Mental Illness Christianity

This audiobook helps its listeners to consider a Christian view on mental illness, healing, and the role of a mindful Christian in the lives of those who are difficult around them.

Each day men and women diagnosed with mental disorders are told they need to pray more and turn from their sin. Mental illness is equated with demonic possession, weak faith, and generational sin. As both a church leader and a professor of psychology and behavioral sciences, Michael S. Stanford has seen far too many mentally ill brothers and sisters damaged by well-meaning believers who respond to them out of fear or misinformation rather than grace. Grace for the Afflicted educates Christians about mental illness from both biblical and scientific perspectives.

In 2012, Steve Austin, then a pastor, nearly died by suicide. His experience launched him on a journey that opened his eyes to the widespread problem of mental illness and how those who live with it are often treated in congregations. He began to wonder: If church folks had talked openly about mental health, therapy, suicide prevention, recovery from abuse, and other difficult issues, would that have changed his story? In Hiding in the Pews, people with mental illness - some of whom might be pastors themselves - will find comfort as they learn they are not alone.

Though many of us can point to patterns of brokenness in our lives, we don't know why they're there. No matter how hard we work, we can't seem to outrun the very things that break our hearts. That's because our everyday setbacks are rooted in our unaddressed wounds. Guided by seminary-trained licensed trauma therapist Kobe Campbell, Why Am I Like This? will help you develop courage as you dare to turn your heart toward your brokenness, uncover uncomfortable truths, and learn how to invite God into your past and present pain.

A Christian look at the psychological effects of overindulgence, and how to obtain and maintain a sound mind. Gluttony is not merely a problem of overeating, but it is the overindulgence of any instinct or appetite. Our personal culture defines the norms that we subconsciously accept and practice. A culture of gluttony becomes a subtle force that deteriorates our mental health, and can be habitual in people of all body shapes, ages, and walks of life. This books seeks to expose this, and offer help to people in bondage to all forms of overindulgence or addiction.

Mental Illness & Christianity plays like a friend is encouraging you over a cup of coffee, she just happens to have the bible verses ready so that the conversation can be led by God’s word. If you’re looking for God’s way in a relationship with someone who sparks frustration or strife in your life, this book will give you some things to think about as it pertains to your role, using your spiritual gifts, and being sanctified in his truth.

What lies heaviest on your heart as you lay your head on your pillow? Are paralyzing fear and anxiety stealing tomorrow's peace? Listen to this invitation from Jesus: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Experiencing this kind of rest won't come from escapism, more vacation days, or stuffing our feelings. Jesus Himself provides rest to our weary souls. While He may not always fix everything right away, we can fix our thoughts on His Word.

Despite his deep desire to overcome mental illness and lead others out of their own pain, pastor Andrew Stoecklein died by suicide at the age of 30. In the wake of the tragedy, his widow, Kayla, embarked on a journey to better understand Andrew’s harrowing battle, come alongside those with similar struggles, and help the church overcome the stigma of suicide.

Suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is difficult, but ironically, it can be made even worse when it mixes with a person's Christian faith. The additional "layer" of religious faith can further complicate and suffocate a faith that is intended to be a source of peace, comfort, and hope. At one point, the author's struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder brought him to a place of complete desperation and hopelessness. For years, he prayed: "Heal me or kill me." The common consensus among professionals is that this mental illness is something that one must learn to cope with and ...

Filled with simple, everyday actions we can take to avoid disease, promote vitality, and prevent dementia and late onset Alzheimer's, The Aging Brain is an easy-to-use guide to maintaining brain and body health throughout our lives. Based on solid, up-to-date scientific research, the interventions explained in this book not only prevent progression toward dementia even in those who have already shown mild cognitive impairment, they also reduce disability and depression and keep people living independently longer than those who do not practice these methods.

