That whole segment about mental health issues while being a christian is so important, the pastor that founded my church had a whole preaching about how both him and his wife dealed with depression in many different occasions while serving God, they're both in their 70s so it was wild to me how after so long and with so many taboos surrounding that topic he was able to be honest about it so the other pastors and members of the church could not fall in that vicious cycle of feeling like a bad christian at your lowest. I'm so happy you're doing better now ♡
This is what a REAL pastor is. One that serves god as his child. There are so many pastors faking it who are unemotional and won't open up. People need pastors who are willing to share their hearts. You have an amazing pastor 🙌
God always loves you. God always forgives you. I’m going to check and see what programs/advice/opinions my church offers for depression. Having struggled through depression before the light at the end of the tunnel is hard to see, but it is there. Without the love of the church I would not have made it through. But I never directly sought help for that issue. My other needs were my other needs were met and my life became better. I had more things to be happy about. And sought mental health support outside the church. Medications whatever you put in your body you need to inform yourself about. Granted at the time you are not always able and the pharmacist should catch bad interactions. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Praying for you always ❤
I'm mean, I'm not exactly christian per say, but I does warm my heart to picture God and Jesus like really nice and paternal bros who would make me mac'n'cheese when I'm feeling down and ask if I need anything from the market. I do'nt see the point in seeing a hateful god who would only accept people on their better days, but rather a loving father who would be there in the bad days too, just chilling at your side and understanding that pain has it's part on life.
My mom is deeply religious. When she was diagnosed with depression and started taking medication, she was so ashamed of what she interpreted as a personal weakness that her mental health got even worse. Shame doesn't make people healthy, but honesty does. I appreciate your willingness to be open about your experiences so much, because watching my mom live through that was incredibly painful. I hope you're having a wonderful Christmas!
THANK YOU for sharing your story. I’m a Christian who is also a clinical mental health counselor. I can’t explain how important it is to get rid of this narrative that God is mad at people who suffer from mental health struggles. You have a voice that so many people listen to and I am extremely proud of you for using it to tell your story and help others 💕
What i found shocking was how paganism leaned more into spirits explaining stuff, but psychology has its roots in Christianity. Tldr, demons can't be the cause of your sad feelings, because theres one god, and Jesus's death means the devil can't hold power on earth. Therefore, if you have what we now know is depression, theres a different cause. Thats the original church belief. I feel like that could be comforting to modern Christians too
@@dismurrart6648 genuine question, I thought Jesus died so we wouldn't have to pay the price of our sins, and the reason we sin is because the devil tempts us? Not disagreeing with ur conclusion though, depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain and is an illness. The argument to not take meds is so dumb, it's like telling someone with a headache to not take a painkiller because the headache is the devil and they need to just power through.
@soup6000 he did but the og church argued witches and werewolves aren't real because that'd mean you got power from someone other than God. That holds over today in how rare it is for the church to do exorcisms. In societies where demons cause disease and mental illness, you see them and spells far more often.
@@soup6000we sin because we have free will to make right and wrong choices. And no human is perfect. Another thing that is a big misconception is that when we sin it's the "devil". While the devil can influence us, ultimately it is our choices that leads to or away from sin
Amen And Amen! The first therapist I went to said it was all in my head, which made my depression worse, but the second I went to actually helped me so much because she took my issues seriously! They were both Christian women. I’m so thankful for the second one and for the Christians around me who didn’t judge me. It only showed me more and more how much God loves me even and especially when things are darkest. I now write songs about it so I can encourage others too. :)
Hey Barbie! Don't let anyone tell you anything: I'm 28, deeply depressed since I was 12. Started antidepressants like 2 years ago and they've improved my life immensely. Happy to know they've help you too. Sending love ❤
Same here. It’s weird how I tried to do everything that they told me to do but it only worked when I started to take my medicine. Mental health is really dangerous, I’m not 100%, but with the pills I’m WAY more productive, happier and hopeful for a future. None of theses things were possible before. ❤
Also, don’t give up just because the first type of antidepressant you tried didn’t work. I tried about 4 different types (2 of which actually made my depression even worse) until I found the one that worked for me!
In addition to the other comments, medications for depression take months to take effect so don't worry when it doesn't work immediately. It may be frustrating but don't give up and just trust the process.
And listen to healthcare professionals more than to people that only talk about their opinions (in matters they're not educated in). Would you rather want a priest to remove your appendix or a surgeon.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Micarah. Anti-depressants changed my life too. Mental illness is like any other illness - you can’t ’evict’ it from your body!
tbh i'm super glad you were transparent about your difficulties earlier in the year. i think its vital for people to hear about how it can happen to any of us, and how its important to not shut people down for being depressed, and how medication can honestly help a ton.
As someone who went through calling off a wedding & a really dark, difficult time emotionally following that (on top of a long history of family rejecting mental health care because Christians shouldn't struggle with that), you are not alone! So happy to hear you got help & are beginning to thrive again, thank you for sharing your journey to encourage others to do the same!
I am so thankful for how open you are about sharing your mental health struggles! As a Christian as well I hate how people act like God is angry at you for being depressed. He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18)! As always, AMAZING job on the dress and I wish you an incredible Christmas and amazing 2024 :)
Many years ago when I still identified as a Christian, it always bothered me when I was told stuff like that. "Depression is from the devil. You should never be lonely because Jesus/God is with you. Don't ever question ANYTHING that comes from God, because that brings the devil in to your life, etc." Studies have shown that Christianity is on the downswing as a religion and I think its because of stuff like this. In my opinion God doesn't think people should never be lonely, nor does he think that depression is from the devil or any other weird thing that people claim. God knows how humans are because, well, He made them, right? I think along the way, a few Christians have gotten Christianity wrong and unfortunately those Christians are the loudest ones... *cough* Westboro Baptist Church *cough*
@@13lilsykosI'm so sorry for the negative experiences you had. That nonsense is not from God, it is not Biblical and it's not a part of Christianity. I don't understand people who claim to be Christian but will say such hurtful things and push people away from God. I also think you are right about some of the "preachers" out there. People preaching the prosperity gospel, name it and claim it, NAR, charismatic, etc, really make God and true Christians look bad. Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Jesse Duplantis, Bill Johnson, Joyce Meyer, Paula White, Creflo Dollar, T.D. Jakes, Benny Hinn, et al., will have to answer for their false teachings and the many people they caused to turn away from God. I pray that you find a church where the preacher gets his sermons directly from the Bible and the congregation is made up of true Christians who welcome you. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
When i was going through a really bad time mentally I would read Psalms 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" a lot, it was one of the few things that kept me going. :)
Antidepressants CHANGED my life. Like so much so that I'm not even on them anymore, because they were so good that they helped me be able to have a clear enough head to learn how to live without them. So happy for you that you found something that helped. Also this editing is so much more chaotic than usual and I LOVE it.
Yes! This!! I'm not on them either anymore, because they did their job. In some cases I know they're needed long-term, but sometimes they just act as a little step stool to get you out of your hole. And once you're out, you're out!
@@MicarahTewers I'm so happy for you, people just need a boost sometimes! Unfortunately when I tried to go off them, I ended up in the hospital, lol, whups.
I'm just now seeing this and I have to tell you this is what I needed. I'm going through the same thing. I'm a follower of Jesus and I'm almost 4 months post partum and dealing with depression. Thank you for sharing something so vulnerable and helping me to feel like I'm not alone.
Yes ma'am, I dealt with the same thing! I encourage you to reach out to your ob/gyn for solutions - you don't have to feel this way. I did a low dose of Zoloft, and I was myself again in a few weeks. I came off the medication a few months later completely fine. I pray that you find healing in this very difficult, vulnerable time. 🖤
Please don't get confused about what God thinks of this. He is not angry with you. He is not punisthing you. He is not leaving you. He is there with you, feeling your pain, and He will stay with you through all of it. I really hope you get the help and support from the people around you and feel God's love despite your situation. I'll say a little prayer for you
There is a joke my grandma tells that may be comforting to you. A storm descends on a small town, and the downpour soon turns into a flood. As the waters rise, the local preacher kneels in prayer on the church porch, surrounded by water. By and by, one of the townsfolk comes up the street in a canoe. "Better get in, Preacher. The waters are rising fast." "No," says the preacher. "I have faith in the Lord. He will save me." Still the waters rise. Now the preacher is up on the balcony, wringing his hands in supplication, when another guy zips up in a motorboat. "Come on, Preacher. We need to get you out of here. The levee's gonna break any minute." Once again, the preacher is unmoved. "I shall remain. The Lord will see me through." After a while the levee breaks, and the flood rushes over the church until only the steeple remains above water. The preacher is up there, clinging to the cross, when a helicopter descends out of the clouds, and a state trooper calls down to him through a megaphone. "Grab the ladder, Preacher. This is your last chance." Once again, the preacher insists the Lord will deliver him. And, predictably, he drowns. A pious man, the preacher goes to heaven. After a while he gets an interview with God, and he asks the Almighty, "Lord, I had unwavering faith in you. Why didn't you deliver me from that flood?" God shakes his head. "What did you want from me? I sent you two boats and a helicopter." God is with you and even help that may not appear religious initially (therapy, medicine, hiring help) is from Him. I hope you feel better soon! A lot of women go through this and it is not discussed enough.
