He Didn’t Know I Had a Mental Illness When We Got Married

by | Jan 9, 2020

He didn’t know he was marrying someone with a mental illness… Mostly because we had only known each other for about five months when we got engaged. I was eighteen when he put that ring onto my finger and asked if I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. I didn’t even know I had a mental illness back then.

But I do now. I used to try and use language that made sure it sounded to others as though I had overcome some situational stress or anxiety.

“Oh yeah, I had anxiety. Somtimes I struggle with anxiety. I used to feel anxious sometimes.”

But I guess I am tired of being embarrassed about it. The truth is, every day that I am not anxious is a miracle. I live in a broken body just like you do. And while my brokenness affects my emotions, it doesn’t define my faith. (Say it louder for the people in the back, Becky!)

I have anxiety, and I am a Christian woman full of faith.

These are two independent facts about me.

I’ve written an entire book about it that will release September of this year. But I need to say something before it hits shelves this year.

As I sit here on the floor of my daughter’s room waiting for her to fall asleep… while my heart races about nothing at all and I search my mind for what has triggered this fleeting fear… the Holy Spirit is with me.

While I’m panicking, wanting to hide and avoid everything that must be done, while I try and intentionally calm my breathing, while I do everything I know to reduce the anxiety I am experiencing, He is reminding me that I am not my emotions. I am not my chemical imbalances or physical deficiencies. I’m not my hormonal issues. I am not my diagnosis. I am not my nutritional sensitivities or broken DNA.

I am a loved daughter. A cherished wife. An amazing mom. A good friend. And a powerful voice for hope in the midst of all seasons and situations.

I’m seen. I’m held. And I’m found in the eyes of those hwo love me and the One who lives in me… and so are you.

That’s the powerful promise of peace. He walks across relentless waves. He stands steady in the midst of the storm. We focus on Him calming and calling out for the winds and waves to obey… and they do. But peace remains steady all the while. That’s peace in us. HE’s steady even when storms are raging around us or within us. He’s with us both even now, friend. Even now.

Discover Peace

As a Christian woman battling chronic anxiety, I know what you're facing, but I also know that there is hope and healing for your anxious heart.

Meet Becky Thompson

I’m Becky Thompson. I’m the author of  Hope Unfolding, Love Unending, Truth Unchanging, My Real Story, Midnight Mom Devotional (which I co-wrote with my own momma, Susan Pitts), and Peace. They’ve been USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and ECPA bestsellers. They’ve been on store shelves in Target, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, and even Cracker Barrel. Most importantly, they are connecting women to what Jesus says is true.

I began writing online in 2013 when I created a small fashion blog which grew dramatically in just one year. After one of my articles went viral, I found myself with a large following and opportunities I hadn’t imagined.

In 2016 I founded the Midnight Mom Devotional Community on Facebook which I run with my momma. With one million moms joining together in nightly prayer, we are one of the largest nightly prayer movements in America. We invite you come join us!

I host the Revived Motherhood Podcast, which became one of the top Christian podcasts in America just weeks after it debuted. Season two releases soon!

In my day to day life, you’ll find me living just outside of Nashville, spending my time as a wife to my husband, Jared, and a momma to our three kids.

I’m so glad that you have found your way to this website. For more information or for booking inquiries, please use the contact page.

So much love!

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