Chapter 2
PRACTICAL QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU’RE FACING
Not all emotional pain is the same. Some comes from grief. Some comes from stress. Some comes from spiritual exhaustion. Some comes from depression or anxiety. And some comes from physical or medical causes. When you’re hurting, it’s hard to know which is which. This lesson is designed to help you honestly evaluate what you’re feeling so you can understand what direction you may need to take next. There is no shame in needing help, and there is no weakness in acknowledging that something is heavier than you can carry alone.
EMOTIONAL, SPIRITUAL, AND PHYSICAL STRUGGLES
Pain affects every part of your life. Emotional struggles often show up as sadness, worry, numbness, or overwhelm. Spiritual struggles may feel like distance from God, lack of desire to pray, or confusion. Physical struggles—such as hormonal imbalance, fatigue, or medical conditions—can create emotional heaviness as well.
It’s important to recognize that these areas overlap. Depression may look spiritual when it’s actually chemical. Spiritual dryness may feel emotional when it’s actually grief. Stress may feel like depression when it’s burnout. Understanding the source of your struggle helps you take the right step toward healing, rather than guessing in the dark.
SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
Use these questions to honestly evaluate what you’re facing. You don’t have to judge yourself or overthink every answer; simply answer with honesty.
Over the last two weeks:
Have daily tasks felt overwhelming or exhausting?
Have you struggled to get out of bed or maintain normal routines?
Have you felt emotionally numb, detached, or “checked out”?
Have you felt persistent sadness, heaviness, or hopelessness?
Have you withdrawn from people or avoided social interaction?
Have you used alcohol, food, or other habits to cope with emotions?
Have you been sleeping too much or too little?
Have you had difficulty concentrating or staying focused?
Have you had moments where you felt overwhelmed for no clear reason?
Have you had thoughts that life would be easier if you weren’t here?
Have you had any thoughts of self-harm?
These questions are not meant to diagnose — they are meant to help you recognize where you truly are, not where you wish you were.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ANSWERS
Your responses help determine the kind of support that may benefit you. While everyone’s situation is unique, these general guidelines can help you understand your next steps:
0–3 “yes” answers: You may be in a temporary emotional valley. Gentle spiritual routines and support from others may help you gain stability.
4–7 “yes” answers: You are likely dealing with a deeper emotional strain. Professional counseling is strongly recommended.
8 or more “yes” answers: You are carrying more than you should face alone. Please seek professional help promptly.
Any thoughts of self-harm: This is not something to keep private. Seek immediate help and talk to someone today.
There is no shame in needing help. Reaching out is a sign of courage, not weakness.
WHEN TO SEEK IMMEDIATE HELP
There are certain situations where waiting is not wise or safe. Seek immediate help if:
You are having persistent thoughts of self-harm.
You feel like you may act on harmful thoughts.
You are unable to function in daily life.
You are experiencing intense panic, fear, or emotional breakdowns.
You are using substances to avoid feelings or numb emotions.
You feel completely disconnected from reality or people around you.
In an emergency, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
If you cannot make the call yourself, tell someone you trust and let them call with you.
INVOLVING SOMEONE YOU TRUST
One of the strongest steps you can take is telling someone what you’re feeling. It could be a spouse, friend, pastor, counselor, or family member. Saying it out loud breaks the isolation and opens the door for support.
You don’t have to give a long explanation. Even something simple like:
“Hey, I haven’t been doing well lately. Can we talk?”
or
“I’m struggling more than usual and I don’t want to deal with it alone.”
Sharing your struggle is not a burden to someone who loves you — it is an invitation for them to walk with you.
YOU ARE NOT BROKEN — YOU ARE HUMAN
This assessment is not about labeling yourself. It’s about helping you honestly understand what’s going on inside so you can take steps toward healing. Depression, discouragement, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm do not make you spiritually weak. They do not mean you’re failing. They simply mean you’re hurting — and hurting people deserve help, support, and compassion.
God sees you. God knows what you carry. And He has provided people, resources, and support to help you through this. You don’t have to face the darkness alone.