Chaos or control?
Last week, I went to see my psychologist and psychiatrist. I saw one on Monday and the other on Tuesday. Usually, I like to sleep over because then I can get the most out of the sessions and not be tired from traveling.
On Monday afternoon I parked my car at Wonderboom Park in Pretoria North to buy ice-scream for Elna, where I usually stay over. I parked right in front of the entrance and was gone for fifteen minutes. When I returned, my car was gone.
The mall security came up to me and confirmed the theft. This kind of incident is a great trigger for a bipolar episode and an anxiety attack!
I turned around and walked away from the scene. I had two choices: overreact and let my emotions loose, or stay in control and work with it. The guard came up to me and asked if I was alright. I had go with him to the office to give a report. Elna picked me up and took me to the police station to report the theft. Up to this point I had not yet phoned my family. I knew that if I were to call them first, they would react and rush to get to me to see for themselves that I was okay. They would take me back home and I would miss my appointment with Dr Jerry. Only after all the reports were done and I was on my way to Elna’s house did I phone them. I made sure that I was calm and assured them that there was no need for them to worry.
At 20:40 the police called to say they had found my car with all my belongings! Naturally, I phoned home with the good news. I was still focused, and made a plan to get to the doctor and back home. This helped my family a lot.
Much later in the evening, Elna asked me how I remained so calm. I replied that I focused on God, because I knew He was in control and would make a way.
It doesn’t mean that I had no emotions or felt anxious. I just controlled it.
JAMES 1:2-4
Count it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kind, because you know that the testing of you faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.
By Deon Labuschagne
