August 2025 – Page 5 – Mental Health & Faith

40. The Importance of Self-Care

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Self-care = taking care of self!

Sounds easy, right? Unfortunately, many people are over-committed, have too many activities on the calendar, and prioritize their careers over their well-being. But taking time out everyday for yourself is essential for holistic health.

Mindfulness

You can find free resources on mindfulness on the following websites]

Focus on the Family – Mindfulness: A Christian Approach: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/mindfulness-a-christian-approach/
The Mindful Christian: https://www.themindfulchristian.com/guides_for_practice.html
Mindfulness Exercises: https://mindfulnessexercises.com/
MindWorks: https://mindworks.org/blog/mindfulness-exercises/
The Free Mindfulness Project website: https://www.freemindfulness.org/download

Wellness Tools

Create a wellness tools list of activities that bring you joy, relaxation, peace, and a sense of purpose.

Caroline published a Christ-centered workbook guiding you through self-care practices and developing your own wellness tools list. It also has a dozen or so instruction sheets for different mindfulness and wellness activities. You can find more information on the Amazon page.

The Everyday Wellness Workbook on Amazon

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God’s Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: ingodscorner.org

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://ingodscorner.org – you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

41. Writing for Recovery: Poetry

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

The Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look program presents a series of episodes on Writing Your Way to Recovery. Throughout June 2024, Caroline shares content originally created for presentations at two different mental health conferences in Missouri. Today’s episode explores how poetry can be beneficial in exploring emotions and how to express those feelings in a healthy way.

Links to info on Emotion (Feeling) Wheels

https://feelingswheel.com/

https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-wheel/

https://psychcentral.com/health/emotion-wheel

links for information on poetry

Poetry 101 – different types of poetry: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/poetry-101-learn-about-poetry-different-types-of-poems-and-poetic-devices-with-examples#6bzWosRp10myuzu65GOZ9w

The Free Verse Poem – https://www.masterclass.com/articles/poetry-101-what-is-the-difference-between-blank-verse-and-free-verse

The Narrative Poem – https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-narrative-poem-3-different-types-of-narrative-poems-with-poetry-examples

PSALM 42 (NASB) – An example of poetry (a song) expressing emotions honestly.

Thirsting for God in Trouble and Exile.

For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah.

1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So my soul pants for You, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;

When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night,

While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

4 These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God,

With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.

5 Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him

For the help of His presence.

6 O my God, my soul is in despair within me;

Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan

And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;

All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.

8 The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;

And His song will be with me in the night,

A prayer to the God of my life.

9 I will say to God my rock, “Why have You forgotten me?

Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

10 As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me,

While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

11 Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://ingodscorner.org – you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

42. Writing for Recovery: Journaling

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

The Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look program presents a series of episodes on Writing Your Way to Recovery. Throughout June 2024, Caroline shares content originally created for presentations at two different mental health conferences in Missouri. Today’s episode explores how journaling can be beneficial in working your way to healing.

Journaling

Thanks to my fellow author and poet, Sharon Shoemaker, for the 8 Tips for Effective Journaling that are presented in this episode. (No cheating, you’ll have to listen to hear them!)

Check out her blog: https://sharonsroseblog.wordpress.com/

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://ingodscorner.org – you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

43. Writing for Recovery_Write Your Story!

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

The Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look program presents a series of episodes on Writing Your Way to Recovery. Throughout June 2024, Caroline shares content originally created for presentations at two different mental health conferences in Missouri. Today’s episode explores how journaling can be beneficial in working your way to healing.

Write Your StorY

Resources mentioned in the episode

The RESPECT Institute (https://dmh.mo.gov/constituent-services/respect-institute) is coordinated by the Missouri Mental Health Foundation (missourimhf.org).

Write your story for Guideposts (https://guideposts.org/tell-us-your-story/)

Write your story for Chicken Soup for the Soul (https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics/)

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://ingodscorner.org – you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

44. Mental Health & Faith (Feb 12, 2019)

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Today’s episode is a replay of Caroline’s first episode on the Mental Health & Faith podcast. The information shared is still relevant and you will enjoy listening to insights related to mental health, faith, and recovery. Caroline’s guest is her sister, Terri Cooley-Bennett, a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in the field for almost 40 years. This episode has been listened to more than 150 times with listeners tuning in from all around the globe. Please join the conversation on mental health and faith by posting your comments.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of Mental Health Connect) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@carolinescooper.com.

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: https://www.carolinescooper.com/mental-health-resources/

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://carolinescooper.com – you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

45. Jane Shares Her Story

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Jane Alexander bravely shares her experience with mental illness and trauma in a podcast originally posted in March of 2020. As she shares you will gain insight into what it’s like to live with a mental illness. You’ll be comforted that you are not alone in your mental health challenges. And, you’ll be reminded that our identity never comes from a diagnosis, but from the truth that God created us, loves us, and is always with us. Please join the conversation on mental health and faith by posting your comments.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: https://www.carolinescooper.com/mental-health-resources/

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://carolinescooper.com – you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

46. Trauma & Trauma Informed Care with Roxanne Pendleton

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Roxanne Pendleton shares information about trauma and trauma informed care (TIC) from a professional and personal perspective. She has lived through trauma and turned that experience into an opportunity to help others. Roxanne works as a trauma consultant at the Center for Trauma Informed Innovation at University Health-Behavioral Health (formerly Truman Behavioral Health). Roxanne is also a pastor, writer, speaker, and friend. You can find her book, Laughing Again: A Survivor’s Guide to Healing Depression, on Amazon.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com. Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of Mental Health Connect) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@carolinescooper.com.

NEED HELP?

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/ Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

47. Fall Episodes are On Their Way!

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Here are the September-October episode topics and guests for Mental Health & Faith: A Closer Look.

9/3/24 – Resilient & Redeemed: Therapy with Chris Morris

9/10/24 – Resilient & Redeemed: Suicide with Chris Morris

9/17/24 – Wayfaring with Dr. Warren Kinghorn

9/24/24 – Overcoming Grief with Judy Vander Wege

10/1/24 – The Mouth and Mental Health with Dr. Tim Doolin (dentist)

10/8/24 – The Imagine Project with Brant Winn

10/15/24 – Selective Mutism with Nanette Holloway

10/22/24 – Fighting Goliath, a ministry of Jesslyn McCutcheon

10/29/24 – Overcoming Fear by Caroline Cooper

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

NEED HELP?

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON CAROLINE’S WEBSITE.

You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page. https://carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE!

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

48. Finding a Therapist and Support with Chris Morris

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Caroline’s guest, Chris Morris, has a story to tell. In episode 48, he shares important tips for finding a therapist based on his challenging experience. Additionally, Chris talks about the importance of having a support network for accountability. Episode 49 goes deeper into Chris’s story as he shares about his suicide attempt. This important episode offers hope and encouragement in recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness month.