This blog was inspired by what I talked about in my coaching and a recent conversation with someone on my team. It’s something we need to be more aware of. As you read forward, please understand this will not cause more anguish or trigger anyone. It is meant to share a journey that I have lived and desire to share so it can help others. God bless!

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly spiraling into a pit of negative thoughts? You’re not alone. I’ve been there for most of my life—living in a space where negativity consumed me, dragging me deeper into anxiety, depression, and survival mode. I often wondered how I’d ever escape it. For years, I let those thoughts dictate my mood, robbing me of joy and keeping me trapped in a cycle that seemed never-ending. In Reclaim Your Life, I wrote: "As the years went by, I felt like I just went deeper and deeper into a hole that I could not get out of... I was against me. Therefore, I could never escape the rut because I was not allowing myself to move forward." Even five years later, I still find myself slipping into that mindset. However, I've grown, and God has shown me a way out, piece by piece.

Why We Must Prioritize Mental Health

Mental health isn't something we can afford to ignore. The statistics surrounding mental illness and suicide are staggering. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year. In the United States, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) reports that suicide is the 12th leading cause of death, with over 48,000 people dying by suicide in 2021 alone. Among those who struggle with anxiety and depression, the risk of suicide is significantly higher.

Too many of us are living in survival mode, weighed down by stress, negative thoughts, and a sense of hopelessness. I know because I’ve been there—when it felt like there was no way out. But I’ve also learned that mental health is not something to take lightly. We must prioritize it or risk going so far down the rabbit hole that we can't escape. We also must learn to celebrate our small wins. If we become more self-aware and surround ourselves with others who will encourage us when those times arise, we must learn to say, “You know what? I may not have kept entirely myself out of the rabbit hole, but I didn’t go as far as I usually do.

Six Ways to Shift Your Thoughts

We can’t always control our circumstances, but we can control how we react to them. When life feels out of control, here are six ways you can shift your thoughts:

1. Practice Gratitude – Shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. Gratitude helps rewire your brain to notice the positives, even in hard times.

2. Deep Breathing – Simple, yet powerful. Taking deep breaths calms your nervous system and brings you back to the present moment, where you're in control.

3. Affirmations – Remind yourself of truths, not lies. "I am strong. I am capable. I am loved." Over time, positive affirmations retrain your brain.

4. Ground Yourself in Scripture – Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God." Let God’s Word replace fear with peace.

5. Let Go and Let God—As a recovering “control freak,” I know the struggle of releasing control to something I can’t see. But we must trust that God works, even when we don’t understand the process.

6. Shift Your Focus to Action—When you feel overwhelmed, Take one small step forward. Control the things you can, like your mindset and how you spend your energy.

Letting Go of Control

I used to think I could control everything, but that mindset only kept me in a loop of disappointment. When we refuse to relinquish control, we fight against reality. Whether you’re a believer or not, you must acknowledge something more significant. We are not meant to live in survival mode; if we do, it will destroy us from inside out. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

While I still have setbacks, I’m learning how to control my emotions, step out of the rabbit hole, and reclaim my life. To God be the glory, I am still here, and if I can do this, so can you! Let’s stay the course and do this journey together. Victory is the daily choice to let go and allow God to take over.

Are you ready to shift your thoughts and reclaim your life? Join me, and let’s take the first step together!

References

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2022). Suicide statistics. https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/

World Health Organization. (2021). Suicide worldwide in 2019: Global health estimates. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240026643

Homan, K. J., & Sirois, F. M. (2017). Gratitude, the Importance of Reframing, and Mental Health. Journal of Positive Psychology, 12(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1233341