Tag Archives: Gillian Marchenko

Five steps churches can take to help persons with depression

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Dr. G

Editor’s note: Today’s post from Gillian Marchenko is co-authored by Gillian’s husband (Sergei), a pastor for eleven years and husband to a wife with major depressive disorder for over a decade. As a couple in ministry and a family who … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Depression, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Stories, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

I am not depression

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Dr. G

But I know this for certain. My depression is the illness I fight, not my identity. I’m empowered to share more with others. I am comfortable asking for prayer. I am open about the scary, difficult parts of my mental health story. Continue reading →

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Seven things I learned from our first 1,000 blog posts…

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Dr. G

On the occasion of our thousandth post, I’ll share the seven most important takeaways I’ve gained since starting this journey with you in the summer of 2010. Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Advocacy, Key Ministry, Mental Health, PTSD, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The societal ruin of the term ‘depression’ and other hurtful comments about mental illness

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Dr. G

We regularly watch TV shows and movies that treat mental illness, and people who have such illnesses, as one big joke.
Continue reading →

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Why I tell my kids about my depression

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Dr. G

If we talk about it, depression is no longer the elephant in the room. By naming it and talking about it (according to the girls’ ages and level of understanding), it isn’t me against my family, but us together moving toward health. Continue reading →

Posted in Depression, Families, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

My Depression: no longer under lock and key

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Dr. G

I wrote this book because the stigma about mental illness in our Christian circles is alive and well. How can a believer in Jesus have suicidal ideations? How can a Christian often feel no hope? What about fullness in Christ? Continue reading →

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What about us? A sibling to kids with disabilities shares her needs

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Dr. G

I came up with a list of three things parents can do to make sure their kids without special needs feel just as important as their siblings with special needs. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Inclusion, Intellectual Disabilities, Stories, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Gillian Marchenko…Down Syndrome Day 2015

Posted on March 21, 2015 by Dr. G

And know that we, other parents in this very special club, are here when you need us and that someday, you will be the one looking a new mother in the eye saying, “Our life is good. Really. It is.” Continue reading →

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A special little church in Chicago…

Posted on October 5, 2014 by Dr. G

There’s a friendly place with good teaching in a cool neighborhood offering a great experience for families impacted by disability with free respite care in the middle of a city with millions of people and they still have space? I don’t get it.
Continue reading →

Posted in Key Ministry, Resources, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

This week at The Front Door…

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Dr. G

We’re also beginning the practice of having regular worship hours three evenings each week, supported by wonderful hosts who have agreed to be available to our attendees for chat and prayer at the same worship hour every week. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Anxiety Disorders, Families, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment