Hi..has anyone found any type of healing by volunteering with people similar to you? I suffer from anxiety, depression and ptsd. I am also struggling with trying to figure myself for the things that I have done that were totally out of character. I am considering volunteering for the local suicide prevention center as I feel that if I give back, maybe I will heal myself also,
Any thoughts? Thanks.
I can recommend that, Usedtobehappy. Being there for others has changed my own perspective on things.
I was told to look after myself first and at times just take breaks and have someone trusted you can talk to about those situations. I hope that the volunteer organization will be able to provide that.
I think it's a very powerful thing to be there for someone and people tend to feel different about hearing from someone who has gone through things themselves.
This is really a powerful step and idea...
Thank you...that is encouraging!
Thank you!
It’s good when you’re in the right place to volunteer with others. However it’s not useful to try to work your own trauma out through helping others. I found myself in a very bad place when I went into volunteering too soon before I had healed from my own trauma. What would happen is I would continually be triggered by other people’s trauma and I found myself getting very unwell. I would assume that volunteering with a suicide prevention centre would come with regular group supervision sessions. This is not supervision in being oversighted but discussing different cases and finding out what one could have done better or in a different way with a client of the service. I wish you well on what you decide.
I agree. We have to be stable ourselves to give support to others.
many people speak of healing through giving and being needed. I volunteered for a time with people with Down syndrome. They were the kindest, most gentle people and gave a lot of love.
I think that is a wonderful idea. That is one of the reasons why I reach out on this forum is to encourage and support others who struggle with anxiety and depression. I believe God has us go through different trials and circumstances in our life for just that, to become stronger, be able to relate and help others going through similar situations. I also have read articles that when you volunteer and help others, it takes your mind off of all your self-concerns and towards supporting and encouraging others.
This article bit.ly/3du0yrQ is directed towards children, but I find the foundation of what is shared is inspirational on why volunteering is good for all of us. I would love to hear what you decide and if and when you do start volunteering how it was for you. Please keep in touch. I will be keep you in my prayers. Hugs and God Bless
Thank you for your encouraging response. I have always loved to help people. In the past, I worked in many outreach programs with my church. I have been trying to find a reason why God took my once relatively ‘normal’ life and turned it upside down right before a very important event in my life. Perhaps this volunteer effort is a calling from him and that I will find my answer there. I will let you know. Blessings to you!
One thing I have learned is not to question why? If we do that we can drive ourselves crazy. All I know is my depression, though extremely hard to go through, has helped me be more sensitive to others struggling. I also can be encouraging and a support. Therefore, I know God is in control and has a plan and purpose beyond my understanding. One of my favorite bible verses is: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. I am happy to chat anytime. Feel free to PM me. Hugs
Volunteering is great but that sounds very intense.
There’s probably a lot of opportunities but that might be too much for you,
Heal yourself first.
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