Mental Health & Faith: A Closer Look

Body, mind, and soul Kristin says, "I started my practice to help other women who were fed up with chronic dieting, and ready to focus on improving their health. Better health has the happy side effect of weight loss." Better health also has the side-effect of better mental health. In this episode, Kristin shares some of her thoughts about being intentional with your thoughts and feelings as a way...

Recognizing Victory In this final episode of a three-part series, Caroline concludes sharing the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Listen as she recaps the entire cycle with an emphasis on victory. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord. (Prover...

This episode is a replay of Episode 18 - The Cycle of Recovery (Part 2) - Transformation, originally published in April 2023. Experience Transformation In this second episode of a three-part series, Caroline continues sharing the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Today, she shares h...

This episode is a replay of Episode 18 - The Cycle of Recovery (Part 1) - Hope, originally published in April 2023. Find Hope In this first episode of a three-part series, Caroline introduces the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Today, she shares her insights on recovery and hope....

Caroline's guest this week is Patricia Plumb, an educator, counselor, leadership consultant, and author. She has worn many hats but her focus these days is with The Shepherd's Touch Ministry, a ministry she founded in 2018. On today's episode, Patricia shares a couple of stories that reveal keys to effective and caring communication. She also shares about her new book, "God's Handwriting: A Journe...

Call/text 988, the U.S. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, if you are in a crisis. Suicide is a serious problem in the United States and around the world. It is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. and 1 in nearly every 100 global deaths is a result of suicide. (multiple sources) See below for mental health resources. For suicide prevention information, you can contact any of these organiz...

September is suicide prevention month. If you are in a crisis, please call or text 988, the U.S. national suicide and crisis lifeline. Or, visit 988lifeline.org and start a live chat. This episode features a conversation with retired pastor and author Oscar Destruge. He courageously shares his story of loss and despair that nearly led him to take his own life. Oscar offers suggestions to encourage...

Marsha Morgan - Resilience Builders Marsha Morgan has a passion for providing care for people who have experienced trauma, live with a mental illness, or struggle with substance use disorders. When she retired after a long, successful career as a mental health professional, she turned her passion and compassion into a consulting firm, Resilience Builders. Here's what she says on her website. "In 2...

The Many Talents of Jermine Alberty Rev. Jermine (pronounced Jer-Mane) Alberty is an author, podcast host, faith leader, national trainer with the Mental Health First Aid organization, and consultant. Throughout his 25 years in numerous industries, he has served in both faith-based and secular capacities, including non-profits, faith communities, government, mental health, and academia. In this in...

Brittney Moses is a mental health advocate and content creator with over 50K followers on Instagram and over 2,500 subscribers to her YouTube Channel. She also is a student, wife, mother, and woman of God with a calling to bring awareness to a variety of issues related to mental wellness. In this interview, Caroline talks with Brittney about her work with NAMI, the importance of recognizing cultur...

Recognize Victory In this final episode of a three-part series, Caroline concludes sharing the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Listen as she recaps the entire cycle with an emphasis on victory. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord. (Proverbs...

Experience Transformation In this second episode of a three-part series, Caroline continues sharing the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Today, she shares her insights on transformation. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romas...

Find Hope In this first episode of a three-part series, Caroline introduces the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Today, she shares her insights on recovery and hope. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a fu...

The Resurrection In this final episode of Caroline's 3-part Bible study on Easter events, Caroline reads the resurrection story from the gospel of Luke. “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen." Luke 24;5-6 (NASB) The Road to Emmaus Luke also records the events that took place on the road to Emmaus, when two of Jesus' followers had their eyes opened to see...

Part 2 - Holy Week Events In this 2nd of a 3-part Bible study on the Easter events, Caroline reads select events from Holy Week from the Gospel of Mark including the betrayal of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Caroline, a musician and composer, also shares her heart and her song that bridges the gap between Palm Sunday and the crucifixion. I Will Lay My Palm Branch Down (c) Caroline S Cooper V....

Part 1 - Palm Sunday In this first of three Bible lessons on Easter events, Caroline reads the Palm Sunday story. She then takes a look at events immediately before and after Jesus rode into Jerusalem for Passover. Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Crisis Lines Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text:  988 SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-...

Preparing to write This episode is part 2 in a 2-part series. If you have not listened to part 1, Episode 13, please check it out for some great information to help you prepare for writing. You will learn six reasons why writing your story can be beneficial based on what we read in the Bible. That episode also identifies three principles to aid in the writing experience so you will produce an auth...

In this 2-part series, Caroline encourages you to write your story. You don't have to be a writer or have a big vocabulary to take on this assignment. You are already the expert! Although, you may be surprised at what you learn about yourself in the writing process. In part 1 of How to Write Your Story, Caroline presents six reasons why writing can be beneficial based on what we learn in Scripture...

What does the church think about mental health? In this first episode of 2023, Caroline has a discussion with a long-time friend that addresses one of the main purposes of the Mental Health and Faith podcast -- taking a closer look at mental health and the church. Their conversation includes the following topics: How does the church address mental health? Or does it? What is the difference between...

Mental Health Resources at Mental Health America of the Heartland Sue Crain Lewis is the President/CEO of Mental Health America of the Heartland, the local office of the nationwide Mental Health America nonprofit. Sue's compassion is her strongest attribute in serving the needs of persons living with mental illness as well as their families and the community at large. "Recovery is inevitable with...

September is Recovery Month! Sometimes this designation gets overlooked because September is also Suicide Prevention Month. But one way to address rising suicide rates is to help people learn to live a life of recovery. In this podcast, Caroline shares definitions of recovery that include one unique perspective of recovery as "to again protect myself." She also talks about practical activities tha...

Restoring Families Caroline continues her interview with Holly Haynes with the Faith-Based Counseling Training Institute (FBCTI). In this episode, Holly shares the final four steps of FBCTI's 7-step approach to reconciliation. Check out episode 10 for the first three steps! The 7 Steps to Reconciliation Be a peacemaker and make the first move Ask God for wisdom Begin with your part of the problem...

Restoring Families Caroline's guest, Holly Haynes, shares the importance of having a relationship with God as a foundation for restoring relationships with people. Holly shares Faith-Based Counseling Training Institute's 7-step approach to restoring family relationships. In this episode, Holly gives foundational information and reveals the first three steps with Scriptural support, stories, and in...

Caroline and Dr. James Clark continue their conversation on dealing with conflict in families. This episode is about creating change that lasts in order to have a stronger family -- a kind of change that only God can bring. The podcast includes a real-life, inspiring story of how one individual took a journey from resentment of pain inflicted by her family to forgiveness and restoration of the rel...

As the holidays approach, many families anticipate family gatherings with excitement and joy. Unfortunately, some people may be dreading the obligatory holiday gathering. In this interview with Dr. James Clark, we will learn practical steps to take to reduce, and hopefully eliminate, potential family conflict. We will also learn to ask for and offer forgiveness in a way that includes personal resp...