Note: I may have got some of the details wrong about speeches – I was transcribing on the day so if you think something sounds weird, it’ll be me not them! These are my recollections, any mistakes mine! Well, I’m back from my trip up to Edinburgh. I went to attend the Premier Mind and […]
Going to a Conference
November 1, 2012 by 2 Comments
I’m heading off to Edinburgh tomorrow before the Premier Mind and Soul Conference which, as might be suggested, is about Christianity and mental health. I’m really looking forward to it, hoping to meet some nice people and come back with lots of ideas for things to write about! So, till about Monday (because I’m having a […]
Creativity and Mental Health
October 31, 2012 by 3 Comments
It has long been thought that there is a correlation between mental ill-health and creativity. I’m sure everyone is familiar with the idea of the “mad artist” or “tortured genius” where the person’s “madness” is the supposed fuel for their genius. I am no scientist, so I don’t know how whether people in creative professions […]
8 Ways You Can Help When Someone is Mentally Ill
October 29, 2012 by 5 Comments
Perhaps your friend, relative or someone else you know is having an episode of mental illness. Mental illness affects 1 in 4 people in the course of a year. Chances are that you know someone who is, or has been mentally ill. So what do you do when you find out? Firstly, it is really, […]
8 Steps to a Mental Health Friendly Church
October 27, 2012 by 4 Comments
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 […]
On the Road to Emmaus
October 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
(Luke 24:13-35) The story of what happened to the disciples Cleopas and an unnamed other on the road to Emmaus in Luke’s Gospel is quite a famous one. The scene is just after the crucifixion – Jesus has, apparently, died. His followers are bereft, and they don’t know what to do. Verse 17 says they […]
I won an award
October 19, 2012 by 15 Comments
Just a quick note to say that I have won the Christian New Media Awards’ “Best Newcomer Blog.” (Here is the shortlist. EDIT: That link now takes you to the winners/runnersup/finalist list) I wasn’t able to make it to London for the ceremony, unfortunately (I live faaar away) I’m really pleased, I haven’t won anything […]
Is it a Sin to Take Medication?
October 19, 2012 by 1 Comment
Some people, if you say that you are suffering from a mental illness, will tell you not to take medication. Some say that the drugs will make you worse, that you will be addicted, that you should be able to “man up” and deal with whatever you are experiencing. Some Christians who believe this will […]
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. […]
Believer's Brain 