4. Suicide, Faith, and Why Life is Worth Living

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

Caroline interviews Terri Cooley-Bennett, a social worker with over 30 years of experience in the field. . . and Caroline’s sister. September is suicide prevention month. Terri shares valuable information on warning signs and how to respond to an individual at risk. They also discuss the role faith can play in the recovery and healing process. You’ll want to listen to the end to hear Terri finish sharing a case study of one of her clients who had thoughts of suicide. Life is worth living!

NATIONWIDE SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE – CALL OR TEXT 9-8-8

For more information on 9-8-8 and a list of national local Kansas City area mental health resources, visit the Mental Health Resources page on Caroline’s website. http://www.ingodscorner.org

Caroline would love to hear from you! You can reach her at caroline@ingodscorner.org.

Photo courtesy of austin-schmid-joy on beach_unsplash

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7. Mental Health Resources at MHAH

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

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 the right treatment and supports.” — Lewis

With services ranging from offering educational workshops, providing housing for the homeless, and sharing information on public mental health policies, you may be surprised at all that Mental Health America of the Heartland has to offer. Be ready to take some notes as you listen! Or, check out their website at www.mhah.org.

The national organization – Mental Health America: www.mha.org

Caroline would love to hear from you!

Please send your comments, questions, and suggestions about this or any episode to Caroline at caroline@ingodscorner.org.

Ministry website: www.ingodscorner.org

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14. How to Write Your Story (Part 2)

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

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 authentic, inspiring, and hope-filled story. Those principles are: (1) be honest, (2) have courage, and (3) rely on faith.

Writing your story of recovery

Caroline recommends this six-step approach to organizing your thoughts and creating your autobiographical story. In this podcast, Caroline shares details and examples from her own life to aid listeners in writing about their own journey through hardship and into recovery. The steps are:

Introduction
Before the Fall
Finding Hope – the turning point
Experiencing Transformation
Recognizing Victories
Conclusion

Steps 3-5 are the heart of the story and represent the Cycle of Recovery that Caroline identified in her own recovery process.

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

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Facebook

Instagram

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24. Why We Need 988 with Oscar Destruge

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

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 listeners to remember that God loves them and has a purpose for their lives, regardless of circumstances. It is important to find help in times of need.

Oscar L. Destruge Pastor Author Speaker

Emails: OscarDestruge@PastorOscarDestruge.com or Juan316@aol.com

Website: PastorOscarDestruge.com

Screenshot 2023-08-27 at 2.33.59 PM.jpeg

Available in English, Spanish and Greek, paperback and Kindle.

Podcast/YouTube Show – Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look

Caroline S. Cooper, Certified Peer Specialist in Mental Health, MS in Theology

Caroline is a writer, speaker, and podcast host. She leads a mental health support group in her church. She is passionate about providing mental health education and information to her community, her friends and family, and through social media.

You can also subscribe to the podcast version on many podcast players or on Caroline’s podcast website: https://mental-health-a-closer-look.blubrry.net/

Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look is also a YouTube program/podcast! Please subscribe to Caroline’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Website

Facebook

Instagram

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

31. All Things New – New Life

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

All Things New

A New Life

What does having new life have to due with mental health? Our spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental health are all connected. It is my hope that as we explore the idea of having new life that we will experience hope, joy, and peace. When we experience these positive outlooks and feelings, our mental health improves. We’re able to cope with and respond to mental health challenges with patience and perseverance. Jesus Christ wants us to experience new life in a relationship with him!

This episode is the first in a podcast series based on a Bible study written by Caroline S. Cooper. It explores ways we are made new in our Christian faith. The series will include the following episodes:

Episode 31 – New Life – January 10, 2024
Episode 32 – New Creation – January 17, 2024
Episode 33 – New Covenant – January 24, 2024
Episode 34 – New Heaven and Earth – January 31, 2024

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

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Website

Facebook

Instagram

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32. All Things New – New Creation

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

A New Creation

As we seek to grow in our spiritual lives, we have hope, joy, and peace. We will realize we God has a purpose for us in life. When we grow in our spiritual lives, we will improve our mental health as well.In the second episode on January’s “All Things New” series, Caroline teaches from two passages in two letters from Paul about how we become can become a New Creation. These are the only two verses in the whole of Scripture that uses the phrase “new creation.”

Galatians 6:15b – What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.ⁱ ch. 12:2; Rom. 16:7; Gal. 1:22

Share your thoughts and insights by posting comments or sending an email to Caroline at caroline@ingodscorner.org.

The All Things New series based on a Bible study written by Caroline S. Cooper. It explores ways we are made new in our Christian faith. The series will include the following episodes:

Episode 31 – New Life – January 10, 2024
Episode 32 – New Creation – January 17, 2024
Episode 33 – New Covenant – January 24, 2024
Episode 34 – New Heaven and Earth – January 31, 2024

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: ingodscorner.org

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

33. All Things New – New Covenant

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

The New Covenant

When the people of Israel were rescued from slavery in Egypt by the Lord, He established a covenant with them that would be impossible to keep. In His perfect timing, God revealed the New Covenant to take its place. Caroline reads from Exodus, Jeremiah, and Luke in this episode comparing the first conditional covenant with the unconditional eternal covenant. Below is a 10-point comparison between the old and the new. Thanks be to Christ, our Lord!

Old Covenant (Exodus 19:1-7)	New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
Established at specific time (Exodus 19:1). After leaving Egypt.	To be established “on that day” – no specific time announced. (Jeremiah 31:31) Jesus’s death and resurrection established it.
God’s instructions were contained in the “Book of the Covenant” – the Ten Commandments and other laws. (Exodus 20:1, 24:7)	God’s instructions are written on our hearts. (Jeremiah 31:33) “Instructions” implies we are to follow God’s expectations, commands, and directions, but not in a legalistic sense.
Conditional covenant: Israel agreed to obey. God promised to make them his people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. (Exodus 19:5-6)	Unconditional covenant: “I will be their God, they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33) We participate in the covenant through faith and God’s grace. (Ephesians 3:6)
The people were afraid to talk to God face-to-face. They relied on Moses. (Exodus 20:18)	We can have a personal relationship with God. Jesus is our mediator. (Hebrews 9:15). We can come into God’s presence because of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.
The place of worship and sacrifice – the earthly tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1)	Worship anywhere. Jesus entered the heavenly tabernacle. (Hebrews 9:11)
Confirmation of covenant: Blood of animals spilled and sprinkled on altar and people (Exodus 24:6-8)	Confirmation of new covenant: The bread and cup, representing Jesus’ body and blood. (Luke 22:20)
Covenant required ongoing sacrifices. There were penalties for sin. (The Law; Hebrews 10:3, 11)	Covenant based on a one-time, once-for-all sacrifice. (Hebrews 10:12). We are set free from the penalty for sin. (Hebrews 9:15)
Special sacrifices in the Holy of Holies – behind the curtain. (Hebrews 9:3) Only the high priest could enter once a year.	No sacrifices are required accept of ourselves. The curtain was torn when Jesus died. (Matthew 27:50-52) All who believe have access to God. (Ephesians 2:18)
Symbols – The Ark of the Covenant: held the manna, staff, and the Ten Commandment tablets. Symbols of God’s covenant to Israel. (Hebrews 9:4)	No earthly symbols needed. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) There is nothing wrong with symbols and sacraments, but they are not necessary to remind us of God’s covenant.
Our sin required sacrifice.	Our sin has been paid for by the blood of Christ. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” (Jeremiah 31:34)

Share your thoughts and insights by posting comments or sending an email to Caroline at caroline@ingodscorner.org.