I hope you are doing better by now. And even if you are not, that is okay too. You are doing the best you can under the circumstances and with the resources you currently have. God knows you and knows this. Reaching out for help from other people or professionals IS you taking action to help yourself. Many mothers struggle after childbirth and that is normal, life changed in a huge way and the stress and hormones do the rest. If God knows all His children He knows this. And His help can come in many forms, through many different people. I wish you all the best and I hope you know you are doing a good job with your baby. Even talking about these struggles shows admirable inner strength.
As a Christian who also struggles with mental health, I'm so freaking proud of you for actively doing things that will make your brainspace better, even if it's hard. You're doing great, Barbie
Absolutely, I had post partum depression and I went on zoloft. I am also a Christian I remember feeling conflicted but I had a baby to take care of and anything that made me a better Mom. Clinical Depression is horrific
Literally what happened with me too and I’m still on Zoloft. It made me realize how long I had truly been struggling but felt like I didn’t trust God enough. Finally i realized medicine is not morally wrong to take. We take care of other health issues so why not our minds? The most important part! ❤️
Gonna echo these other two mamas (bad anxiety pre-pregnancy meant AWFUL postpartum for me, and Zoloft was a God-send) and commenter to say that I'm SOOOO proud of you and honestly, God's heart was probably breaking for you in those moments where you felt like He was condemning you!
Thank you for sharing about your depression experience. I was also raised very religious and I put off getting help for my mental health for so long because I was ashamed and it almost killed me. A dear friend told me we would never shame someone with diabetes for using insulin and it was like a lightbulb clicked, sometimes our brains just don’t work like they should and the answer to prayer is modern medicine. I hope your story can be an inspiration to others who are struggling ❤
This is AMAZING!!!! 1. The dress looked fantastic! (sometimes frolicking in a dress is therapy) 2. It's hard to open up on the internet about personal struggles (thank you for being real) 3. When I've been through seasons of hardship it has not been easy to stay my humorous self
As someone who is also religious (Jewish) and has had mental health struggles for a very long time, I want to thank you for speaking out about your struggles. The way religious communities often stigmatize mental health issues is so harmful and a Christian role model like you spread awareness will help so many people. Merry Christmas and I'm so glad you're doing better ❤
My journey with antidepressants was just the same as you, it is incredible to notice how much pain we are carrying when its lifted. I really hope you're much better now, ily micarah next year will be better for everybody
Thank you for sharing your struggles micarah!! As a Christian is makes me so sad when pastors just tell people stuff that doesn’t help when they’re going through depression! So glad you’re feeling better and I am SO impressed with your growth in your channel!! I appreciate all the effort you put into these videos! Merry Christmas! Your house looks wonderful🎄
Thank you for being so open Micarah. When I started anti depressants I had exactly the same response from those around me in the church. God pointed me in the direction of Job and Joseph-their suffering was just a part of life, not something that they brought on themselves. It's been 7 years since I started medication and I am the happiest I've been since I was a kid. God sees your pain, know that He has provided doctors with the skills required to make meds that fix your brain chemicals. You are loved and you are seen.
This idea of a “good, god-fearing American” is so bizarre to me (an atheist from the UK, for context). If you have to believe in a god, why would you want to be fearful? Are you so morally bankrupt that you can’t make good decisions without fear of repercussions? I doubt you are, so no need to be fearful of judgement from some higher power. If I were to be spiritual, I’d want the happy, safe, ‘kindness is in the ether’ concept, rather than ‘you are being watched and will be punished’.
@@M1nn0w Hmm, you do ask a great question- most people don't even bother to think about these things. It's definitely bizarre if you think of the word fear in that context, but in this case it's because "fear" has another meaning contextually. The word fear (and in some contexts of older English language) can also mean reverence and respect. This is what lead me to believe that over time, since words and language change, people didn't really understand what the Bible meant when it said to "fear God." It took me a while to figure that out. Other translations of the Bible may word it differently, but they will mean the same thing. And what convinced me more of that is that God is saying as many times as around 365 times in the Bible to "be not afraid." And this is spanning from the Old Testament all the way to the new. I find Isaiah 41:10 to be probably one of the best examples of this. In my experience, just saying this verse has quelled very intense social and situational anxiety that I've faced before, every time that I ask for His help. Wouldn't you say that naturally every decision one makes has some sort of result/repercussion? A a good parent would teach their child that we need to make good choices in life, because it betters ourselves and others. And even a choice that isn't necessarily bad in that moment, can have monumental effects later on in life. Good parents can be hard on their kids sometimes, but it's because they know the best for them. God is really no different than that. Our morals as humans stem so far back into our ancestry, and I've found that even with all the changes in the world, there still seems to be some things we humans hold onto. We have all been given a conscience that knows right from wrong very deep down (which can depend on how one was raised, but very deep down there seems to be a general consensus among most). It's even mirrored in our laws and practices today, people go to jail for stealing, and murdering, and the likes. I would say that the only beings that should ever actually be afraid of God, should be Satan and his league. An unbeliever or wrongdoer can be afraid of God, or even the concept of a God, because some people just don't want to accept that they do wrong things sometimes, or that their life doesn't entirely begin and end with themselves in the forefront. It's comparable to someone who's running away from the law if they broke it. So most definitely people are living in actual 'afraid-ness' of God, even more-so with some people's perception of Him to begin with. People have to find out for themselves who God really is, because it's a personal connection. Anyways, people don't like feeling like they're being judged. Nobody likes looking at the wrong they've done, or even at how they are capable of doing wrong (even though it's a healthy thing to do). Or, it could be that they do know, but they don't know that Jesus can save them through His immense sacrifice for everyone, everywhere. God's standards of right and wrong are far different from humans, as God is perfect, and we are not (some people think that birds aren't real!! And we tend to think we're the smart ones lol). If more people know about God, and His redeeming and loving nature, and His ability to turn little silly snots like me into better people by admitting our wrongs and asking Him to change us, given we revere Him and His word, and follow what He instructs, then I know that no one will have to be afraid of anything anymore. Sorry to talk your ear off, I am in no way a succinct person, I hope to be someday though. If you ever do read this, I hope you have a very good day.
Feeling like this was a sign from above. I’m meeting with a psychiatrist tomorrow morning to talk about finally going on antidepressants after feeling like I’ve been stuck at the bottom of a hole for a year. I’ve been really scared of antidepressants my whole life (there’s a lot of stigma around medication in my family) and I keep wanting to cancel, but if there’s a chance this could change my life I feel like I have to go through with it. Thanks for being so honest and vulnerable with your audience- I’m wishing all of us a peaceful and joyful 2024. The gown came out beautifully by the way ( : PS: I also lick the bag lmao
Wishing you the best of luck at your appointment tomorrow! I was scared before I started on antidepressants too. 1 month in and I wished I had started taking them years earlier. You’re doing the right thing and I hope it goes well for you💖
Yes! Good job taking care of yourself 😊 and remember that even if the first type of pills don’t work, it’s okay there are many more. Took me 4 meds but finally found the one that made me able to live in peace again ❤
What a rollercoaster, indeed. I’m so sorry went through everything this year and that Christian thing……. Yeah I wish there was more talk on Christianity with mental health, but I’m so proud of you for persevering and for constantly trusting God in this time that you’re in. ❤ so much, and thanks for yet another chaotic video.
Yeah I think it's because so many of them are evangelicals. Here in the netherlands everything is so low key but then suddenly a wild evangelical pops up wondering if you have accepted Jesus as your savior or you're going to hell and oh yeah faith healing coming from the devil. At least they didn't tell me I needed to give a bunch of money to get any money and have a megachurch and private planes to avoid the demons.
Medication and therapy together are absolutely life changing. I'm so glad that you've been able to address your mental health and take care of yourself! You deserve a good quality of life
As a long time sufferer of clinical depression and as someone who is on medication as well...there is absolutely nothing wrong with you for seeking help!
thanks Micarah because Christians get sad too. God isn't disappointed, He knows He programmed us with emotions (exhibit A: the entire book of Psalms, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, & Song of Solomon). He even sent comfort to Jonah, Daniel, Jesus, and Hagar when they were going through lows. I recommend Victory Boyd's song "I Don't Have to Pretend". Happy holidays ♥️🕊️
This!! I’m so glad Micarah doing better, but it frustrates me that the mentality she experienced people in the church having towards mental health even still exists, when there are so many examples of people struggling in the Bible. And I love Victory Boyd 😊
I put that in my comment too! I don’t know why so many of our brothers and sisters expect everyone to be on top of the mountain all the time because we have Jesus. He definitely helps immensely but these bodies we live in groan and I think depression and mental issues are those groans that will pass away one day.
As a Mexican where mental health isn't taken seriously and you're told to suck it up, power through, and not be weak, I am so happy to hear you talk about getting beneficial professional help, I did so myself without my parent's knowledge and it helped immensely, and I just recently found out that being open about it to my friends last year has helped one of them seek help recently and it has helped them as well, talking about it has a positive impact, you'll help a lot of people Micarah
Major props Micarah for being courageous, transparent, and strong about your mental health journey!!! I'm so happy that the help you received is working for you 💓
So glad you’re doing better Micarah!!! As a Christian, I’ve seen progress around the stigma of mental health, but we’ve still got a long way to go!! Something that has helped me is reading lamentations and psalms, knowing people who were near to God still felt the full weight of their depression and despair!!! Yet God did not forsake them or abandon them!!!
I also read through lamentations during a deep depression. I also recommend Job while going through physical illness. Sometimes you need the reminder that you can do everything thing right and still get sick, because sickness is not a punishment for sin
Micarah, I am praying for you. I am about your mother’s age and am a born again Believer. I suffered severe post partum depression with 2 of my 5 children. I attacked my mental health on every level. Mental illness is as much a physical, emotional and spiritual disease as it is mental and therefore affects every.single.part of your being. Do not ignore your grief, but keep fighting for your joy! I spent lots of time in prayer and praise. I sought counseling. I was on meds for awhile. I changed my diet to include lots of good fats for the brain and nervous system while getting rid of garbage foods that depleted my nutrients. I moved. Gentle exercise increase wellbeing and endorphins. I slept. If that means meds or natural things to help then so be it! Biblical figures suffered depression…David, Elijah, Jonah, Job, Moses and Jeremiah. Even Jesus suffered great anguish!
A house that "leaves no room for loneliness" is a perfect home, and I'm so glad you get to celebrate your first Christmas (and hopefully many more!) in it.
Micarah went from not really being into Christmas decor to having countless Christmas trees in her Clue house. That right there is character development!
Same. I was hoping for a Barbie Holiday Dress video and .... Yay!!! Plus I so appreciate all the hard work behind the scenes which went into setting all this up and producing the video. The amazing amount of emotional bravery displayed is a bonus I'm both grateful for and sorry it was necessary at all.
poll- yes 11:41 - scared me , immediately went back to view frame by frame just to calm my mind*uck down. thank you for sharing the recap❤ wish you and your loved ones good health , days of joy and lots of godly love.
Micarah, we are all so grateful for you. I’m sorry your year was full of sadness, I’m hoping 2024 treats you well and you love your new house! Happy New Year!!
As a preachers kid with depression and on anti depressants I’m so happy you’re doing better! I love this series you’re so talented!! You would absolutely rock the old holiday Barbie looks too!
Props to your pops for calling around to try to get you help. The past 3 years have been an extra struggle for most of the planet. Glad you are improving ❤
You’re one of the only channels I watch with full attention, without doing something else at the same time. 😂 I’m sorry you dealt with so much turmoil this year; I had a similar experience when spiritual injury led to a major depressive spiral in college, and likewise got unhelpful advice from the church. Using antidepressants for a few years really helped me climb out of it and I’ve since found a more understanding church community. I hope you find the help and support you need ❤
Im so glad you shared your story at the beginning of the video. Im on a religious journey myself and i struggled with depression a few years ago relating to my bisexuality. I heard so much negativity and just bad advice from church leaders that caused me so much pain. I realized just like you did that God doesnt hate anyone and loneliness and sadness is not the absence of faith (i mean look at Job) im glad you are making efforts to better yourself and i hope God blesses you and your family
Anyone that is judging you has no right to there is nothing wrong with your sexuality. Organized Religion is extremely hypocritical. For example Christianity claims thou shalt not kill that murder is a sin, but Christianity and Muslim religion have murdered insane amounts of people in the name of religion. Those groups would say satanism is evil, but satanists have committed far less murders
Thanks for sharing your story with us! If I hadn’t been open about my own mental health struggles, I wouldn’t have received the help I needed. I vowed that day I would not hold back from sharing my struggles with others in hopes that they seek out help, too. ❤
Micarah, your early 2023 is pretty much beat for beat my 2020, minus the relationship part. I am SO glad you've found help both in doctors (and helpful pharmacists!) and in therapists, and hopefully in your faith as well. God didn't make us to be alone -- especially for us extroverts. We thrive on being around people, after all! I'm really proud of the work you've done and the growth you've gained this year, and thank you so much for the light of fun and creativity you bring to others. May your 2024 be full of blessings and brainstorms, and here's to sleeves on next year's Christmas Barbie. XD
hi micarah i’m 13 and was diagnosed with depression a month and a half ago. my parents have brushed it off and no one talks about it. ur videos make me so happy 💕💕 thank you for sharing ur journey!
I know how it feels to have unsupportive parents when it comes to mental health, it sucks bad. but once you're older and can go to therapy and to a psychiatrist by yourself, everything kinda becomes a little easier, at least for me, I'm 23. It's not perfect, but please know that your feelings are valid and you will eventually be able to work things out ❤
Hey i was diagnosed the same age as you and my parents had similar attitudes. I'm 25 now and no longer suffer from depression :) it can get difficult, but it sure can get better!
This happened to me when I was a teenager too and I wish that I had tried harder to get help at that age. Talk to school guidance counselors, it’s such a difficult conversation to have and it’s hard to keep advocating for yourself but it’s worth it
thanks guys for the support, i’ve actually been seeing a therapist for around 6mos from past trauma and that helps somewhat… diagnosis was from a doctor and immediately after my mom said “she’s just having a rough day..”
I had depression for most of my teen years. Maybe see if there's any teen groups for mental health in your area. They usually have resources for free or discounted therapy/emergency resources. I think there's probably text lines too. (I'm up in Canada so unsure of the US ones.)
I'm so sorry you went through that struggle in your faith, but also so grateful for you for sharing it. I find it so ignorant when Christians put other Christians down for something as normal amd common as depression. I could go on a whole rant about it, but I'm sure you heard it all during your journey. I hope your friends and family were and continue to be a great support system as they seem to be from your videos. Thank you for being unapologetically you as always ❤ Hope 2024 treats us all better!
Aw Micarah hunny I'm praying for your mental and physical health. You're amazing! The Lord doesn't put us through anything we can't handle. As long as you keep moving with the Lord you'll get through. I'm so sorry for the loss of your stepdad. My heart is breaking for your poor mother. I've missed your videos and I'm so happy you're back to shining for God and the world. (Oh on a happier Note) You have to lick the popcorn bag! All the salt and butter are there. Lol I love you sweetheart God bless you and your family always.
Thank you for sharing your story, it is so similar to my battle with depression. The stigma placed on mental health struggles only makes them harder, when what we need is to know we are still loved and support when we're feeling so bad ❤ And also, warm toned, for sure!
I just want to say, I’m so proud that you were able to recognize and that the people in your life recognized you needed help and got you some. I am a teenager who has been in meds for three years and after finding the right ones, it truly saved my life so I’m glad it helped you a lot too
Micarah, I’m so proud of you for sharing your experience with us. I’ve struggled so much with the same issues with religion and mental health, and to hear someone I admire share the same experiences is a uniquely validating thing. I’m proud of you for accepting the help you needed even though it might have been scary to do so. I’m just learning to do this myself with therapy. There’s no shame to be had in antidepressants. They save lives all the time and no one has the right to tell you you’re wrong or less than for taking them.
As someone who is a Christ follower and got my clinical mental health counseling degree from a seminary, I’m so sorry that the church perverted your view of mental health. And somebody from the mental health community we cannot thank you enough for being vulnerable and sharing because it really does help others. I’m SO glad that you were able to pursue the supports and get you feeling better! 💕
I’m not actually religious but I’m so happy for you that you were able to get support and improvement for your mental health without having to let go of something so important to you! Very glad for your sister and dad being so awesome, it’s so important to have friends/family helping us when we ourselves can’t see clearly anymore ❤
Oh wow, this definitely took a turn I was not necessarily expecting. But I am kind of glad it did. I think many religions folks struggle with depression and what it means faith-wise. I think it is good and important that someone with the respect and platform you have to speak on it, it can help people feel less alone. Also, to answer the poll, I also picked the inside of popcorn bags, especially the kettle corn ones
That's so rough. I was raised religious, too, but mental health issues were never shameful. Many saints struggled with Depression. Reak Despair is a sin, yes, everything else, no. Taking medication? If it helps, sure, science is a Gift from the holy spirit, the plants are for food and healing. (And most medication is a Derivate of plants.) It breaks my heart that people use religion to shame people's mental health...
You scrape the bag for the butter lol.. Girlie pie, I am so sorry Godly people did not support you in a season when you needed them. I currently work in a very large church and am coming out of a season of depression - yes you can be a Christian and experience mental pits at the same time. I am grateful you are surrounded by loving and supportive people who continue to point you to Jesus. Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you for being so open Micarah. I’m also a Christian and I just want to tell you that everyone go’s through Rough patches in life. Sometimes depression is a result of that. Depression is not something you can control, and is definitely not something God would be mad at you about. I really enjoy the New Covenant Community Church live streams. I really like their pastor, pastor Ben, and l definitely recommend you check them out! The church is also in Ohio
I’m judging you hard, and I think it’s FANTASTIC that you recognized you were struggling, and got help! ❤ That shows such strength and, as a former Sunday school teacher, I assure you God wants you to take care of yourself. As do we all. P.S. your editing skills are top-notch!
what is so fanasic about taking an easy road? It's the same as choosing vodka to deal with your problems, sure, they will go away as long as you are drunk.
@@kalinamalina4492 it’s not the same as alcohol… at all. secondly, what is wrong with taking the “easy road”? why must we live our lives on hard mode? if someone is severely depressed and struggling, why would you want them to choose a path that is hard and will keep them from getting better? if you’re not going to be supportive, don’t watch her and don’t comment on her videos. have some empathy, compassion, and human decency. be kinder.
