Yesterday was World Mental Health Awareness Day. It was also
the day that I first heard the term “status quo bias.”
Very simply, status quo bias refers to the natural human
tendency for people to prefer that things stay the way they are—even if change
is wanted, needed, or felt called for on a spiritual level.
Even though it is often irrational, our status quo bias
tells us that sticking to choices that have worked in the past is a safe and
less difficult decision than change…because change is hard and inevitably comes
with loss and grief…
In 2007, I was living with undiagnosed Generalized Anxiety
Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. I was going through the motions of
life—working, going to Divinity School, leading retreats, devoting my life to
serving others in the name of Christ—outwardly excelling but inwardly falling
apart. I carried deep hurt, shame, grief, and self-judgment, and my inner
dialogue was very damning. Time and time again, friends would suggest that I
see a therapist, but my status quo bias wouldn’t let me…
Until…
I reached rock bottom and found the courage to seek help.
And help changed my life.
Has it been easy? No.
Has it been quick? No.
Has there been grief in letting go of old patterns,
routines, and scripts? Yes.
Am I still in therapy? Yes.
Do I take medication? Yes.
Is my faith weak? No.
Do I think that God works through modern medicine? Yes.
Anxiety and Depression are no joke.
There are true chemical imbalances that sometimes need regulation
help.
Does my status quo bias still resist change? Yes.
Will my status quo bias always resist change? Yes. That’s
how we’re wired.
But will I let either my mental health or status quo bias go
unchecked in the future? No.
I hope you won’t either.
Dear God: Help us to make changes when we need to make them,
even if our status quo bias is screaming at us—especially if the changes
involve our mental health. You have given us bodies, minds, and souls. Help us
to take care of them—always. Amen.
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