Tag: anxiety

When It Rains It Pours

If you have ever heard the “old saying” or (idiom); “When it rains it pours” then you probably know what it means as well.  From what I could find online the statement goes at least in a written document back to the 1700s.  Typically whenever the statement was used it had the same meaning that when one bad thing happens it typically starts a domino effect for other misfortunes.  

There often seems to be enough stress in most people’s lives from one negative event happening so when a string of negative events are triggered and one becomes surrounded by other negative events it can lead one to feeling very stressed and overwhelmed. 

Over the years working as a counselor and being in ministry I have heard many stories of life events some more traumatic and devastating than others.  Some have literally wondered where their next meal will come from after giving up years of addiction and abusive relationships and others are stressed because of fears of a new promotion at work and building onto their home and not knowing which color to paint the additions.  Both are stressed but I’m sure at different levels.  

Still when one negative event whether it be small or big can at times seem to trigger a chain reaction of happenings that will lead some to think about or verbalize the saying, “when it rains it pours.”  Stress basically is a part of life and it will come to all of us in some form.  The key is to learn how to handle life when the stress begins to pour down like rain.  Just like when it literally rains one can choose to stay inside and avoid it.  However, there are times we can’t always “hide away” and isolate ourselves from life that brings stress, but if you know a situation will likely lead to higher stress then it may be best to “stay in” away from the event.

Others may put on a raincoat or take an umbrella to “go out in the midst” of it, but not be as impacted and affected by it.  We have to let some things said or done to us just “roll off of us,” as another saying is, “like water off of a duck’s back.”  We would be living in a “dream world” if we think that we will never have negative things happen.  This is why the Apostle Paul wrote about when great suffering, distress, hardships do happen learning to endure them will build our character and help us to persevere. 

One response to what is the concept that tribulation (hard times) will lead to perseverance was answered on GotQuestions.org by this, “It originates from Romans chapter five where the biblical principle outlines a transformative sequence: enduring suffering and difficult circumstances builds endurance, which in turn develops proven character and ultimately leads to an unshakable hope.” So, when it rains and begins to pour open the umbrella of faith and soon behold rays of hope.

~TRS

July 12, 2026

Offering the Support You Would Want

As another month is coming to a close we can look back and reflect how this month of May has been set aside to take time for mental health awareness.  To become aware of something basically means to come to a knowledge or understanding of a particular subject or situation.  SAMHSA is an organization with a purpose to help bring public awareness to the topics of mental health and substance use issues. To bring awareness to the public can be done through such things as a campaign designed to educate about a topic, promote “health,” or influence social change for the better upon the topic.  

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) posts on its website that 1 in 5 US adults experience some form of mental illness each year and each year 1 in 20 will experience a serious mental illness. Also, 1 out of 7 Youth ages 6 to 17 will have a mental health disorder.  This lets us know that there are many people affected by mental health issues across the country that still work, perform, create, compete, laugh, love, and inspire each day through the lens of treatable mental health issues.  

Just like with a physical health issue there can be different stages and levels of the illness that determines what the best type of treatment for it may be.  One may have the sniffles and a headache that some rest and an over the counter medication may help.  While others may have some severe symptoms such as sudden confusion, trouble speaking, loss of balance, and a sudden headache may need more immediate attention to help save someone’s life.  

One could have had some stressful situations in life with several life changes such as moving to a new area, starting a new job, having to meet new people may cause some higher levels of anxiety or depression that is situational.  Having these symptoms may not require any counseling or very minimal with no forms of medications being prescribed.  However, there could be someone who had a parent and grandparent who had a severe mental health issue and they may be now having similar symptoms that have been greatly impacting his or her life.  This person may need to seek help and not be judged for it just like the one suffering symptoms of a stroke would not be looked down upon for seeking treatment.  

The last week of the month the theme is “Supporting Loved Ones: Connection is a powerful form of care.”  SAMHSA is raising the awareness that we all should come to know about mental health issues because if we don’t currently have an issue of our own, we either know or will know someone who does.  To be able to offer encouragement and support often starts with an understanding of the issues one faces. Only then do people tend to have more empathy and concern and show a willingness to be there for the one having to face the symptoms they are experiencing.  

Mental health like physical health issues do not discriminate.  Anyone can “develop” an issue.  Just because you don’t have a mental health issue today doesn’t mean you can’t have one later.  Therefore, learn to offer the support that you yourself would want if you have to face a mental health issue.

~TRS 5/23/26