Mental illness is no indicator of failure

"If you've lost someone, please remember that mental illness has swallowed whole millions of well-loved people. It is no respecter of persons or families. It is no indicator of failure. It makes no concessions for intentions. It tempts us to take on its blame and shame, but that is a great lie."

I just read these words by Jen Hatmaker, posting about the suicide of her friend's 18-year-old son.

So powerful. I'm posting them as a reminder to myself and to others out there dealing with hard stuff.

Here's the rest of the post:

Dear ones, if you are struggling, feeling alone and hopeless, please call someone. Reach out. Ask for help. You are desperately wanted and needed on this earth. You are not alone. There is no scarcity of hope; a portion exists for you specifically. You are created with much purpose. God loves you entirely. You are not a mistake. 

If you love someone with mental illness, I send so much love and strength to you in your difficult, sometimes confusing, important work. Thank you for staying close. Thank you for intervening. May you find rest when you are weary. Ask for help. Let people love you too. Let them in. You are doing your very best. There is no handbook here. 

If you've lost someone, please remember that mental illness has swallowed whole millions of well-loved people. It is no respecter of persons or families. It is no indicator of failure. It makes no concessions for intentions. It tempts us to take on its blame and shame, but that is a great lie.

💓