Is it a sin to be anxious or is it simply a mental health condition that you don’t have control over? I’ve heard both extremes. In the church we often emphasis the former whilst it is increasingly the norm to hear people saying “I have anxiety” and using that as a reason not to be… Continue reading Three anxieties
Tag: Depression
The pastor with a thorn in his side – reviews
There have been a couple of reviews published for the book I contributed to “The pastor with a thorn in his side.” Obviously I think the book is worth buying and will prove helpful both for those facing depression and those who are wanting to walk alongside others that are -but this is why other… Continue reading The pastor with a thorn in his side – reviews
Facing Depression – When healing does not seem to come
Is it all in the mind?
“The body keeps the score” is the title of a book by Bessel Van Der Kolk about mental health and the affects of trauma. We sometimes describe particular health conditions as “all in the mind.” At one level, what we might simply mean by that is that we cannot find a specific and direct organic… Continue reading Is it all in the mind?
How Scripture can help with cases of depression and mental distress
I’m continuing a series of articles picking up on Mark Pickett’s call following the publication of The Pastor with a thorn in his side for further reflection and analysis concerning pastors and Christians experiencing depression. In this article I want to talk a bit more about how Scripture can be helpful to those suffering from… Continue reading How Scripture can help with cases of depression and mental distress
Facing Depression – what might help me?
Sleep and mental health
One factor affecting mental health is rest and sleep. There are two aspects to this. First of all, when we are struggling with anxiety and/or depression this can affect sleep patterns but also disrupted sleep is likely to affect our overall sense of mental well-being. So, it is possible to get into a vicious cycle. … Continue reading Sleep and mental health
Thinking about the effect of environment on mental health and depression
In his review of The pastor with a thorn in his side, Mark Pickett calls for further theological, ecclesiological and sociological reflection on the causes and consequences of depression among those in Christian service. I agree and believe that such reflection will be helpful not just for church leaders suffering with depression but as we… Continue reading Thinking about the effect of environment on mental health and depression
Facing Depression – How can I help you?
Facing Depression – prominent causes
In this audio podcast, I talk about some of the prominent causes of depression including physical/medical causes, the direct consequences of others’ words and actions, and spiritual causes of depression Video versions of these talks are all available on YouTube
