Do you want 5 cents of psychiatry?
I heard it from the popular Peanuts comic strip. Its enterprising character, Lucy, advertised “psychiatric help” for 5 cents.
Linus went to Lucy’s office. He complained about his deep feelings of depression.
When he asked her what she can do about his depression, Lucy quickly replied, “Snap out of it. 5 cents please!”
It’s lighthearted humor. We may have momentary fun with Peanuts. We smile.
Yet looking deeper, the easy dismissal of a person experiencing real anguish is not helpful. Cure is certainly not a mere “Snap out of it!”
Nowadays, because of Covid virus, millions of people around the world are overwhelmed with truckloads of trouble.
Feelings of helplessness. Powerlessness. Anger. Fears. Despair. Hopelessness. We can’t just say, “Snap out of it!”
The world is going through a mental health pandemic, not just a medical health pandemic.
The sick world needs real help. Do you want 5 cents of psychiatry for it?
Yes, the enveloping darkness. Heavy things have been coming.
Governments and peoples do practical steps. Such as medical care, resources distribution, and counsel.
But always remember that human efforts and resources can only go so far. It’s greatest flaw is its incompleteness.
The Psalmist writes,
“I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death … you have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths … darkness is my closest friend” (Psalm 88: 3,6,18).
The present world, reeling from the ravages of the pandemic, can identify with the Psalmist’s pain.
But that is not all.
The psalmist’s lament is laced with hope in God.
“Lord, You are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to You. May my prayer come before You: turn Your ear to my cry.” (Verses 1,2, 9, 13)
The ultimate solution/cure in times of despair is to put your complete trust and hope in God.
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