The Light at the End of the Tunnel : An Introduction

Mankind was born out of struggles. In the past we struggled, in the present we struggle, and in the future we will struggle. Although these struggles change in shape and form, the overall underlying factor remains the same: survival. Many of the greatest problems that we currently face are well known covered in the media; there is also a fairly large number of problems that are hidden to public eye for whatever reason.  We’ll call these: the silent struggles. It is precisely one of these “silent struggles” that I want to talk about today. I hope that my words here will help people whose lives are unaffected by this problem on a day to day basis, gain some insight to the reality of the problem and its magnitude. I also hope that my words will bring solace to those who are plagued by this silent struggle and that they will see the light at the end of the tunnel. The problem: pornography.

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Throughout this series of blog posts, The Light at the End of the Tunnel, I will be writing about how this issue affects us as people and how those who have formed addictions to it cope. Not only will I talk about the scientific findings and facts about pornography and its effects on society as a whole, I will be taking a closer look on how we need to change our outlook on those who are addicted to it. Being from a predominantly Mormon community, many of these posts will be directed towards the Mormon community, but does not mean that they are only specific to this community. Pornography is an issue that has unfortunately been misaddressed for too long and needs to brought up and taken care of so that those enthralled in its grasp can finally begin to overcome this addiction with our help rather than fear of our judgments, regardless of their religious affiliations or beliefs.

Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been talking about the detrimental effects of pornography, and science is just now beginning to catch up to their teachings. Although it has been taught by general leaders of the LDS Church, members of the church are still struggling to understand how to truly deal with the problem in the best manner possible. Having seen the effects that pornography has on others personally, and having an intimate understanding of not only the physical battle but the emotional battle that those with this sort of addiction face, I felt it necessary to begin this series.

As you soon will see, this is a long and painful journey which too many of people have had to go through. I hope that as you read this post and all future posts on this subject you will read it with the intent of helping alleviate the pain and suffering that those who have these addictions face. The mind is a powerful ally, but can also be the biggest enemy we have when overcoming addictions. People who have a problem with viewing pornography are still people. They all have hopes and dreams that they wish to accomplish, yet may never be able to, unless they overcome their addiction.

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So, that being the case I would ask every reader a simple thing: as you learn about this problem (and hopefully see the side commonly unseen) from the eyes of those who have survived it, lend a hand of support to all those who are searching for a way out. Be quick to understand, and slow to judge and assume things that you can’t understand vicariously. Be loving and supportive rather than biting and judgmental. Share this with people, read about this subject and try and understand what others are suffering. I know that if we can just be open about this problem, just as we are about drug addictions, many people would be able to find support rather than struggle by themselves. Alone.

With love,

Will Glade

The one walking beside you.

*if you or anyone you know would like to talk about a struggle you have with pornography and would like to seek help overcoming this addiction, feel free to contact  me via email.