@@kalinamalina4492antidepressants are not the “easy road. They are the way for you to deal with your problems without being drowned in your own brain, not the same as an alcohol addiction either. It’s actually the same as blood pressure medication. Medication doesn’t cure hypertension, it lowers the blood pressure that would eventually cause bigger problems. Yes, you can lower your blood pressure with exercise and relaxation, but even then some people need medication because just “dealing with it” is not enough. It’s honestly sad that you think that people who seek actual help are taking the “easy road” as if that should be frowned upon
@@kalinamalina4492Next you'll say that you shouldn't give medication to terminal illnesses? There's no such thing as an "easy road" through depression, but if anything, God enabled people to develop things like antidepressants to help us through life.
You know I had kinda hated the design for this year’s holiday Barbie because of the shawl, but when you made it I actually liked your version. You do some very good work on top of being incredibly entertaining, maybe next year they will finally give you some long sleeves 😂
I thank God for my Savior Jesus, and for my antidepressant. I’m SOO glad you’re feeling better. I wouldn’t wish depression on my worst enemy. Gods pulling you close and giving you hugs, I know it. ❤
I also had a very intense year, my husband left me and I had to figure out how to be an adult on my own for the first time and learned that I can do terrifying things and be a person that I never could have imagined. We got this.
This recap is so heartfelt and real in addition to being your usual chaos and humour. I’m so glad you’re speaking about this especially with all the mental health stigma out there.
As a fellow sufferer of auto immune diseases I send you many blessings and prayers for a great 2024. Love the dress and video. Can't wait to see much more of your videos in the coming year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
You are one of the only people I've heard talk about what getting in the right medications is like. If I'd known how helpful they were sober, i would have skipped probably a decade of trying to skate uphill with weights on. Thank you for bringing a voice to this common experience!
My mom has dealt with a lot of chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases for over ten years now. There was a woman in our church who she really looked up to who basically said that my mom wasn't healed of her sicknesses because she didn't believe in God strongly enough, and as someone who was already in an overwhelming amount of constant pain, it was crushing for her to hear from someone she had trusted. There will always be some people who want to find easy fixes to anything that isn't a visible pain. There are so many beloved Christians who need medication to help and I'm so glad you got the help you needed!!! I'm sorry you went through such a rough year and hope that your mental health and spiritual life grow better and stronger with each passing day
I’m really sorry you had Christians responding that way to how you were feeling and downplaying the depression. I felt like asking for help (via therapy for me) was wrong for a long time because of people in the church too. But now I’m at a church where people support with Scripture and encourage counseling or therapy when needed. (I’m doing much better too) Very glad you got the help you needed and are doing better! I hope your journey continues to grow you in wonderful ways. Your videos always make me smile and I agree, this might be my favorite of your holiday Barbie dresses
1) yesss i licked the popcorn bag. i think i was the only one of my siblings to do it so they treated it like it was weird 2) i’ve been considering opening up online about my struggles with religion too and the first part of the video gave me an extra boost of encouragement to do so ❤ thank you for sharing and side note- yes there are some people who judge others for utilizing medication to assist in their mental health struggles, but those people lack empathy and are not the voices to listen to. there can be side effects and medication does not work for everybody nor suit everybody’s situation but that is why you work with a doctor to determine which one to try. clearly it helps many and i am proud of you (and anyone reading this) for taking the steps to get help and trying methods suggested by doctors to get you to a better place.
Run to Jesus!!! + If you have defected from God then read these Scriptures: (Lost Sheep, Luke 15:1-7 - Lost Coin, 15:8-10 - Lost Son, 15:11-32 - Rich Man and Lazarus, 16:19-31) Jesus is calling you back home, read His word, believe and repent. Saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone!. + The world is racing toward "AMAGEDDON" !!! And people need to get right with the Lord! If you have not read the books of (Daniel chapters 7-12), (Ezekiel chapters 37-39) (Matthew chapters 24:1-51 + 25:1-30), (1 Thessalonians chapters 1-5), (2 Thessalonians chapters1-3) and (Revelation chapters 6-19), now would be a good time. They will explain a lot about what is going on right now! These books will cover the "Wars" about to come, the Rapture, World judgement, hence the Tribulation and the Great Tribulation! These books will also be the most ominous and scary for the unbelievers and the most exciting and uplifting for those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!... It is my hope and prayer that people would repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ before all these things take place, because it is going to be very, very scary if you do not and you decide to wait and see what happens! + All glory be to the our God, Jesus Christ. Amen.
I've found that a great way to build character is spending time with people that have life experience and help them, for example in charities. Old people, sick people etc.😊
This year has been a nightmare for me and my antidepressants are one of the only reasons I made it so HIGH FIVE OF SOLIDARITY! I'm actually proud of you for taking meds and doing what's best for you and your life journey. May we both have muuuuuuuch much better 2024s
Thank you thank you so so much for sharing ur recap. I’m not religious myself but I really appreciate you sharing ur experience with religion and mental health. Not only is this a difficult topic to discus (very proud of you) but also you just put the religion in such a positive light. I think the media focuses a lot of negative stigma around Christianity (and so many other religion) which can lead others to jump to conclusions. Sharing your story has just helped in so many ways.
I’m sorry to hear that 2023 was a rough one for you. Thanks for coming out with another amazing holiday Barbie video and wishing you all the luck and happiness for 2024!
Being a Christian I know some people in the church who think that way- but I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by ones who encouraged me to get help. Getting on antidepressants and starting therapy saved my life! I’m so glad you got the help you needed ❤️
Thank you for opening up about your struggles throughout the year, we all so appreciate it. Also I am so hoping the next holiday barbie dress is green!! Both for your sake and for mine, I would love to see that
As someone who also started SSRI’s this year I can say my life has not only been changed but saved. I feel shocked this is what normal is supposed to be because I just feel so, okay all the time.
Yes. Thank you for talking about your health struggles, I know how difficult that can be, and as somebody who has gone through it I really appreciate it.
You know it's truly Christmas when Micarah posts her holiday Barbie vid. Thank you for your openess. As someone who's also struggling with depression and anxiety, I applaud you for your frankness and wish you all the best ❤❤
Micarah turning herself into Holiday Barbie is the equivalent of watching Home Alone on Christmas.
Yes!
fax
For sure!
Last years. Same. !
I was waiting for it !!
That whole segment about mental health issues while being a christian is so important, the pastor that founded my church had a whole preaching about how both him and his wife dealed with depression in many different occasions while serving God, they're both in their 70s so it was wild to me how after so long and with so many taboos surrounding that topic he was able to be honest about it so the other pastors and members of the church could not fall in that vicious cycle of feeling like a bad christian at your lowest. I'm so happy you're doing better now ♡
This is what a REAL pastor is. One that serves god as his child. There are so many pastors faking it who are unemotional and won't open up. People need pastors who are willing to share their hearts. You have an amazing pastor 🙌
Thank you. It's nice to hear common sense are still taught from a pulpit. Sadly not so much where I come from.
God always loves you. God always forgives you. I’m going to check and see what programs/advice/opinions my church offers for depression. Having struggled through depression before the light at the end of the tunnel is hard to see, but it is there. Without the love of the church I would not have made it through. But I never directly sought help for that issue. My other needs were my other needs were met and my life became better. I had more things to be happy about. And sought mental health support outside the church. Medications whatever you put in your body you need to inform yourself about. Granted at the time you are not always able and the pharmacist should catch bad interactions. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Praying for you always ❤
So glad someone commented this, it's important people hear that ...
I'm mean, I'm not exactly christian per say, but I does warm my heart to picture God and Jesus like really nice and paternal bros who would make me mac'n'cheese when I'm feeling down and ask if I need anything from the market. I do'nt see the point in seeing a hateful god who would only accept people on their better days, but rather a loving father who would be there in the bad days too, just chilling at your side and understanding that pain has it's part on life.
My mom is deeply religious. When she was diagnosed with depression and started taking medication, she was so ashamed of what she interpreted as a personal weakness that her mental health got even worse. Shame doesn't make people healthy, but honesty does. I appreciate your willingness to be open about your experiences so much, because watching my mom live through that was incredibly painful. I hope you're having a wonderful Christmas!
THANK YOU for sharing your story. I’m a Christian who is also a clinical mental health counselor. I can’t explain how important it is to get rid of this narrative that God is mad at people who suffer from mental health struggles. You have a voice that so many people listen to and I am extremely proud of you for using it to tell your story and help others 💕
What i found shocking was how paganism leaned more into spirits explaining stuff, but psychology has its roots in Christianity.
Tldr, demons can't be the cause of your sad feelings, because theres one god, and Jesus's death means the devil can't hold power on earth. Therefore, if you have what we now know is depression, theres a different cause.
Thats the original church belief. I feel like that could be comforting to modern Christians too
@@dismurrart6648 genuine question, I thought Jesus died so we wouldn't have to pay the price of our sins, and the reason we sin is because the devil tempts us? Not disagreeing with ur conclusion though, depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain and is an illness. The argument to not take meds is so dumb, it's like telling someone with a headache to not take a painkiller because the headache is the devil and they need to just power through.