The All Things New series based on a Bible study written by Caroline S. Cooper. It explores ways we are made new in our Christian faith. The series includes the following episodes:

Episode 31 – New Life – January 10, 2024
Episode 32 – New Creation – January 17, 2024
Episode 33 – New Covenant – January 24, 2024
Episode 34 – New Heaven and Earth – January 31, 2024

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: ingodscorner.org

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Thank you to Alexandar Lanz for photo (Pixabay)

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38. Recovery For Life with Scott Hartman

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

Recovery for life

Caroline’s guest, Scott Hartman, is a man who knows how hard life can be. After being raped as a child, he turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with this unresolved pain. For many years, he hid his addictions until they overwhelmed his life. That’s when he began the recovery journey. Scott is now 7 years clean and has an amazing testimony of how he has overcome–and continues to persevere–through the power of God. Please share this episode – especially with men who have experienced trauma of any kind.

Sensitive Topic

Today’s episode contains sensitive information about childhood rape, addiction, and other forms of trauma. Scott and Caroline also discuss how God overpowers our pain through hope and recovery. If you at any time feel triggered or distressed as you listen, please pause the episode and return when you can receive better benefits from this important story.

CONNECT WITH scott

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/scott.hartman.9674
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sredemption16/
Email – recovery4life16@gmail.com

Check out Scott’s book!

From Chasing Dope to Pushing Hope: My Steps to Recovery & Redepmtion

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Dope-Pushing-Hope-Redemption/dp/1957013389/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=uXKNS&content-id=amzn1.sym.d0ebfbb2-6761-494f-8e2f-95743b37c35c%3Aamzn1.symc.50e00d6c-ec8b-42ef-bb15-298531ab4497&pf_rd_p=d0ebfbb2-6761-494f-8e2f-95743b37c35c&pf_rd_r=BH01KNPJJE3H3XKN53CD&pd_rd_wg=LODpM&pd_rd_r=c376ca20-b61c-4d54-821d-e5194df7c5d7&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m

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

Join the conversation!

Need help?

addiction recovery

Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/groups-and-state-reps
Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/
Narcotics Anonymous: https://na.org/

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 monthly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

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

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Caroline.S.Cooper.igcm

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

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

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39. Are you Anxious? So am I!

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

Let’s have an honest conversation.

My husband lost his job last year and at one point we thought we’d lose our house. Some close relatives have experienced significant health issues. I didn’t receive the promotion that I thought was guaranteed. I had a disagreement with a friend that has broken our relationship. My new insurance company doesn’t want to cover the new, expensive medication that has changed my life. And, as a mom and grandma, I yearn to see my children escape the pain of life. But that’s impossible.

Yes, I’ve had increased anxiety lately. I’ve been worried. Tears have come more easily to me. BUT, I know I can walk through these challenging emotions until a brighter day dawns. Here are some additional insights to the tips I share in this week’s podcast.

THE ACTS PRAYER MODEL

A = Adoration. Keep God first above all else by acknowledging who he is and what he has done.
C = Confession. Clear your conscience by admitting your sin, turning away from them, and receiving the forgiveness of the Lord.
T = Thanksgiving. Respond to God’s goodness by thanking him for the blessings in your life.
S = Supplication. Ask God to continue meeting your needs by naming specific requests and praying for others.

Scriptures for encouragement and peace

Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Matthew 11:28-30 – Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Philippians 4:6-7 – Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 55:22 – Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Psalm 94:18-19 – I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

1 Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Psalm 23:1–4 – The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Proverbs 12:25 – Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 – All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Matthew 5:4 – God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Joshua 1:9 – This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Deuteronomy 31:8 – Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Psalm 27:1 – The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

John 16:33 – Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 14:27 (NIV) – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “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 future and a hope.”

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:13 – For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Psalm 121:1-2 – I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

Psalm 62:1-2 – I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

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: ingodscorner.org

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

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

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

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Caroline.S.Cooper.igcm

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

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

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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!

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.