Annie’s Journal- by Annie Warner Donnelly
Hello Everyone. In Luke 2:15-20, Mary, the mother of Jesus, kept the things the shepherds told them and pondered them in her heart. Mary sets an example of pondering – thinking about – the things we see and hear.
As women, like Mary, we keep things in our hearts and ponder them, but sometimes we ponder them until they make us ill. And if we’re honest, it’s not just women who do this. It’s men and women, boys and girls, of all ages. Sometimes, we call it worry, anxiety, or fear.
Health and Wellness Canada is committed to helping Canadians improve their health in ways that fit each person’s unique needs. Here’s a quote from their website at healthcouncilcanada.ca written by Jason on April 27, 2025.
“Mental health challenges disproportionately affect women in Canada, with one in four experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions during their lifetime … statistics reveal a 30% increase in reported mental health issues among women aged 18-45 since 2020, highlighting an urgent need for targeted support and intervention.
Women face unique mental health pressures shaped by biological factors, societal expectations, and the complex interplay between career demands and family responsibilities … women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders, while postpartum depression affects up to 23% of new mothers in Canada.”
None of us have all the answers to everything. It’s important to recognize the times when reaching out to others for good, sound advice that supports God’s word is the best thing to do. Finding the resources in our community that work for our situation is an important step towards accessing the help that will benefit us for a lifetime.
When my husband was losing his battle with cancer, a social worker from the RVH Cancer Unit gave me advice I still follow today, almost three years later. Don’t be shy. Reach out. Sometimes, we just need a little help. There’s no shame in that.
Learning to trust God and to have faith in His promises got me through a lot of tough days. God will help you too! Amen.