@soup6000 he did but the og church argued witches and werewolves aren't real because that'd mean you got power from someone other than God.
That holds over today in how rare it is for the church to do exorcisms. In societies where demons cause disease and mental illness, you see them and spells far more often.
@@soup6000we sin because we have free will to make right and wrong choices. And no human is perfect. Another thing that is a big misconception is that when we sin it's the "devil". While the devil can influence us, ultimately it is our choices that leads to or away from sin
Amen And Amen! The first therapist I went to said it was all in my head, which made my depression worse, but the second I went to actually helped me so much because she took my issues seriously! They were both Christian women. I’m so thankful for the second one and for the Christians around me who didn’t judge me. It only showed me more and more how much God loves me even and especially when things are darkest. I now write songs about it so I can encourage others too. :)
Hey Barbie! Don't let anyone tell you anything: I'm 28, deeply depressed since I was 12. Started antidepressants like 2 years ago and they've improved my life immensely. Happy to know they've help you too. Sending love ❤
Same here. It’s weird how I tried to do everything that they told me to do but it only worked when I started to take my medicine. Mental health is really dangerous, I’m not 100%, but with the pills I’m WAY more productive, happier and hopeful for a future. None of theses things were possible before. ❤
Also, don’t give up just because the first type of antidepressant you tried didn’t work. I tried about 4 different types (2 of which actually made my depression even worse) until I found the one that worked for me!
In addition to the other comments, medications for depression take months to take effect so don't worry when it doesn't work immediately. It may be frustrating but don't give up and just trust the process.
And listen to healthcare professionals more than to people that only talk about their opinions (in matters they're not educated in). Would you rather want a priest to remove your appendix or a surgeon.
Yeah, antidepressants saved my life. There should never be any shame in taking them.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Micarah. Anti-depressants changed my life too. Mental illness is like any other illness - you can’t ’evict’ it from your body!
same my anti depressants probably saved my life!!
@@ememem2952same here :) they keep me stable enough to figure it all out. Glad we're all still here.
Couldn't agree more. I'm on week 2 of anxiety medication. It's important to treat your illnesses and I wish I did this sooner.
She just needs a good man who will take care of her support and love her
@@watermelonlover745….
tbh i'm super glad you were transparent about your difficulties earlier in the year. i think its vital for people to hear about how it can happen to any of us, and how its important to not shut people down for being depressed, and how medication can honestly help a ton.
As someone who went through calling off a wedding & a really dark, difficult time emotionally following that (on top of a long history of family rejecting mental health care because Christians shouldn't struggle with that), you are not alone! So happy to hear you got help & are beginning to thrive again, thank you for sharing your journey to encourage others to do the same!
Same girl same 2023 sucked!
I am so thankful for how open you are about sharing your mental health struggles! As a Christian as well I hate how people act like God is angry at you for being depressed. He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18)! As always, AMAZING job on the dress and I wish you an incredible Christmas and amazing 2024 :)
Many years ago when I still identified as a Christian, it always bothered me when I was told stuff like that. "Depression is from the devil. You should never be lonely because Jesus/God is with you. Don't ever question ANYTHING that comes from God, because that brings the devil in to your life, etc." Studies have shown that Christianity is on the downswing as a religion and I think its because of stuff like this. In my opinion God doesn't think people should never be lonely, nor does he think that depression is from the devil or any other weird thing that people claim. God knows how humans are because, well, He made them, right? I think along the way, a few Christians have gotten Christianity wrong and unfortunately those Christians are the loudest ones... *cough* Westboro Baptist Church *cough*
Hail Satan! 👹
@@13lilsykosI'm so sorry for the negative experiences you had. That nonsense is not from God, it is not Biblical and it's not a part of Christianity. I don't understand people who claim to be Christian but will say such hurtful things and push people away from God. I also think you are right about some of the "preachers" out there. People preaching the prosperity gospel, name it and claim it, NAR, charismatic, etc, really make God and true Christians look bad. Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Jesse Duplantis, Bill Johnson, Joyce Meyer, Paula White, Creflo Dollar, T.D. Jakes, Benny Hinn, et al., will have to answer for their false teachings and the many people they caused to turn away from God. I pray that you find a church where the preacher gets his sermons directly from the Bible and the congregation is made up of true Christians who welcome you. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
When i was going through a really bad time mentally I would read Psalms 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" a lot, it was one of the few things that kept me going. :)
Came here to say the same thing. ❤
Antidepressants CHANGED my life. Like so much so that I'm not even on them anymore, because they were so good that they helped me be able to have a clear enough head to learn how to live without them. So happy for you that you found something that helped. Also this editing is so much more chaotic than usual and I LOVE it.
Yes! This!! I'm not on them either anymore, because they did their job. In some cases I know they're needed long-term, but sometimes they just act as a little step stool to get you out of your hole. And once you're out, you're out!
+
@@MicarahTewers I'm so happy for you, people just need a boost sometimes! Unfortunately when I tried to go off them, I ended up in the hospital, lol, whups.
The trick is finding a doctor who will help you get off the SSRIs.
@@lizthedisjointedzebra692some have really bad withdrawals
My brother and I absolutely licked the popcorn bags. Also I was so confused at 11:42 by the change in model. 😂
Also 11:57
Came here to say the same thing!
same! like what
NA I FRIGGIN ATE THE BAG then spit it out again and formed a gross lil pile :3
Same
I'm just now seeing this and I have to tell you this is what I needed. I'm going through the same thing. I'm a follower of Jesus and I'm almost 4 months post partum and dealing with depression. Thank you for sharing something so vulnerable and helping me to feel like I'm not alone.
Yes ma'am, I dealt with the same thing! I encourage you to reach out to your ob/gyn for solutions - you don't have to feel this way. I did a low dose of Zoloft, and I was myself again in a few weeks. I came off the medication a few months later completely fine.
I pray that you find healing in this very difficult, vulnerable time. 🖤
Please don't get confused about what God thinks of this. He is not angry with you. He is not punisthing you. He is not leaving you. He is there with you, feeling your pain, and He will stay with you through all of it. I really hope you get the help and support from the people around you and feel God's love despite your situation. I'll say a little prayer for you
There is a joke my grandma tells that may be comforting to you.
A storm descends on a small town, and the downpour soon turns into a flood. As the waters rise, the local preacher kneels in prayer on the church porch, surrounded by water. By and by, one of the townsfolk comes up the street in a canoe. "Better get in, Preacher. The waters are rising fast." "No," says the preacher. "I have faith in the Lord. He will save me."
Still the waters rise. Now the preacher is up on the balcony, wringing his hands in supplication, when another guy zips up in a motorboat. "Come on, Preacher. We need to get you out of here. The levee's gonna break any minute." Once again, the preacher is unmoved. "I shall remain. The Lord will see me through."
After a while the levee breaks, and the flood rushes over the church until only the steeple remains above water. The preacher is up there, clinging to the cross, when a helicopter descends out of the clouds, and a state trooper calls down to him through a megaphone. "Grab the ladder, Preacher. This is your last chance." Once again, the preacher insists the Lord will deliver him. And, predictably, he drowns.
A pious man, the preacher goes to heaven. After a while he gets an interview with God, and he asks the Almighty, "Lord, I had unwavering faith in you. Why didn't you deliver me from that flood?" God shakes his head. "What did you want from me? I sent you two boats and a helicopter."
God is with you and even help that may not appear religious initially (therapy, medicine, hiring help) is from Him. I hope you feel better soon! A lot of women go through this and it is not discussed enough.
@mayam9575 Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate it.
I hope you are doing better by now. And even if you are not, that is okay too. You are doing the best you can under the circumstances and with the resources you currently have. God knows you and knows this. Reaching out for help from other people or professionals IS you taking action to help yourself. Many mothers struggle after childbirth and that is normal, life changed in a huge way and the stress and hormones do the rest. If God knows all His children He knows this. And His help can come in many forms, through many different people.
I wish you all the best and I hope you know you are doing a good job with your baby. Even talking about these struggles shows admirable inner strength.
As a Christian who also struggles with mental health, I'm so freaking proud of you for actively doing things that will make your brainspace better, even if it's hard. You're doing great, Barbie
Absolutely, I had post partum depression and I went on zoloft. I am also a Christian I remember feeling conflicted but I had a baby to take care of and anything that made me a better Mom. Clinical Depression is horrific
Literally what happened with me too and I’m still on Zoloft. It made me realize how long I had truly been struggling but felt like I didn’t trust God enough. Finally i realized medicine is not morally wrong to take. We take care of other health issues so why not our minds? The most important part! ❤️
Gonna echo these other two mamas (bad anxiety pre-pregnancy meant AWFUL postpartum for me, and Zoloft was a God-send) and commenter to say that I'm SOOOO proud of you and honestly, God's heart was probably breaking for you in those moments where you felt like He was condemning you!
“We might eat our placentas but we DON’T eat other women”
Needs to be on some doula/midwife/obgyn merchandise. 10/10 girl you got your funny back 💕💅🏽
As someone who has eaten my placenta but never other women, I can verify that this is true.
as a lesbian i disagree
Confirmation that Micarah isn't remotely sapphic lmao
lol ain't that right@@annaphallactic
Thank you for sharing about your depression experience. I was also raised very religious and I put off getting help for my mental health for so long because I was ashamed and it almost killed me. A dear friend told me we would never shame someone with diabetes for using insulin and it was like a lightbulb clicked, sometimes our brains just don’t work like they should and the answer to prayer is modern medicine. I hope your story can be an inspiration to others who are struggling ❤
This is AMAZING!!!!
