The Miracle of Medication and The Formula for Success

 Throughout my life medication has played a major role in dealing with everything from the common cold to Mental Illness. Today I am grateful for pain medication. Before the MRI I was in a great deal of pain and since then the pain has been relieved a great deal through the miracle of medication. Because of it I have been able to function normally and have been more comfortable than in quite a while.

As I indicated pain meds have not been the only miracle in my life. I have been using psychiatric medication most of my life and they have saved my life. I've needed to change medication throughout the years as they have lost their effectiveness. Approximately six months ago I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital because my meds stopped working, I was under extreme stress and depression had taken a viscous grip on my life. Thanks to Sherrie and my psychiatrist my life was saved as I was contemplating ending it. I went to meet with my psychiatrist and because my psychiatrist and Sherrie had such empathy, they recognized how dark and desperate my situation was my psychiatrist said, "You are going to the hospital." I was admitted and my path to healing began. 

Because of this help sent from God, I was again able to reengage in what I call, The Formula for Success for People with Mental Illness. I. God II. Medication III. Sleep IV. Therapy V. Exercise and VI. Diet.

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It first begins with involving God in our lives. regardless of whether you pray to, involving a higher power fills our lives with purpose, hope, and Love. “That love never changes. … It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.” (President Thomas S. Monson October 2013) 

Second, getting on the correct medication opens the mind to the rest of the formula because without medication the desire to improve is diminished. Though it has improved the world's view of being on medication, it has a negative image, but I testify that it is a miracle that God has provided.

"If things continue to be debilitating, seek the advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values. Be honest with them about your history and your struggles. Prayerfully and responsibly consider the counsel they give and the solutions they prescribe. If you had appendicitis, God would expect you to seek a priesthood blessing and get the best medical care available. So too with emotional disorders. Our Father in Heaven expects us to use all of the marvelous gifts He has provided in this glorious dispensation. (Elder Jeffery R. Holland October 2013)

Third, Sleep. Sometimes medication is part of getting proper sleep. After all, when we get good sleep, we are more prepared to take on the daily challenges.

Fourth, Therapy. Once our minds are clearer and we feel some hope return that is not the end but the beginning. Working with a professional to adjust the way we think, talking through our challenges, and gaining tools for dealing with the burdens we carry can be miraculous 

Fifth Exercise. I found this to be very empowering and liberating. It provides hidden energy and floods the brain and body with feel-good chemicals. 

Sixth Diet. What we eat affects us profoundly and avoiding processed foods, soda and other food of our day infuses our body with energy. Engaging this formula has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.

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After about two months of being on FLMA from work my meds had taken effect and I was feeling close to normal again I was ready to return to work. Unfortunately, while I was absent, they figured out how to do my job without me. So, when I returned, I found that they had eliminated my position and consequently I was laid off. Gratefully, they gave me severance pay to soften the blow though I felt a little betrayed. What now we thought? My experience most of my career has been in being self-employed, starting companies, and doing business consulting. I had taken my last position as I decided to work for someone instead of for myself. I was pretty worn out and felt that was the best option. So again, what now? We still felt the best choice was working for someone again but doing what?

Through much prayer and fasting we decided to try a new career path in Human Resources. I had a great deal of experience over the years though I had never been specifically in an HR position. So, we decided the best thing would be to get some training and earn an HR certificate. I was in the middle of this process when we found out about the cancer. If the prognosis is good then I will continue this path, if not, we will see what the Lord would have us do. 

I have been a little long-winded but this process has been attended by angels and we’ve been guided by the Holy Ghost. What comfort we have felt and the joy that comes from the knowledge of the Great Plan of Happiness has helped us to marshall on. As President Russel M. Nelson has taught, 

"My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives." (October 2016)

The Lord is in the details of our lives, and He will not leave us comfortless. We will triumph in the end.