Written by: Sophia Roman
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Mental health challenges, particularly among today’s youth, are sometimes embraced as a form of personal “brand” or “identity”. Phrases such as “my depression,” “my anxiety,” “my therapist,” and “my medication” are increasingly common. As discussions around mental health become more open, it seems to have intertwined with our sense of self. There are individuals who seek to adopt issues that contribute to global ill health, and the body of Christ is not immune to this trend.
A shepherd’s heart
Stacey-Lee Tait serves as a pastor at Grace Chapel, a vibrant church nestled in Woodstock, Cape Town. Planted by her parents William (now with the Lord) and Evangeline Tait, Stacey-Lee is a visionary leader, deeply committed to the mission of bringing others to Christ and nurturing them in discipleship. Her brother, Jethro, serves as the lead pastor, and together, as a tight-knit family unit, they diligently fulfil God’s purposes.
By exercising wisdom and intentionally redirecting her thoughts, Stacey-Lee has discovered newfound freedom from fear and negativity.
Navigating the storm: Stacey-Lee’s journey
It all began in 2014 during Stacey-Lee’s matric year, when panic attacks seized her in the dead of night. Gripped by fearful thoughts without a discernible origin, she found herself plummeting into a dark place. Despite the loving support of family and friends, a profound sense of loneliness engulfed her. The absence of visible wounds only intensified her struggle, amplifying the sensation of losing her grip on reality. Experiencing disassociation – a hallmark of panic attacks – she grappled with a relentless onslaught of terrorising thoughts. This journey persisted for four years.
The spiritual vs. human struggle
Stacey-Lee sought solace in scripture, clinging to verses like “God has not given me a spirit of fear but of love and a sound mind.” While these words offered fleeting comfort, they proved insufficient when confronted with triggering moments, leaving her in a cycle of distress. The gap between biblical promises and lived experience remained glaringly apparent until a pivotal moment in 2018 when she confided in a close friend – a medical doctor – about her struggles.
Navigating the balance: managing vs. dealing
For years, Stacey-Lee’s journey revolved around managing her anxiety levels. Amidst significant personal losses, including the passing of her father, she remained steadfast in her ministry commitments, navigating numerous transitions. These were undeniably the toughest years of her life. While outwardly composed, internally, she grappled with profound struggles that eventually spiraled into depression. Throughout it all, she clung to her faith, finding support from her mother and friends.
A cry for meaning
“Lord, is this life? Is this all there is?” Stacey-Lee wrestled with a sense of worthlessness. With her friend’s encouragement, she sought the guidance of a Christian psychologist, resolving to confront her challenges head-on. Summoning courage, she laid bare her feelings of disappointment, grief, anxiety, and fear.
Journey of therapy
Within the therapy room, the palpable presence of God enveloped Stacey-Lee. Encountering divine grace, she courageously confronted her innermost struggles, allowing God to meet her in the midst of her pain.
Renewing the mind: a journey of healing
A transformative renewal of her mind took place. Stacey-Lee gained insight into the critical importance of managing her thoughts. Therapy served as a catalyst for retraining her mind, shifting away from negative thought patterns towards a perspective rooted in God’s Word. This journey of growth and freedom began as she relinquished the heavy burden of managing her situation and embraced courage and honesty.
Embracing community and spiritual discipline
Reflecting on her journey, Stacey-Lee emphasises the significance of community, diligent study of scripture, and the daily practice of living out its truths. Through honest prayer and surrendering her emotions to the Holy Spirit, she found empowerment to disempower negative feelings.
Maintaining mental wellness: baggage control
Recognising the importance of self-care today, Stacey-Lee emphasises the need to monitor one’s mental health. She advocates for actively disengaging from unhealthy conversations and scrutinising social media consumption. By exercising wisdom and intentionally redirecting her thoughts, she has discovered newfound freedom from fear and negativity.
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Date published: 17/04/2024
Feature image: Recognising the importance of self-care today, Stacey-Lee emphasises the need to monitor one’s mental health.
Sophia Roman – pioneer, visionary and life transformation coach. Sophia and her husband, Theo, pastor the West Reach AOG Church in Mitchells Plain.
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