To Health

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines health as "the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit." I whole-heartedly agree, save for one minor detail. In my view of things, that little "or" needs to be changed to an "and". My body, mind and spirit are not separate entities, rather they work in unison to give me an overall sense of health and well-being. When one suffers, the others tend to suffer as well. When one aspect of my being is thriving, the others tend to benefit also. I was reminded of this on Friday.

I have been suffering from dizzy spells for eight years. Sometimes they impact my daily life, other times they don't bother me at all. For the past few months, the episodes have increased in severity to the point that I had to give up driving. In frustration, I decided to bring it up to my doctor again, although I feared the outcome (I'm usually dismissed and sent away with a prescription for an antidepressant). To my surprise and relief, this doctor actually listened to me and sent me to a neurologist.

My appointment with the neurologist followed more closely with the pattern of the past eight years, in other words, I left his office with a prescription for an antidepressant. Devastated and frustrated after the appointment, I sat in the car and cried until I couldn't cry anymore. That evening, I convinced myself that I should just take the medication. I was all set to do just that, but kept feeling a strong impression to wait until the following evening to take the first dose. The next morning, I woke up early, took advantage of the quiet, and had a nice long conversation with God. By the time my family was awake, I was convinced that this medication was not the answer for me. My frustration with the doctor had subsided (I was even thankful that he reminded me of the care my mind needs), and I could see more clearly what I needed to do.

While I believe that the dizziness I have been experiencing comes from some manner of physical assault on my body, I can no longer deny the fact that my mental health plays a role. My inability to handle stress and anxiety is not helping my body heal and recover from whatever it is that is ailing me. I have been so focused on healing my physical being that I have neglected to nurture my mental health, and at times, my spiritual health. My body, mind and spirit work as a team, and I must nurture each player on the team with equal attention and care. I'm still on the journey, but the way seems clearer.

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long."

Psalm 25:5