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™ 
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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