Nathan was different and Sally knew it. From his early childhood, Nathan was bursting with creativity and uncontainable energy, struggling not only with learning issues but also with anxiety and OCD. He saw the world through his own unique lens - one that often caused him to be labeled as "bad", "troubled", or someone in need of "fixing". Bravely choosing to listen to her motherly intuition rather than the loud voices of the world, Sally dared to believe that Nathan's differences could be part of an intentional design.

Before he was the #1 New York Times bestselling author of holiday classics such as The Christmas Box, Richard Paul Evans was a young boy being raised by a suicidal mother and dealing with relentless bullying. He could not fathom what the future held for him. Now, in this intimate and heartfelt collection of personal essays, Evans shares his moving journey. With his signature “seasoned finesse” (Booklist), he offers the insightful lessons he’s learned and engaging advice about everything from marriage to parenthood and even facing near-death experiences.

A story about lies and a liar, Liar, Liar, Gown on Fire is a memoir of a lifelong struggle with mental illnesses, specifically bipolar disorder and factitious disorder, more commonly known as Munchausen syndrome. When she was as young as six-years-old, Cindy found a thrill in receiving attention for being sick or injured. Flinging herself off a swing set, hoping to break an arm or leg, she often found herself sitting in the sand, disappointed in her good health. As she grew older and into the painful awkwardness of young-adulthood, the lengths to which Cindy would go to gain “sick ...

For Christians, particularly those in vocational ministry, the stigma surrounding mental illness and mental health often creates an atmosphere of secrecy where the enemy's lies reign. Julie Busler understands the pain of mental illness and has learned that trials not only humanize us but increase our capacity to be used by God. In Joyful Sorrow, she invites us into her own journey where a mental breakdown took her from being a missionary to a suicidal patient. With vulnerability and grace, Julie demonstrates that even in the sorrow of mental illness, joy can coexist.

We live in an age uniquely attentive to the problem of mental illness. More than half of us will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in our lifetime. It has been easy, for centuries, to relegate persistent emotional and mental struggles entirely to the realm of a failed personal work ethic ("Just don't worry so much!"), not enough faith ("Just pray harder!"), or, in recent years, a chemical imbalance in our brains ("Just take this pill!").

God cares deeply about you and your mental health. Author and mental health advocate Chris Morris has battled depression and suicidality his entire adult life. Even coming to Christ didn't change this, which is something many fellow Christians don't seem to understand. He still had to face the grief of unrelenting illness, the shame of struggling, and the pain of poor guidance. In this compassionate and engaging book, Chris shares how he overcame these challenges and invites you to do the same—no matter your diagnosis.

Unmasking the Mask: The Spiritual Battle Behind Mental Illness brings together the secular and biblical perspective on mental illness. Paul talks about the spiritual struggle, which involves two kingdoms. You will find that Unmasking the Mask will expose the enemy behind mental illness. You will discover holistic ways that may reverse or help you manage mental health.

Hope Amid Hopelessness is a true story about the loving, merciful, caring, all powerful, ever present, gracious, just, sovereign, personal Abba Father (God) working in the lives of Jim and Laura Hansen. As Jim cared for Laura while she struggled with major clinical depression that later led to borderline personality disorder, he realized quickly that he could not fight this battle alone. Turning to his Abba Father, he sought understanding, knowledge, and wisdom from the only source that could truly help.

In This Is Awkward, Sammy Rhodes talks directly, honestly, and hilariously (because sometimes we need to laugh) about the most painfully uncomfortable subjects in our lives. In chapters like "Parents Are a Gift (You Can't Return Them)" and "D is for Depression", he boldly goes where most of us fear to tread, revealing that we can be liberated by the embrace of a god who knows the most shameful things about us and loves us all the same. Because nothing is too awkward for God.

Twenty-seven-year-old Sarah Thebarge had it all - a loving boyfriend, an Ivy League degree, and a successful career - when her life was derailed by an unthinkable diagnosis: aggressive breast cancer. After surviving the grueling treatments - though just barely - Sarah moved to Portland, Oregon, to start over. There, a chance encounter with an exhausted African mother and her daughters transformed her life again.