1. The dress looked fantastic! (sometimes frolicking in a dress is therapy)
2. It's hard to open up on the internet about personal struggles (thank you for being real)
3. When I've been through seasons of hardship it has not been easy to stay my humorous self
As someone who is also religious (Jewish) and has had mental health struggles for a very long time, I want to thank you for speaking out about your struggles. The way religious communities often stigmatize mental health issues is so harmful and a Christian role model like you spread awareness will help so many people. Merry Christmas and I'm so glad you're doing better ❤
I'm glad you're here 🤍
@@abbyjcongdon 💗
Dude, Psalms 143 and 139. The Bible doesn't agree with fake optimism.
It's not fake optimism. It just lifts the fog. If Job got himself some medication for his painful disease, do you think God would be angry?
You are not alone. Not only did I lick the inside of the popcorn bag, but I also taught my daughter how to do it 😅
The kids in my family home all did this. Exactly as you described. My Daughter, Neice’s, and nephews was seen doing this.
Meh.
I definitely did this as well.
Can also confirm I did this way too much (:
My journey with antidepressants was just the same as you, it is incredible to notice how much pain we are carrying when its lifted. I really hope you're much better now, ily micarah next year will be better for everybody
Thank you for sharing your struggles micarah!! As a Christian is makes me so sad when pastors just tell people stuff that doesn’t help when they’re going through depression! So glad you’re feeling better and I am SO impressed with your growth in your channel!! I appreciate all the effort you put into these videos! Merry Christmas! Your house looks wonderful🎄
Thank you for being so open Micarah. When I started anti depressants I had exactly the same response from those around me in the church. God pointed me in the direction of Job and Joseph-their suffering was just a part of life, not something that they brought on themselves. It's been 7 years since I started medication and I am the happiest I've been since I was a kid. God sees your pain, know that He has provided doctors with the skills required to make meds that fix your brain chemicals. You are loved and you are seen.
🙌🙌🙌
This idea of a “good, god-fearing American” is so bizarre to me (an atheist from the UK, for context). If you have to believe in a god, why would you want to be fearful? Are you so morally bankrupt that you can’t make good decisions without fear of repercussions? I doubt you are, so no need to be fearful of judgement from some higher power. If I were to be spiritual, I’d want the happy, safe, ‘kindness is in the ether’ concept, rather than ‘you are being watched and will be punished’.
@@M1nn0w Hmm, you do ask a great question- most people don't even bother to think about these things. It's definitely bizarre if you think of the word fear in that context, but in this case it's because "fear" has another meaning contextually. The word fear (and in some contexts of older English language) can also mean reverence and respect. This is what lead me to believe that over time, since words and language change, people didn't really understand what the Bible meant when it said to "fear God." It took me a while to figure that out. Other translations of the Bible may word it differently, but they will mean the same thing. And what convinced me more of that is that God is saying as many times as around 365 times in the Bible to "be not afraid." And this is spanning from the Old Testament all the way to the new. I find Isaiah 41:10 to be probably one of the best examples of this. In my experience, just saying this verse has quelled very intense social and situational anxiety that I've faced before, every time that I ask for His help. Wouldn't you say that naturally every decision one makes has some sort of result/repercussion? A a good parent would teach their child that we need to make good choices in life, because it betters ourselves and others. And even a choice that isn't necessarily bad in that moment, can have monumental effects later on in life. Good parents can be hard on their kids sometimes, but it's because they know the best for them. God is really no different than that. Our morals as humans stem so far back into our ancestry, and I've found that even with all the changes in the world, there still seems to be some things we humans hold onto. We have all been given a conscience that knows right from wrong very deep down (which can depend on how one was raised, but very deep down there seems to be a general consensus among most). It's even mirrored in our laws and practices today, people go to jail for stealing, and murdering, and the likes. I would say that the only beings that should ever actually be afraid of God, should be Satan and his league. An unbeliever or wrongdoer can be afraid of God, or even the concept of a God, because some people just don't want to accept that they do wrong things sometimes, or that their life doesn't entirely begin and end with themselves in the forefront. It's comparable to someone who's running away from the law if they broke it. So most definitely people are living in actual 'afraid-ness' of God, even more-so with some people's perception of Him to begin with. People have to find out for themselves who God really is, because it's a personal connection. Anyways, people don't like feeling like they're being judged. Nobody likes looking at the wrong they've done, or even at how they are capable of doing wrong (even though it's a healthy thing to do). Or, it could be that they do know, but they don't know that Jesus can save them through His immense sacrifice for everyone, everywhere. God's standards of right and wrong are far different from humans, as God is perfect, and we are not (some people think that birds aren't real!! And we tend to think we're the smart ones lol). If more people know about God, and His redeeming and loving nature, and His ability to turn little silly snots like me into better people by admitting our wrongs and asking Him to change us, given we revere Him and His word, and follow what He instructs, then I know that no one will have to be afraid of anything anymore. Sorry to talk your ear off, I am in no way a succinct person, I hope to be someday though. If you ever do read this, I hope you have a very good day.
Feeling like this was a sign from above. I’m meeting with a psychiatrist tomorrow morning to talk about finally going on antidepressants after feeling like I’ve been stuck at the bottom of a hole for a year. I’ve been really scared of antidepressants my whole life (there’s a lot of stigma around medication in my family) and I keep wanting to cancel, but if there’s a chance this could change my life I feel like I have to go through with it. Thanks for being so honest and vulnerable with your audience- I’m wishing all of us a peaceful and joyful 2024. The gown came out beautifully by the way ( :
PS: I also lick the bag lmao
Wishing you the best of luck at your appointment tomorrow! I was scared before I started on antidepressants too. 1 month in and I wished I had started taking them years earlier. You’re doing the right thing and I hope it goes well for you💖
I’m so happy for you. You can do this, step by step ❤.
Yes! Good job taking care of yourself 😊 and remember that even if the first type of pills don’t work, it’s okay there are many more. Took me 4 meds but finally found the one that made me able to live in peace again ❤
I'm rooting for you
Good for you! Note: sometimes it takes a month or so, or
you have to try a few to get the right one/ combination so be patient. ❤❤
This woman never fails to make me giggle senselessly. Love her so much ❤
What a rollercoaster, indeed. I’m so sorry went through everything this year and that Christian thing……. Yeah I wish there was more talk on Christianity with mental health, but I’m so proud of you for persevering and for constantly trusting God in this time that you’re in.
❤ so much, and thanks for yet another chaotic video.
As a fellow pastor's wife in Australia, I'm happy to know not all American churches are absolute bonkers. You got this, girl ❤️
Definitely not, I swear most of us are pretty cool 😅 the psychos really love to ruin it for everyone
Yeah I think it's because so many of them are evangelicals. Here in the netherlands everything is so low key but then suddenly a wild evangelical pops up wondering if you have accepted Jesus as your savior or you're going to hell and oh yeah faith healing coming from the devil. At least they didn't tell me I needed to give a bunch of money to get any money and have a megachurch and private planes to avoid the demons.
and here we all find ourselves back another year…
Medication and therapy together are absolutely life changing. I'm so glad that you've been able to address your mental health and take care of yourself! You deserve a good quality of life
As a long time sufferer of clinical depression and as someone who is on medication as well...there is absolutely nothing wrong with you for seeking help!
thanks Micarah because Christians get sad too. God isn't disappointed, He knows He programmed us with emotions (exhibit A: the entire book of Psalms, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, & Song of Solomon). He even sent comfort to Jonah, Daniel, Jesus, and Hagar when they were going through lows.
I recommend Victory Boyd's song "I Don't Have to Pretend". Happy holidays ♥️🕊️
This!! I’m so glad Micarah doing better, but it frustrates me that the mentality she experienced people in the church having towards mental health even still exists, when there are so many examples of people struggling in the Bible.
And I love Victory Boyd 😊
This!!!!
Even Jesus said "why have you forsaken me?" ... i mean... as Christians we shouldn't condemn a feeling Jesus had, I would say.
I put that in my comment too! I don’t know why so many of our brothers and sisters expect everyone to be on top of the mountain all the time because we have Jesus. He definitely helps immensely but these bodies we live in groan and I think depression and mental issues are those groans that will pass away one day.
Exactly! And he blessed us with so many resources to help!
As a Mexican where mental health isn't taken seriously and you're told to suck it up, power through, and not be weak, I am so happy to hear you talk about getting beneficial professional help, I did so myself without my parent's knowledge and it helped immensely, and I just recently found out that being open about it to my friends last year has helped one of them seek help recently and it has helped them as well, talking about it has a positive impact, you'll help a lot of people Micarah
It's awful how many cultures are stuck in that backwards way of thinking.
Good on you for putting your health before others small minded judgements.
I am so glad you sought and received the help that you need. Your honesty is inspiring.
