Tag Archives: mental health

A Call to the Church…Guest Blogger Amy Simpson

I wrote my new book, Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission, to help the church better understand the needs of people affected by mental illness. I also wrote it to challenge the church­—that’s everyone who follows Christ—to see this as part of our mission in this life.
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A different way of thinking about kids with mental illness

Let’s think about church for a minute and consider the reality that folks with mental illnesses have disabilities that cause them difficulty in some environments but not others. There are lots of things about the environments in which we “do church” that pose major barriers for a parent or child struggling with common mental health disorders.
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Are teens “undermedicated” for mental health disorders?

There is very little evidence in this study to suggest that large numbers of teens are getting psychiatric medications that they don’t need. Continue reading

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Does depression result from a lack of faith?

Isn’t it possible, perhaps likely that God might use our suffering to strengthen our faith and to draw us into closer relationship with Him? Continue reading

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Families impacted by depression…How can the church help?

How can churches help families impacted by depression to experience the love of Christ? Here are some thoughts…
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Understanding Depression and Comorbidity in Children and Teens

This is Part Four in our Winter 2013 blog series Understanding Depression in Kids and Teens…A Primer for Pastors, Church Staff and Christian Parents. Today, we’ll look at the phenomena we refer to as “comorbidity”… the propensity for other mental health disorders … Continue reading

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Depression…Definitions matter

The purpose of this series will be to help pastors, church staff, volunteers and Christian parents improve their ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and children and teens and help them to most effectively support kids with depression and their families. Here’s a tentative outline of some of the topics we’ll be covering in the series… Continue reading

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How would your church help “Michael” and his “Anarchist Soccer Mom?”

Kids like “Michael” get lost in discussions of “special needs ministry.” He’s “twice-exceptional”…intellectually gifted, but with a disability. His disability dominates every aspect of his family life. How do you think things would go if Michael made clear his desire to NOT get up for church on Sunday morning? This is a kid who needs extra protection from the forces of evil present in our culture. So what could you or your church do to help “Michael”…or other families like his-to experience the love of Christ? Continue reading

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Stuff that’s too good to ignore…Matthew Stanford

Matt’s talk should be required viewing for pastors and church staff seeking to more effectively minister to families impacted by mental illness. Continue reading

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Faces of the Movement: Matt Stanford

Matt’s presentation is designed for anyone interested in learning more about mental illness from a Biblical perspective. Topics covered in this workshop will include:

What is a Biblical and clinical understanding/response to mental illness?
How to recognize mental illness.
The essential role of the church in the recovery and treatment process.
How to respond to families dealing with mental illness.
How to create mental health related supportive care within the church.
Resources to help families navigate the health care system and everyday life.
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