The last few days have been a struggle. Here’s what I shared on my Substack page just now:
“There are days when I want to hide my mental illness. The last few days have been like this, especially yesterday. The term illness sounds ominous. Thirty years ago, I struggled with addiction. Sssh. Don’t tell anyone. The last 18-24 months, I’ve struggled with complicated grief and post-traumatic stress disorder. Sssh! Don’t tell anyone. Yes, there are days when I want to deny it. There are days I don’t want to accept it. But, here I am. Where’s the exit?”
Friend, perhaps you’re struggling today, too. Hit me up. Let me know in the comments.
Until my next post…
Be salty, stay lit.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
© 2026 Rainer Bantau | The Devotional Guy™ | All Rights
The Devotional Guy™ 
🙏
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Rainer, I appreciate your honesty in sharing more about your journey. Many of us have dealt with different levels of trauma, and there is sometimes a comforting light offering small steps of healing.
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers 🙏
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Barb, thank you. I appreciate your kindness as always.
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Eileen, you reminded me of an old Waylon Jennings song, Stop the World and Let Me Off. I’m sure that the challenges your daughter faces must really be daunting to deal with, especially doctors who don’t want to help. This is awful. I’m praying for you both.
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Thank you for sharing these thoughts
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I know I have told you this before, but your honesty & humility are a wonderful presence in this space. You have helped me through many tough seasons, including the one I am in now!
🐝🧂& 💡, my friend.
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I usually say stop the world I want to get off. As I watch my daughter suffer with her different diseases and doctors not willing to do anything it gets me mad they want to be paid but don’t want to help America had the worst healthcare system
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Thank you, Bridget.
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Thank you, Sheila.
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Yes, sir. I am with you. Honestly I have struggled with depression and anxiety for a long time. At one time, I took medications for both. I am thankful Jesus has helped me come to a more peaceful place overall. But I still struggle at times. Thank you for being open and genuine about the things you face. It helps encourage me and so many others. You are a blessing. 🙏🏻🤍
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Keep going, Rainer! You are an encouragement to me.
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True. Gratitude certainly helps!
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Thanks for this, David. Honestly, I am grateful and have lots to be thankful for in my life. And gratitude seems to be the approach that works best.
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I understand the stigma, brother. Physical wounds are more noticeable and generally accepted by society. In contrast, mental wounds can be harder to detect and considered less acceptable.
I prefer the term “mental exceptionality” over “mental illness.” I’ve also heard someone with a disability say they were “handi-capable.”
Regardless of the terminology, we can see the positive aspects if we approach it the right way! Whatever that is. 🤗
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