Major props Micarah for being courageous, transparent, and strong about your mental health journey!!! I'm so happy that the help you received is working for you 💓
So glad you’re doing better Micarah!!! As a Christian, I’ve seen progress around the stigma of mental health, but we’ve still got a long way to go!! Something that has helped me is reading lamentations and psalms, knowing people who were near to God still felt the full weight of their depression and despair!!! Yet God did not forsake them or abandon them!!!
Amen❤❤❤👏👏
I also read through lamentations during a deep depression. I also recommend Job while going through physical illness. Sometimes you need the reminder that you can do everything thing right and still get sick, because sickness is not a punishment for sin
@@mrluvpups then why does it exist?
Micarah, I am praying for you. I am about your mother’s age and am a born again Believer. I suffered severe post partum depression with 2 of my 5 children. I attacked my mental health on every level. Mental illness is as much a physical, emotional and spiritual disease as it is mental and therefore affects every.single.part of your being. Do not ignore your grief, but keep fighting for your joy!
I spent lots of time in prayer and praise. I sought counseling. I was on meds for awhile. I changed my diet to include lots of good fats for the brain and nervous system while getting rid of garbage foods that depleted my nutrients. I moved. Gentle exercise increase wellbeing and endorphins. I slept. If that means meds or natural things to help then so be it!
Biblical figures suffered depression…David, Elijah, Jonah, Job, Moses and Jeremiah. Even Jesus suffered great anguish!
A house that "leaves no room for loneliness" is a perfect home, and I'm so glad you get to celebrate your first Christmas (and hopefully many more!) in it.
the popcorn bag is honestly the best part of the popcorn
SHE CONTINUES TO SERVE EVERY YEAR!!! Also I’m happy to see you taking steps to care for yourself ❤❤
Micarah went from not really being into Christmas decor to having countless Christmas trees in her Clue house. That right there is character development!
This has basically become a holiday tradition for me, and I am so excited to see this years dress!
YES!! same here! I literally anticipate this now 😂
Same. I was hoping for a Barbie Holiday Dress video and .... Yay!!! Plus I so appreciate all the hard work behind the scenes which went into setting all this up and producing the video. The amazing amount of emotional bravery displayed is a bonus I'm both grateful for and sorry it was necessary at all.
poll- yes
11:41 - scared me , immediately went back to view frame by frame just to calm my mind*uck down.
thank you for sharing the recap❤ wish you and your loved ones good health , days of joy and lots of godly love.
Saw that too, so was it her?
No :)
Same. I'm so confused, who is that?
Micarah, we are all so grateful for you. I’m sorry your year was full of sadness, I’m hoping 2024 treats you well and you love your new house! Happy New Year!!
As a preachers kid with depression and on anti depressants I’m so happy you’re doing better! I love this series you’re so talented!! You would absolutely rock the old holiday Barbie looks too!
Props to your pops for calling around to try to get you help.
The past 3 years have been an extra struggle for most of the planet. Glad you are improving ❤
No honey. I’m so so so proud of you for choosing your mental health over lies
It’s so jarring seeing her in a house but I’m so proud of how far she has come over the years
You’re one of the only channels I watch with full attention, without doing something else at the same time. 😂
I’m sorry you dealt with so much turmoil this year; I had a similar experience when spiritual injury led to a major depressive spiral in college, and likewise got unhelpful advice from the church. Using antidepressants for a few years really helped me climb out of it and I’ve since found a more understanding church community. I hope you find the help and support you need ❤
Same! Im fully entertained for twenty thirty minutes and sad when its over
Im so glad you shared your story at the beginning of the video. Im on a religious journey myself and i struggled with depression a few years ago relating to my bisexuality. I heard so much negativity and just bad advice from church leaders that caused me so much pain. I realized just like you did that God doesnt hate anyone and loneliness and sadness is not the absence of faith (i mean look at Job) im glad you are making efforts to better yourself and i hope God blesses you and your family
Anyone that is judging you has no right to there is nothing wrong with your sexuality. Organized Religion is extremely hypocritical. For example Christianity claims thou shalt not kill that murder is a sin, but Christianity and Muslim religion have murdered insane amounts of people in the name of religion. Those groups would say satanism is evil, but satanists have committed far less murders
Thanks for sharing your story with us! If I hadn’t been open about my own mental health struggles, I wouldn’t have received the help I needed. I vowed that day I would not hold back from sharing my struggles with others in hopes that they seek out help, too. ❤
Not me licking my popcorn bag WHILE WATCHING THIS?! How did she know?!
Micarah, your early 2023 is pretty much beat for beat my 2020, minus the relationship part. I am SO glad you've found help both in doctors (and helpful pharmacists!) and in therapists, and hopefully in your faith as well. God didn't make us to be alone -- especially for us extroverts. We thrive on being around people, after all! I'm really proud of the work you've done and the growth you've gained this year, and thank you so much for the light of fun and creativity you bring to others. May your 2024 be full of blessings and brainstorms, and here's to sleeves on next year's Christmas Barbie. XD
hi micarah i’m 13 and was diagnosed with depression a month and a half ago. my parents have brushed it off and no one talks about it. ur videos make me so happy 💕💕 thank you for sharing ur journey!
I know how it feels to have unsupportive parents when it comes to mental health, it sucks bad. but once you're older and can go to therapy and to a psychiatrist by yourself, everything kinda becomes a little easier, at least for me, I'm 23. It's not perfect, but please know that your feelings are valid and you will eventually be able to work things out ❤
Hey i was diagnosed the same age as you and my parents had similar attitudes. I'm 25 now and no longer suffer from depression :) it can get difficult, but it sure can get better!
This happened to me when I was a teenager too and I wish that I had tried harder to get help at that age. Talk to school guidance counselors, it’s such a difficult conversation to have and it’s hard to keep advocating for yourself but it’s worth it
thanks guys for the support, i’ve actually been seeing a therapist for around 6mos from past trauma and that helps somewhat… diagnosis was from a doctor and immediately after my mom said “she’s just having a rough day..”
I had depression for most of my teen years. Maybe see if there's any teen groups for mental health in your area. They usually have resources for free or discounted therapy/emergency resources. I think there's probably text lines too. (I'm up in Canada so unsure of the US ones.)
I'm so sorry you went through that struggle in your faith, but also so grateful for you for sharing it. I find it so ignorant when Christians put other Christians down for something as normal amd common as depression. I could go on a whole rant about it, but I'm sure you heard it all during your journey. I hope your friends and family were and continue to be a great support system as they seem to be from your videos.
Thank you for being unapologetically you as always ❤ Hope 2024 treats us all better!
Aw Micarah hunny I'm praying for your mental and physical health. You're amazing! The Lord doesn't put us through anything we can't handle. As long as you keep moving with the Lord you'll get through. I'm so sorry for the loss of your stepdad. My heart is breaking for your poor mother. I've missed your videos and I'm so happy you're back to shining for God and the world. (Oh on a happier Note) You have to lick the popcorn bag! All the salt and butter are there. Lol I love you sweetheart God bless you and your family always.
This year has been extremely rough for me mentally as well, and I just want to say, I'm so glad that we're both still here to tell it to heck off. 💜
You made it! I hope this next year is more peaceful ❤
Sounds like you had a full year of character building, Micarah. So glad you got through it, and I hope 2024 is YOUR year! 💛✨
100%. (Plus, hasn’t she always been a bit of character 🤭)
Thank you for sharing your story, it is so similar to my battle with depression. The stigma placed on mental health struggles only makes them harder, when what we need is to know we are still loved and support when we're feeling so bad ❤
And also, warm toned, for sure!
Thank you for sharing your story! MUCH more relatable than you think 🫶🏽💗
I just want to say, I’m so proud that you were able to recognize and that the people in your life recognized you needed help and got you some. I am a teenager who has been in meds for three years and after finding the right ones, it truly saved my life so I’m glad it helped you a lot too
Micarah, I’m so proud of you for sharing your experience with us. I’ve struggled so much with the same issues with religion and mental health, and to hear someone I admire share the same experiences is a uniquely validating thing. I’m proud of you for accepting the help you needed even though it might have been scary to do so. I’m just learning to do this myself with therapy. There’s no shame to be had in antidepressants. They save lives all the time and no one has the right to tell you you’re wrong or less than for taking them.
What a lovely comment. You should be proud of yourself too, you've done a lot of work. Please take care :-) Happy holidays!
As someone who is a Christ follower and got my clinical mental health counseling degree from a seminary, I’m so sorry that the church perverted your view of mental health. And somebody from the mental health community we cannot thank you enough for being vulnerable and sharing because it really does help others. I’m SO glad that you were able to pursue the supports and get you feeling better! 💕
I’m glad they stuck with the ever glamorous, versatile, side part.
I’m not actually religious but I’m so happy for you that you were able to get support and improvement for your mental health without having to let go of something so important to you! Very glad for your sister and dad being so awesome, it’s so important to have friends/family helping us when we ourselves can’t see clearly anymore ❤
Oh wow, this definitely took a turn I was not necessarily expecting. But I am kind of glad it did. I think many religions folks struggle with depression and what it means faith-wise. I think it is good and important that someone with the respect and platform you have to speak on it, it can help people feel less alone.
Also, to answer the poll, I also picked the inside of popcorn bags, especially the kettle corn ones
That's so rough. I was raised religious, too, but mental health issues were never shameful. Many saints struggled with Depression. Reak Despair is a sin, yes, everything else, no. Taking medication? If it helps, sure, science is a Gift from the holy spirit, the plants are for food and healing. (And most medication is a Derivate of plants.) It breaks my heart that people use religion to shame people's mental health...
