OVERCOMING LIFE'S CHALLENGES: LET'S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

by Maureen L. Whitsett

Rising above life’s challenges to find hope and healing is what I did to overcome mental health difficulties. My testament to living with mental health every day serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that it is possible to beat the odds amid the dark moments.

    A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds, according to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children; 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be sexually assaulted by the time they reach 18, according to the Department of Justice.

      More than 90 percent of child sexual abuse victims know their attacker; (“Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement” by Howard Snyder). Approximately 70 percent of children who die from abuse are under the age of 4; (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).  About 30 percent of abused and neglected children will later abuse their children, continuing the cycle of violence; (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

      My first traumatic experience happened when I was only 10 years old and my whole world changed forever. I was sexually abused and didn’t understand what happened or what was going on. Today, I understand from a Spiritual perspective I was targeted to be destroyed early in my life by Satan. Why do I say that? I was a victim of child sexual abuse. I developed anxieties, became depressed, I felt violated, and I was no longer a happy little girl. The person that was supposed to protect me didn’t. The sexual abuse was never reported.  The normalcy of my life continued to change year after year. The sadness started as I relived the experience over and over in my mind, asking myself “Why.” 

      It is so important to forgive.  There is power in willfully forgiving others.  I harbored unforgiveness for many years and attempted to take my life on three occasions because the pain was so great. I overcame this tragedy by understanding the importance of willfully forgiving others. I didn’t know there was purpose in my life until years later. It came to me, that that was the reason I survived, I had purpose. I believe God wants to use my witness to save others from taking their lives to death by suicide.

      I don’t know what you’re dealing with, who hurt you, or what you’re holding on to. I invite you to choose to forgive today to start your healing. The Word of God says, in Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV), by Jesus’ stripes, we are healed…Jesus Christ not only came to save us from sin, but He came to make us whole. Be whole my friend. Miracles & Blessings!

Maureen Whitsett is the Author of "I Beat The Odds, There's Hope And Healing For You." Contact her at mwhitsett61@gmail.com, https://www.themaureenwhitsett.com, or follow her on social media at mlw_ibeattheodds.

I was a contributing writer for the Purpose Magazine.

(Purpose Magazine Giving More Meaning to Life, Winter Issue 2025 - https://www.purposemagazine.com/)