These are things I would like to see in churches, things that would help me and, I think, others who are experiencing mental health difficulties. I will also point you to the excellent Mind and Soul listing of mental health friendly churches which has their draft ideas for what churches can do, and also the list […]
“It’s Ok, You Can’t Help It”
October 24, 2012 by 2 Comments
Remembering a comment my mother made some time ago when I was depressed has made me think a little. She said, “We didn’t know whether you were ill, or just being unpleasant.” It led me to question how much responsibility I really bear for my behaviour when I am ill. It is true that my […]
Count Your Blessings
October 15, 2012 by 4 Comments
There is a hymn I’ve often heard, on the familiar theme of being thankful for what you have: Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by. […]
Scrupulosity – Religious OCD
October 13, 2012 by 1 Comment
You may also wish to read my latest blog post on scrupulosity, which goes into more detail – Scrupulosity: Doubt, Obsession and Compulsion. Mental illness often manifests in ways which destroy things we previously enjoyed. Talking with friends becomes difficult in depression, enjoying a night out almost impossible. Our spiritual life suffers as well, as […]
Review: God’s Will for Your Healing
October 11, 2012 by 3 Comments
“God’s Will for Your Healing” Gloria Copeland (Fort Worth: Kenneth Copeland Publications, 1972) I have to say that this is not my sort of book at all. Gloria Copeland, and her husband Kenneth, are prosperity gospel teachers. That is to say, they are charismatics who believe that God wants all believers to be healthy […]
A Black Dog
October 10, 2012 by 1 Comment
Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day, as set by the World Health Organisation. In honour of this, they have produced a video giving an overview of what depression is, and some tips for dealing with it. Given that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in a year, and depression […]
Forgiveness and Mental Health
October 8, 2012 by 2 Comments
The Bible speaks frequently of forgiveness. Jesus taught that we should pray “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12) and explains, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your […]
10 Ways to Cope with Depression
October 2, 2012 by 2 Comments
Including Scripture references. Seek medical assistance. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Mark 2:17) If you are sick mentally, then you need to speak to a doctor, and follow the treatments they give you. This may include medication, therapy, or both. Look beyond. “This too shall pass.” Christian […]
Do Not Worry
October 1, 2012 by 1 Comment
In my life, I fight a constant tendency toward anxiety. I worry about things both rational and irrational, and sometimes those worries twist in me and produce nasty depressions. I have been searching my books for biblical examples of anxiety, and I found an interesting sermon outline in “Sermon Outlines on the Sermon on the […]
The Golden Rule and Self Hatred
September 29, 2012 by 2 Comments
What is known as “the golden rule” comes in Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. He said: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12) This is an amazing teaching which, if followed by all, would […]
Believer's Brain 