Hope and Encouragement
Finding Hope as A Loved One
I’ve been asked to write some blogs for Fresh Hope for Mental Health. For anyone who doesn’t know, Fresh Hope for Mental Health offers peer-led
Category: Mental Health and Faith
Mental Health and Faith
Faith and Mental Health: How Spirituality Supports Emotional Well-Being
Mental health challenges can feel isolating, overwhelming, and sometimes even confusing. When emotions spiral or life feels heavy, it’s easy to feel disconnected or hopeless.
Bipolar Disorder
Spreading My Wings
I was born with a profound case of bipolar disorder. My symptoms began when I was only six years old. My mom reminds me often
Depression
Loneliness & Depression: A Bad Mix
Many believe that loneliness has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. When one takes into account the COVID-19 pandemic, corresponding spike in remote work,
Mental Health and Faith
About Medication
Pastor Brad Hoefs, founder of Fresh Hope, talks in his book, Fresh Hope for Mental Health, about the importance of medication, and taking it as prescribed by your physician (medication is addressed in Chapter 5, pg. 120, of the book). I recently experienced a change in my medication, with the knowledge and oversight of my physician, but still experienced difficulty. I want to share that story: I feel like if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone!
I alluded to it last month, when I talked about the tears that came unbidden, as I laid down on the massage table. Tears that seemingly came out of nowhere! In looking back at that situation, I can see now that they were an indicator of my turn towards a depressive episode, though at the time, I missed all the signs.
Mental Health and Faith
Dyscalculia, An Overlooked Mental Health Challenge
What is dyscalculia, and why is it an overlooked mental health challenge?“Dyscalculia is a term used to describe specific learning disabilities that affect a child’s
Hope and Encouragement
More on Gratitude
I lay face-down on the massage table, and settle my head into the round pad. I feel the tears come, as if the change in
Hope and Encouragement
The Idea of Giving Back
The ministry of Fresh Hope for Mental Health is based on 7 Recovery Principles (originally called Tenets). When we read them in our Support Group,
Mental Health and Faith
How to Pack for Your Journey
I’ve just zipped up my suitcase; our flight leaves tomorrow afternoon. I’ve spent the last several days throwing things I might want to take on
