The Hidden Stigma Around Mental Health
Nearly every day, I see a post or ad promoting mental health resources. Society likes to claim we’re ending the stigma—but my experience tells me otherwise. Nearly every woman I meet feels some angst about the “mental health” label. It isolates. It hurts. And it’s something we’d rather not talk about.
I get it. I’ve been there.
The Lie of Isolation
I remember attending my first eating disorder support group in the mental health department of a hospital. Walking past that “Mental Health” sign every Thursday nearly undid me. The lies in my head screamed: “There is no hope. No one understands. You are alone.”
Even though a dozen of us met each week, in my family, social circles, and church, NO ONE was talking about eating disorders—unless it was in a negative, shame-filled way.
That lie—“You are alone”—kept me stuck for years. Shame grew. Isolation deepened. And my eating disorder behaviors thrived in the darkness.
What We Believe Shapes How We Live
We act on what we believe to be true. I knew all the statistics about anorexia. I knew restrictive eating was harming me. But knowledge alone couldn’t motivate me to change.
What needed to change was my mind, my desires, and ultimately my heart.
Instead of letting feelings of fear and shame rule, I had to learn to believe: God is with me. His strength is enough—even for this. Healing wasn’t instant, but it came through daily surrender to His sovereignty.
And in that surrender, I found freedom.
God’s Promise: I Am With You
This is the central promise of Scripture: “I am with you.” Again and again, God reminds His people that they are never alone (Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 28:20, to name a few).
You may think, “That’s nice, but I can’t see God in the room with me.” I understand. As humans, we long for someone to hold our hands, cheer us on, and walk into hard spaces with us.
Here’s what I’ve come to believe: while God is not physically visible, He makes His presence known through people, places, and communities.
The Gift of Help
For years, I doubted whether I really needed another therapist, recovery group, or specialist. I made excuses. I delayed. And the isolation grew.
But looking back, I see it now: those professionals, groups, and resources were God’s way of fulfilling His promise—“I am with you.”
Even those who weren’t Christians became part of His provision for me. God truly can use all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
Accepting help was one of the hardest steps in my recovery—and also one of the most life-changing.
A Step Forward
If you’re believing the lie that you have to face food or body image struggles alone, I encourage you to take that thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Ask: Does this align with God’s truth?
The first step is always the scariest. But you don’t have to take it alone.
If you simply need someone to listen to your story, I would be honored to hold that space for you. I’ve been there, and I am a witness to God’s grace and provision.
As a Christian life coach, I help women unpack the lies they’ve been believing so they can step into freedom with food and body image.
Reach out today for a complimentary intro call: info@space4grace.ca