive into His word, I began to chip away at the layers of shame and stigma that had encased my spirit.

As I journeyed deeper into faith, I uncovered a profound truth: God made me intentionally, with a purpose beyond my comprehension. Despite the opinions of society and the judgmental glances, I found comfort in knowing that I am "The 'ME' God Made." With each passing day, I embraced my identity with renewed vigor, understanding that my ADHD was not a flaw but a facet of His divine plan.

My journey with ADHD has been a testament to the transformative power of faith and acceptance. Through the valleys of doubt and the peaks of revelation, I have emerged stronger, anchored in the unwavering truth of God's love. As I continue to navigate this journey, I hold fast to the assurance that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, ADHD and all, for His glory.

Let’s Chat!

1. Have you or someone you know experienced a similar journey with ADHD or another mental health condition?
2. How do you reconcile your faith with struggles like ADHD or other mental health challenges?
3. What role does spirituality play in coping with societal stigma surrounding mental health issues?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Coach Kenya Joy ❤️

 

Additional Links and Resources:

The "ME" God Made Community

The Total Makeover

Coach Kenya Joy - Coaching Blog

The Total Makeover Store

NAVIGATING FAITH AND MENTAL HEALTH: MY JOURNEY WITH ADHD

Hey there, I’m Coach Kenya Joy. Wife, mother, author, and entrepreneur. Oh, and at 42, I got hit with an ADHD diagnosis. Funny enough, it came shortly after my eldest son got the same diagnosis at 17. Life’s curveballs, right?

Let me tell you, when I heard my son’s diagnosis, I felt like I’d failed on all fronts. As a mom, how did I miss this? And as a believer, what would others think of my child? There’s always been this cloud of judgment hanging over mental health issues in the church.

But here’s what I believe: God’s got our backs. He’s equipped doctors with the knowledge to handle our physical bodies and caregivers to support us through mental health struggles. He wouldn’t provide these resources if they weren’t meant to be used, right? And it’s not just for us believers; it’s for everyone.

 

Critique of Church Stigma:

So why the stigma in the church? It’s the enemy’s strategy to instill shame, thereby preventing us from seeking the necessary help. We don’t shy away from seeking medical help when our bodies are sick, so why treat mental health any differently? Anxiety, depression, ADHD – they’re all just battles we fight with both medical and spiritual tools.

Here’s the thing: we need to find a balance. It’s not either/or; it’s both. I lean on God for everything, sure, but that doesn’t mean I ignore the doctor’s advice. It’s about navigating the natural and the spiritual side by side. Faith doesn’t mean forsaking common sense.

Dependence on God:

Through it all, I cling to my faith in God. He’s my compass in this storm, guiding me through each decision, from choosing a doctor to figuring out the best course of action. It’s a dance between faith and practicality, and I’m learning to find my rhythm.

So yeah, ADHD threw me a curveball, but it’s also taught me to lean harder on my faith. It’s a journey, no doubt, but with God leading the way, I know I’ll come out stronger on the other side.

Let’s Chat!

1. How has your faith influenced your perspective on mental health challenges like ADHD?
2. Have you encountered stigma regarding mental health within your religious community? How did you address it?
3. In what ways have you integrated your faith with practical strategies in managing ADHD or other mental health conditions?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Coach Kenya Joy❤️

 

Additional Links and Resources:

The "ME" God Made Community

The Total Makeover

Coach Kenya Joy - Coaching Blog

The Total Makeover Store

 

SHUTTING DOWN NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

 

Hey there, ever feel like you're your own worst enemy? Yeah, me too. Negative self-talk has this sneaky way of creeping in, making you doubt yourself and your worth. But guess what? You don't have to let it win. In this blog post, I'll share some insights on how you can shut down that negative chatter using the wisdom found in God's Word.

What is Negative Self-Talk?

Do you know that voice inside your head that's always pointing out your flaws and shortcomings? Yeah, that's negative self-talk. If you have ADHD, it's like a broken record of criticism and doubt that plays on repeat, holding you back from reaching your full potential and enjoying life to the fullest.

Recognizing the Impact:

Negative self-talk comes in many flavors – from doubting your abilities to feeling like you don't deserve happiness. But here's the thing: the more you buy into these toxic thoughts, the more power they have over you, affecting everything from your mental health to your relationships.

Biblical Perspective and Solutions:

Now, let's dive into how you can combat negative self-talk using the timeless truths found in Scripture. Here's a step-by-step guide to reclaiming your confidence and silencing that inner critic:

1. Recognize Your Intrinsic Value:
• Take a cue from Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 139:14 – you are fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image. Let that sink in. You are valuable, just as you are.
2. Embrace Your Purpose:
• Remember Ephesians 2:10 and Romans 8:37 – you're not just here by chance. You were created with a purpose, and you have what it takes to fulfill it. Believe in yourself and the plans God has for you.

1. Renew Your Identity in Christ:
• Reflect on 2 Corinthians 5:17 and John 1:12 – through faith in Christ, you are a new creation, a beloved child of God. Let go of those old labels and embrace your true identity.
2. Trust in God's Plans:
• Hold onto Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 4:13 – God's got big plans for you, plans for good and not for harm. Trust in His strength to carry you through whatever comes your way.
3. Declare Truth Over Lies:
• Whenever those negative thoughts pop up, combat them with truths from 1 Peter 2:9 and Psalm 23:1. You are chosen, you are loved, and you are more than enough in God's eyes.
4. Practice Self-Compassion and Grace:
• Cut yourself some slack, just like God does. Replace self-criticism with kindness and gratitude for who you are and all that you've been given.

So, there you have it – a roadmap for shutting down negative self-talk and embracing the confidence and freedom that come from knowing your true worth in God's eyes. It's not always easy, but with His help, you can silence that inner critic and live your life to the fullest.

Let’s Chat!

1. How do you combat negative self-talk in your daily life?
2. Have you found comfort or guidance in scripture when dealing with self-doubt?
3. What steps have you taken to recognize your intrinsic value?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Coach Kenya Joy❤️ 

 

Additional Links and Resources:

The "ME" God Made Community

The Total Makeover

Coach Kenya Joy - Coaching Blog

The Total Makeover Store