In this episode of the Bible Chat Podcast, host Alina interviews Yianna Papadeas, a passionate psychiatric nurse and mental health advocate. At just 29, Yianna has made significant contributions in inpatient psychiatric care, particularly in high acuity and forensic units. Yianna shares her journey, insights on integrating faith with mental health, and her personal experiences working with patients in their most vulnerable moments. The conversation covers various topics including the importance of not focusing solely on diagnoses, the intersection of faith and mental health, and practical advice for those struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. Yianna also introduces her social media platforms, Dynami and Overheard In Psych, which aim to educate and destigmatize mental health issues. This episode aims to provide hope, educate listeners on trauma-informed care, and encourage open discussions about mental health within the church and society.

00:00 Opening Remarks and Introduction

00:29 Faith and Mental Health: A Holistic Approach

01:37 Welcome to the Bible Chat Podcast

01:50 Meet Yianna Papadeas: A Journey in Psychiatric Nursing

07:53 The Role and Challenges of a Charge Nurse

09:06 High Acuity and Forensic Units Explained

11:16 The Path to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

12:02 Medication in Psychiatric Care: Benefits and Concerns

13:03 Faith and Mental Health: Integrating Prayer and Therapy

15:24 Creating a Trauma-Informed Church

18:09 Yianna's Platforms: Dynami and Overheard In Psych

22:42 Stories from the Psychiatric Ward

25:50 Suicide Prevention: Community and Family Support

27:03 Debunking Misconceptions About Suicidal Ideation

27:56 Supporting Without Relating

28:55 Recognizing and Responding to Warning Signs

29:58 Utilizing Available Resources

36:39 The Importance of Positive Coping Skills

40:16 Differentiating Normal Stress from Clinical Illness

44:19 Legal Holds and Patient Care

45:27 Faith and Mental Health

48:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Yianna Papadeas's Platforms

• Dynami Instagram Page: A platform for mental health education, stigma reduction, and community support.
• Overheard In Psych Instagram Page: A satirical account sharing humorous, anonymized moments from psychiatric nursing to highlight the human side of the work.
• Yianna Papadeas's LinkedIn Page

Other Organizations Mentioned

• OCAMPR (Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion): An organization fostering dialogue between faith and mental health professionals, with conferences, resources, and social media content on red flags, trauma-informed care, and more.

Suicide Prevention Resources (USA-Focused)

ResourceDescriptionContact/Link988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 24/7 confidential support for mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress. Call, text, or chat for immediate help. Mentioned in the episode for anonymous reporting and crisis support. | Call/Text: 988

Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) | Provides training, best practices, and resources for prevention, including toolkits for communities, churches, and individuals.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) | Offers education, research, support groups, and advocacy to prevent suicide and support those affected. |

The Trevor Project

In this inspiring episode of the Bible Chat Podcast, host Alina sits down with Alexxa Gagner, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Denver Rescue Mission. With over 15 years of service, Alexxa shares the mission’s Christ-centered approach to serving those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Rooted in the core values of engaging mercifully, working holistically, speaking truthfully, and believing in miracles, Denver Rescue Mission transforms lives one person at a time. From providing shelter for up to 1,500 individuals nightly to offering addiction recovery programs and family support, Alexxa highlights stories of hope, like that of James, a blind man who found housing and renewed purpose through the mission’s services. Learn how you can get involved through volunteering, donating, or supporting their annual Turkey Drive. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of faith, compassion, and the power of miracles in action.

Key Quotes

• Alexxa Gagner on Core Values: “Engage mercifully, work holistically, speak truthfully, and believe in miracles... these are like our core values as an organization, how we live out our faith. God does miracles. He can heal people and be a part of our day-to-day.”
• On Compassion: “Viewing people just through a lens of love and through non-judgment... there’s a person, there’s a story, there’s a background, just like we all have.”
• On Impactful Interactions: “Even if they only come to us once for a meal and they feel that love... we feel like we’ve done our job.”
• On Approaching Homelessness: “Treat people with dignity... You can see Christ in them. Offer a smile, ask their name, or how you can pray for them.”
• Alina on Societal Roles: “In America, we think the highest role in our society is the president. But actually, that’s not true. It’s the citizen.”

How to Support

• Volunteer: Serve meals, tutor youth, or join unique opportunities like resume workshops or barber services at Denver Rescue Mission.
• Donate: Contribute to the annual Turkey Drive (goal: 15,000 turkeys) or provide essentials like furniture and housewarming boxes for those transitioning to permanent housing.
• Learn More: Visit Denver Rescue Mission’s website for volunteer details, donation needs, or to schedule a tour of their facilities.

Support & Learn More

• Denver Rescue Mission
• Open Soul Foundation Partners with DRM
• Connect with Alexxa on LinkedIn

Join us in supporting Denver Rescue Mission’s transformative work and download the Bible Chat app to continue your spiritual journey.