All her dresses look so princess-like when her bird flies on her
You scrape the bag for the butter lol..
Girlie pie, I am so sorry Godly people did not support you in a season when you needed them. I currently work in a very large church and am coming out of a season of depression - yes you can be a Christian and experience mental pits at the same time.
I am grateful you are surrounded by loving and supportive people who continue to point you to Jesus. Thank you for sharing your story!
It's not Christmas til Micarah is Holiday Barbie
the queen posted her annual holiday barbie video we all cheered!!!
I think your honesty about your mental health was very beautiful.
Thank you for being so open Micarah. I’m also a Christian and I just want to tell you that everyone go’s through Rough patches in life. Sometimes depression is a result of that. Depression is not something you can control, and is definitely not something God would be mad at you about. I really enjoy the New Covenant Community Church live streams. I really like their pastor, pastor Ben, and l definitely recommend you check them out! The church is also in Ohio
I’m judging you hard, and I think it’s FANTASTIC that you recognized you were struggling, and got help! ❤ That shows such strength and, as a former Sunday school teacher, I assure you God wants you to take care of yourself. As do we all.
P.S. your editing skills are top-notch!
what is so fanasic about taking an easy road? It's the same as choosing vodka to deal with your problems, sure, they will go away as long as you are drunk.
@@kalinamalina4492 it’s not the same as alcohol… at all. secondly, what is wrong with taking the “easy road”? why must we live our lives on hard mode? if someone is severely depressed and struggling, why would you want them to choose a path that is hard and will keep them from getting better? if you’re not going to be supportive, don’t watch her and don’t comment on her videos. have some empathy, compassion, and human decency. be kinder.
@@kalinamalina4492antidepressants are not the “easy road. They are the way for you to deal with your problems without being drowned in your own brain, not the same as an alcohol addiction either. It’s actually the same as blood pressure medication. Medication doesn’t cure hypertension, it lowers the blood pressure that would eventually cause bigger problems. Yes, you can lower your blood pressure with exercise and relaxation, but even then some people need medication because just “dealing with it” is not enough. It’s honestly sad that you think that people who seek actual help are taking the “easy road” as if that should be frowned upon
@@kalinamalina4492Next you'll say that you shouldn't give medication to terminal illnesses? There's no such thing as an "easy road" through depression, but if anything, God enabled people to develop things like antidepressants to help us through life.
@@kalinamalina4492 Girl it's like wearing glasses to fix your stigmatism instead of squinting at people. Calm down.
You know I had kinda hated the design for this year’s holiday Barbie because of the shawl, but when you made it I actually liked your version. You do some very good work on top of being incredibly entertaining, maybe next year they will finally give you some long sleeves 😂
I didn’t lick the bag but I’ve heard of way weirder things. Glad you found the help you needed and that you’re healing.
I thank God for my Savior Jesus, and for my antidepressant. I’m SOO glad you’re feeling better. I wouldn’t wish depression on my worst enemy. Gods pulling you close and giving you hugs, I know it. ❤
I also had a very intense year, my husband left me and I had to figure out how to be an adult on my own for the first time and learned that I can do terrifying things and be a person that I never could have imagined. We got this.
This recap is so heartfelt and real in addition to being your usual chaos and humour. I’m so glad you’re speaking about this especially with all the mental health stigma out there.
I absolutely licked the bag
The emotional battle you were in sounds like "accidie" instead of depression. ♥
As a fellow sufferer of auto immune diseases I send you many blessings and prayers for a great 2024. Love the dress and video. Can't wait to see much more of your videos in the coming year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
You are one of the only people I've heard talk about what getting in the right medications is like. If I'd known how helpful they were sober, i would have skipped probably a decade of trying to skate uphill with weights on. Thank you for bringing a voice to this common experience!
Yes, my friends taught me that there was a treasure trove of flavor after you were finished with the popcorn, so I absolutely licked the bag.
My mom has dealt with a lot of chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases for over ten years now. There was a woman in our church who she really looked up to who basically said that my mom wasn't healed of her sicknesses because she didn't believe in God strongly enough, and as someone who was already in an overwhelming amount of constant pain, it was crushing for her to hear from someone she had trusted. There will always be some people who want to find easy fixes to anything that isn't a visible pain. There are so many beloved Christians who need medication to help and I'm so glad you got the help you needed!!! I'm sorry you went through such a rough year and hope that your mental health and spiritual life grow better and stronger with each passing day
I’m really sorry you had Christians responding that way to how you were feeling and downplaying the depression. I felt like asking for help (via therapy for me) was wrong for a long time because of people in the church too. But now I’m at a church where people support with Scripture and encourage counseling or therapy when needed. (I’m doing much better too) Very glad you got the help you needed and are doing better! I hope your journey continues to grow you in wonderful ways. Your videos always make me smile and I agree, this might be my favorite of your holiday Barbie dresses
1) yesss i licked the popcorn bag. i think i was the only one of my siblings to do it so they treated it like it was weird 2) i’ve been considering opening up online about my struggles with religion too and the first part of the video gave me an extra boost of encouragement to do so ❤ thank you for sharing and side note- yes there are some people who judge others for utilizing medication to assist in their mental health struggles, but those people lack empathy and are not the voices to listen to. there can be side effects and medication does not work for everybody nor suit everybody’s situation but that is why you work with a doctor to determine which one to try. clearly it helps many and i am proud of you (and anyone reading this) for taking the steps to get help and trying methods suggested by doctors to get you to a better place.
Run to Jesus!!!
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If you have defected from God then read these Scriptures: (Lost Sheep, Luke 15:1-7 - Lost Coin, 15:8-10 - Lost Son, 15:11-32 - Rich Man and Lazarus, 16:19-31) Jesus is calling you back home, read His word, believe and repent. Saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone!.
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The world is racing toward "AMAGEDDON" !!! And people need to get right with the Lord!
If you have not read the books of (Daniel chapters 7-12), (Ezekiel chapters 37-39) (Matthew chapters 24:1-51 + 25:1-30), (1 Thessalonians chapters 1-5), (2 Thessalonians chapters1-3) and (Revelation chapters 6-19), now would be a good time. They will explain a lot about what is going on right now!
These books will cover the "Wars" about to come, the Rapture, World judgement, hence the Tribulation and the Great Tribulation! These books will also be the most ominous and scary for the unbelievers and the most exciting and uplifting for those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!...
It is my hope and prayer that people would repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ before all these things take place, because it is going to be very, very scary if you do not and you decide to wait and see what happens!
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All glory be to the our God, Jesus Christ. Amen.
I've found that a great way to build character is spending time with people that have life experience and help them, for example in charities.
Old people, sick people etc.😊
This year has been a nightmare for me and my antidepressants are one of the only reasons I made it so HIGH FIVE OF SOLIDARITY! I'm actually proud of you for taking meds and doing what's best for you and your life journey. May we both have muuuuuuuch much better 2024s
Thank you thank you so so much for sharing ur recap. I’m not religious myself but I really appreciate you sharing ur experience with religion and mental health. Not only is this a difficult topic to discus (very proud of you) but also you just put the religion in such a positive light. I think the media focuses a lot of negative stigma around Christianity (and so many other religion) which can lead others to jump to conclusions. Sharing your story has just helped in so many ways.
Ok but the "Why does my hair only look good when I'm about to wash it " is such a mood tho😂
I scraped the insides of the popcorn bag. Anything for that orange, gritty, salty goodness. 👍
Sooo glad you talked about having a rough year instead of pretending it was great because my year sucked and it’s so nice to hear that others relate
I’m sorry to hear that 2023 was a rough one for you. Thanks for coming out with another amazing holiday Barbie video and wishing you all the luck and happiness for 2024!
Being a Christian I know some people in the church who think that way- but I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by ones who encouraged me to get help. Getting on antidepressants and starting therapy saved my life! I’m so glad you got the help you needed ❤️
Thank you for opening up about your struggles throughout the year, we all so appreciate it. Also I am so hoping the next holiday barbie dress is green!! Both for your sake and for mine, I would love to see that
So glad you were brave enough to take care of yourself and not listen to negative ninnies. Great family around you, too.👏🤩 You’re an awesome person. ❤
I was shopping and I saw the doll on the shelf and I immediately thought “I wonder when Micarah will make that dress?” 😂
"I'm feeling infuriatingly well-rested" god I WISH girl! Also hope things keep getting better for you, lov ur vids! :)
As someone who also started SSRI’s this year I can say my life has not only been changed but saved. I feel shocked this is what normal is supposed to be because I just feel so, okay all the time.
How Zuko said "It's rought buddy", jokes aside, Im happy that's u felling better
Yes. Thank you for talking about your health struggles, I know how difficult that can be, and as somebody who has gone through it I really appreciate it.
You know it's truly Christmas when Micarah posts her holiday Barbie vid.
Thank you for your openess. As someone who's also struggling with depression and anxiety, I applaud you for your frankness and wish you all the best ❤❤
Your best video so far... and I am not even talking about the dress. Well done!
1996 holiday barbie wears a dress with sleeves, you should make that.