Of all the episodes from this series, this last one pulls at my heart the most. I spend more time on stigma in this episode than any of the others. It is a sad topic, but it is the truth of what’s going on in our churches.

I also am forthright about the harm in the approach many take in counseling, an approach that has much truth but is mixed with very little mercy, grace, or heavenly wisdom.

I begin this episode by briefly going over the 6 key things that God used to bring me to stability from suicidal depression and bipolar.

I spend quite a bit of time talking about how we all handle stress differently. For some, stress becomes illness and disease. For others, it leads to mental symptoms. We all respond to stress differently based on a variety of factors.

We all have a different reserve of strength and health. This reserve, or lack thereof, affects how vulnerable we are to the consequence of life’s stressors.

When it comes to trauma, I address how some biblical curriculums teach that any negative effects from these traumas reveal a spiritual problem. I don’t believe that is a balanced or realistic perspective and explain my thoughts on this teaching.

I address the division, harm and discord the devil has been successful in achieving among the body of Christ.

I emphasize that no matter the origin of any mental or physical battle we face, God’s Word and renewing the mind is part of the answer.

Toward the end, I give my final thoughts, including identifying the real enemy, the father of lies. And I encourage folks that even if they don’t see eye to eye with their leadership on the topic of mental health, we can still have a wonderful relationship, stay teachable, and receive the blessings God will give through our leadership in other areas.

I end this episode by highlighting our Savior, as He spent His last hours in the garden, heavy with physical, emotional, and spiritual pain, yet fully trusting and without sin. He again, is our example in all things.

I am not a mental health professional, but I am a suicide attempt survivor and speak from first-hand experience of living with a mental illness called Bipolar Type II. If you are having an emergency, please call 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Information on this podcast is not to be taken as medical advice or as a replacement for professional care but is for educational purposes only.

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