I’m so grateful for all the amazing feedback I received from the survey! I wish I could make all of you the winner of the amazon gift card, because your heartfelt responses truly mean so much to me and will help me to better serve you in the future. Thank you for taking the time to make a difference with your stories.
The winner is…AnneMarie Tanahuvia
What I Learned From You!
What were the top 5 mental health issues that you or a loved one struggles with?
Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder
There were at list of 15 other issues represented as well and that will really help me as I study and seek counsel from doctors and therapists.
What formats of learning did you feel would help you conquer these issues?
Videos, blogs, PDF’s, books.
There were a few others as well that were very insightful!
What has been your experience in seeking help for you or a loved one for mental illness in the church?
These responses truly broke my heart. The majority of you have experienced first hand the stigma of mental illness in the church and some have even given up attending altogether because of the extreme prejudice. My prayer is that, with education and proper training, we can make a difference. On the other hand, I was also encouraged to hear that some of you received direction and guidance from your church community for counseling resources or specialists. The overwhelming consensus seemed to be that we need to talk about it more from the pulpit so that people can understand that it is not a spiritual condition, but that it does effect every part of your life: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
A Recent Video
Here’s a recent video on “How Our Brains and Faith Work Together.” I pray it will shed a light on some of the dark places of stigma.
Will You Join Me in the Journey?
Subscribe to my YouTube page
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Comment below and share your insight (especially if you didn’t get a chance to fill out the survey). You can help break the stigma by speaking out!
Alice Walters says
Dear Angela, the simple act of acceptance goes such a long way. A lack of understanding mental issues can be a tremendous barrier to healing if it turns to judgment and rejection. My husband was the first one to tell me that even if he didn’t understand my struggles with depression, he still loved, accepted, and was committed to me. Thank you for being an advocate.
Angela Howard says
It’s my pleasure Alice! I am passionate about this and I hope you’ll check out the YouTube channel and benefit from the videos. Prayers for your depression! I know what a struggle it can be.
Stephanie ReadsWell says
I am familiar with the Bipolar Disorder. I think watching videos can be a powerful way among all other formats of learning. Nice initiative, Angela!
Angela Howard says
Thank you for your encouragement Stephanie!