Even the Strong Need Support: Faith, Resilience, and Breaking the Silence
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In 2019, I fell to my knees, completely broken. On the outside, I seemed fine—successful, driven, a leader. But inside, I was crumbling. PTSD and suicidal thoughts had taken hold, and I felt like I had nowhere to turn. It’s easy to assume that the strong ones have it all together, but often, we are the ones suffering in silence.
Leadership and strength come with a price. We carry the burdens of others, offering encouragement, guidance, and support. Yet, when we need that same support, we often don’t ask. We suffer quietly, not wanting to burden others. But here’s the truth: even the strong need someone to check in on them.
Faith as My Anchor
In my darkest moments, faith was the only thing that kept me going. People let us down, life gets overwhelming, and the weight of responsibilities can feel unbearable. But God is always there. He has been my refuge when I had no one else to turn to. When I was stripped of everything and everyone I relied on in 2024, I had no choice but to lean fully into Him. And in doing so, I found strength beyond what I thought was possible.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28 (NASB2020)
When we surrender control and stop trying to handle everything on our own, we open the door for God to step in and provide peace. As a recovering people-pleaser and control freak, I know how hard it is to let go. But letting go was the very thing that saved me.
How You Can Support Your Strong Friends and Leaders
It doesn’t take much to show someone you care. A simple text like, “I hope you have a blessed day” or “Checking in with you” can make all the difference. The smallest acts of kindness can remind someone they are not alone.
Here are some practical ways to check in on those around you:
Schedule time for check-ins – Block out time each week to text or call a friend. Even if they seem fine, reach out.
Pay attention to changes – If a normally active and engaged person becomes distant or withdrawn, take notice.
Offer specific help – Instead of saying “Let me know if you need anything,” say “I’m here to listen if you want to talk.”
Encourage faith-based support – Direct them to Bible verses, prayer groups, or faith communities for encouragement.
Validate their struggles – Let them know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that they don’t have to bear it alone.
How to Push Through Difficult Times
If you’re struggling right now, know that you are not alone. Here are some steps that helped me, and I pray they help you too:
Lean into your faith. “God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble.” —Psalm 46:1 (NASB2020)
Talk to someone. Find a trusted friend, mentor, or faith-based counselor. If you reach out to me, I will be here for you.
Join a support community. The Lady J Empowerment Community is a safe space where you are seen, heard, and validated. Interact with the discussions and build your tribe right here!
Seek professional help when needed. Resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 in the U.S.) and faith-based counseling services can offer immediate support. I have and still use these resources. I encourage you to fill out my Transforming Trauma Into Superpowers worksheet. Together, we can do more!
Prioritize self-care. Take small steps daily to care for your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Don't burn out before taking care of yourself. Put yourself first, then you can take care of others. This is something I didn't learn until after I burnt out. I don't want that to be the case for you if we can help it.
A Community for Healing and Growth
In the Lady J Empowerment Community, we provide group and individual coaching, courses like Reclaim Your Life, and a safe space to share and grow. My mission is to empower you with faith-based strategies to overcome the enemy within and step into your greatness.
God has a purpose for your life, even when you can’t see it. If you’re struggling, reach out. And if you know someone who might be suffering in silence, be the light that reminds them they are not alone.
Let’s build each other up and walk this journey together. You are stronger than you think, and God is greater than your struggles.
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from https://www.apa.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (2024). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Retrieved from https://988lifeline.org
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org
Gotlib, I. H., & Joormann, J. (2010). Cognition and depression: Current status and future directions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 6, 285–312.
NASB 2020 Bible. (2020). New American Standard Bible 2020. The Lockman Foundation.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB 2020): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB 2020): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Watkins, J. (2020). Reclaim Your Life. Lady J Global Enterprises LLC.
