Mental Health and Living with RA: Finding Faith Beyond the Pain For years, I carried a heavy weight that had nothing to do with my joints. I take two daily medications for my mental health: Fluoxetine for depression and Buspirone for anxiety. Because I’ve been on these medications for nearly two decades, I used to feel an immense, quiet shame as a Christian. I questioned my own spiritual strength and worried that relying on prescriptions made me less faithful—or less of a child of God. Today, that shame is completely broken. I know now that seeking treatment for an illness in the brain is no different than treating an illness in the body, and neither diminishes God’s power in our lives. "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." — 1 John 4:4

Mental Health and Living with RA: Finding Faith Beyond the Pain For years, I carried a heavy weight that had nothing to do with my joints. I take two daily medications for my mental health: Fluoxetine for depression and Buspirone for anxiety. Because I’ve been on these medications for nearly two decades, I used to feel an immense, quiet shame as a Christian. I questioned my own spiritual strength and worried that relying on prescriptions made me less faithful—or less of a child of God. Today, that shame is completely broken. I know now that seeking treatment for an illness in the brain is no different than treating an illness in the body, and neither diminishes God’s power in our lives. "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." — 1 John 4:4

Humor in light of things 🥹😆

https://books2read.com/u/bpBBQk

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/radical-transformation-sheretha-stewart/1150911889?ean=2940196829550

Radical Transformation Eternal Glory Part 2 is published and on bookshelves Ebooks available with the links above!!!!!!!

In Radical Transformation, Part 2 of the Eternal Glory series, Sheretha Lavon Hafford Stewart walks readers through the powerful process of spiritual and personal renewal. Moving beyond temporary quick fixes, this book offers the practical tools, encouragement, and biblical grounding needed to break old patterns and step fully into the person you were created to be.

If you are ready to stop striving in your own strength and experience true, lasting growth, your transformation begins here.

**Seeking Purpose Over Anxiety: Understanding Luke 12:31**

It is easy to get caught up in the stress of daily demands, future plans, and constant endless to-do lists. Luke 12:31 offers a simple yet profound shift in perspective: **"But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."**

Instead of letting anxiety dictate your day, this verse invites you to reprioritize what comes first.

# Three Simple Takeaways

* **Focus on Alignment First:** When you align your daily choices with faith, integrity, and purpose, the smaller details naturally fall into place.
* **Release the Weight of Worry:** Trusting in a higher plan frees up the energy you would otherwise waste on worry and fear of the unknown.
* **Trust the Promise:** Seeking the Kingdom isn't about ignoring practical responsibilities—it's about building them on a solid foundation of faith.

**A Reflection for the Day:**

What is one worry you can let go of today to make room for greater peace and purpose? Keep your heart focused on what matters most, and trust that everything else will follow.

Eternal Life 777Loveangel

**Seeking Purpose Over Anxiety: Understanding Luke 12:31**

It is easy to get caught up in the stress of daily demands, future plans, and constant endless to-do lists. Luke 12:31 offers a simple yet profound shift in perspective: **"But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."**

Instead of letting anxiety dictate your day, this verse invites you to reprioritize what comes first.

# Three Simple Takeaways

* **Focus on Alignment First:** When you align your daily choices with faith, integrity, and purpose, the smaller details naturally fall into place.
* **Release the Weight of Worry:** Trusting in a higher plan frees up the energy you would otherwise waste on worry and fear of the unknown.
* **Trust the Promise:** Seeking the Kingdom isn't about ignoring practical responsibilities—it's about building them on a solid foundation of faith.

**A Reflection for the Day:**

What is one worry you can let go of today to make room for greater peace and purpose? Keep your heart focused on what matters most, and trust that everything else will follow.

Eternal Life 777Loveangel

**Seeking Purpose Over Anxiety: Understanding Luke 12:31**

It is easy to get caught up in the stress of daily demands, future plans, and constant endless to-do lists. Luke 12:31 offers a simple yet profound shift in perspective: **"But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."**

Instead of letting anxiety dictate your day, this verse invites you to reprioritize what comes first.

# Three Simple Takeaways

* **Focus on Alignment First:** When you align your daily choices with faith, integrity, and purpose, the smaller details naturally fall into place.
* **Release the Weight of Worry:** Trusting in a higher plan frees up the energy you would otherwise waste on worry and fear of the unknown.
* **Trust the Promise:** Seeking the Kingdom isn't about ignoring practical responsibilities—it's about building them on a solid foundation of faith.

**A Reflection for the Day:**

What is one worry you can let go of today to make room for greater peace and purpose? Keep your heart focused on what matters most, and trust that everything else will follow.

Eternal Life 777Loveangel

Title: Anyone else notice how much rheumatoid meds affect mental health / mood?

Hey everyone,

I wanted to start a discussion about something that doesn't get talked about enough: the direct link between managing rheumatoid symptoms, the meds we take, and how we're feeling mentally.

Living with chronic inflammation is exhausting on its own, but the emotional side—depression, anxiety, brain fog—is very real. A few key things worth keeping in mind (and that I’ve noticed in the community):

• Lowering inflammation can actually boost mood: When biologics or DMARDs start working and lower overall systemic inflammation (cytokines), a lot of people notice the heavy "brain fog" and low mood lifting a bit. Calming the body calms the mind.
• Steroid mood swings are real: If you’ve ever been on a prednisone flare-up taper, you know the unexpected anxiety, restlessness, or irritability that can come with it. It’s helpful to remind yourself that it’s the medication talking, not you.
• Your brain chemistry and joint health are connected: Systemic inflammation directly affects neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Taking care of your mental health isn't separate from managing your physical condition—it’s all the same system.

TL;DR: Mental health struggles aren't a personal failure when you're dealing with chronic illness; they're often a biological side effect of inflammation or meds.

How have your medication changes impacted your mood or anxiety levels? What’s helped you navigate the mental health side of things?

Disclaimer: Just sharing experiences and thoughts—always talk to your rheumatologist or doctor before tweaking any meds or starting mental health treatments!

[https://books2read.com/u/bpBBQk\](https://books2read.com/u/bpBBQk)

[https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/radical-transformation-sheretha-stewart/1150911889?ean=2940196829550\](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/radical-transformation-sheretha-stewart/1150911889?ean=2940196829550)

Radical Transformation Eternal Glory Part 2 is published and on bookshelves Ebooks available with the links above!!!!!!!

*In Radical Transformation, Part 2 of the Eternal Glory series, Sheretha Lavon Hafford Stewart walks readers through the powerful process of spiritual and personal renewal. Moving beyond temporary quick fixes, this book offers the practical tools, encouragement, and biblical grounding needed to break old patterns and step fully into the person you were created to be.*

If you are ready to stop striving in your own strength and experience true, lasting growth, your transformation begins here.