23. Trauma & Mental Health with Marsha Morgan

By Mental-Health--And- | May 25, 2023

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 2009, after working in the mental health and substance use field for more than thirty-five years, I was presented with information about trauma and our therapeutic responses to trauma. This caused me to passionately pursue everything I could about the impact of trauma, trauma-informed personal practices, what organizations needed to do to create trauma-informed policies, and the meaning of resilience.”

Marsha’s website – Resilience Builders

Trauma-Informed Care and Mental Illness

In this episode, Marsha shares great information about trauma and how it may be connected to mental illness. She emphasizes that brain development could be a key to understanding how to treat individuals. Marsha suggested two important activities that could bring a greater understanding of what is going on in a person’s life.

Sleep study – Healthy sleep is crucial to be well in mind and body
Brain scan – Brain scans can now reveal healthy and unhealthy portions of the brain that can help target treatment trauma or mental illness

Tips for Reducing Stress or Symptoms of Trauma or Mental Health Challenges

Near the end of the episode, Marsha shares these 5 tips to bring a sense of release from stress, exaggerated emotions, and symptoms related to mental illness.

Journal – get your thoughts out of your head
Talk to someone – share what’s going on in your life with someone you trust
Take a walk – physical activity is proven to help improve mental health
Meditate or pray – find a sense of peace and calmness
Have a good cry – healthy expressions of emotions are an important part of good mental health

Questions?

Please send your questions, comments, and suggestions to Caroline at caroline@ingodscorner.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

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website

Facebook

Instagram

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22. The Many Talents of Jermine Alberty

By Mental-Health--And- | May 18, 2023

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 interview, Jermine shares information about Pathways to Promise and other organizations that promote education and awareness of mental health challenges. Jermine also shares about his involvement with Mental Health First Aid, a “skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues.” You’ll want to hang on to the end of the program to hear Jermine share his 5 Steps to Taking Care of Yourself.

Jermine’s website: jerminealberty.com/

Mental Health First Aid

Pathways to Promise

Alive & Well Communities

Find information and mental health resources on Caroline’s website: 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

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

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

Facebook

Instagram

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21. Mental Wellness with Brittney Moses

By Mental-Health--And- | May 8, 2023

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 cultural effects on mental health, and other topics.

Brittney is an author with a great new devotional book available now and another book on the way this summer! Find Worthy on Amazon.

Visit Brittney on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/brittneymoses/

Visit Brittney’s YouTube channel! @BrittneyMoses

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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20. The Cycle of Recovery (Part 3)

By Mental-Health--And- | May 3, 2023

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 21,31, NASB)

How do we recognize victory?

Recognize every right decision as a victory!
Celebrate milestones on your recovery journey as victories!

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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19. The Cycle of Recovery (Part 2)

By Mental-Health--And- | April 25, 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 her insights on transformation.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romas 12:2a, NASB)

What is a renewed mind?

– Retraining your thoughts

Christian Mindfulness: https://www.themindfulchristian.com/

Catch It – Check It – Change It

Be transformed with a new heart

Become a new creation in Christ!

Next week: Part 3 – Recognize Victory

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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18. The Cycle of Recovery (Part 1)

By Mental-Health--And- | April 18, 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.

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. (Jeremiah 29:11, New Living Translation)

What is Recovery?

A definition of recovery from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that

“Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.” (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery)

Where can you find hope?

Caroline mentions three ways you can find hope:

By reading stories of hope in the Bible
By joining a support group or finding people in your life who have experienced similar struggles
By observing the world around you to see where Go is at work.

Next week: Part 2 – Experience Transformation

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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14. How to Write Your Story (Part 2)

By Mental-Health--And- | March 25, 2023

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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12. Mental Health in the Church

By Mental-Health--And- | March 11, 2023

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 long-term mental illness and situational mental health conditions?
- Situational vs. clinical conditions from medicalnewstoday.com. “Situational depression occurs after life-altering events, but clinical or major depression has a range of causes and is a longer-term condition.”
- Definition of situational depression from verywellmind.com. “Situational depression involves symptoms of depression that are related to stress. It is not a recognized clinical disorder but is an informal term used to describe what may be more formally diagnosed as a type of adjustment disorder.”
- Information on situational conditions from Nami.org. “Situational stress can generate emotional or behavioral symptoms that look and feel very much like clinical depression. Depending on the degree of symptomatic discomfort, the treatment plan for situational or stress-related symptoms may be supportive or psychoeducational in nature and often includes the teaching of simple coping tools (find some below) that can help combat the impact of everyday stress. Remember that certain types of anxiety and sadness are often a normal response to difficult or overwhelming circumstances.”
What can the church to do meet the mental health needs and other needs of church members and the community?

Resources

Here are some resources for finding a Christian counselor.

Focus on the Family: https://findacounselor.focusonthefamily.com
Lighthouse Network: https://lighthousenetwork.org
American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC): https://connect.aacc.net
Find a Christian Counselor: https://findchristiancounselor.com

Please share information and comments with Caroline! Show notes may be edited to include your insights.

Contact Info & Social Media

CONTACT CAROLINE at caroline@ingodscorner.org

CONNECT WITH IN GOD’S CORNER ON SOCIAL MEDIA

YouTube – @InGodsCornerMinistry for a video version of the Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look podcast
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn

Photo by John Price on Unsplash

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11. Mental Health Resources at MHAH

By Mental-Health--And- | March 4, 2023

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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10. Living a Recovery Lifestyle – What does that mean, anyway?

By Mental-Health--And- | February 20, 2023

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 that can represent the recovery lifestyle.

DID YOU DO THE ASSIGNMENT CAROLINE MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST/VIDEO? She is waiting to hear from you. Please email Caroline at caroline@ingodscorner.org

International Recovery Day

Caroline also encourages listeners to attend the panel discussion on recovery as part of International Recovery Day. Information can be found at this link: