Christianity & Mental Health: Breaking Stigma & Building Resilience

08/11/24 • 11 min

In this episode of the Space and Grace podcast, host Ciara Helm, LCSW a licensed therapist and retired minister, delves into the connection between faith and mental health.
Ciara shares her personal story of grief and the struggle to reconcile her faith with mental health challenges, particularly after the loss of her mother. She outlines the top three ways faith and mental health beautifully intertwine, emphasizing the importance of mental flexibility, authenticity, and resilience as supported by scripture.
This short and sweet episode also highlights a special tool for mindful prayer, encouraging listeners to integrate their faith and mental health practices. If you haven't already, Tap HERE to download your Free 7-day Mindful Prayer Journal to join the community of other leaders who have started the 7 day challenge.

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Disclaimer: This episode is intended for entertainment and educational purposes and should not be used to replace mental health counseling or advice from your own mental health counselor. If you live in Florida and are interested in becoming a formal client of Ciara's for mental health counseling, visit her private practice website link below.

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Previous Episode

Faith, Therapy, & Mindfulness: Embracing Mental Health in the Church

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Have you ever felt like seeking therapy means you lack faith? It's a common feeling in the church, tune in as your Host Ciara, shares her personal journey of overcoming DA, you'll learn how therapy was crucial to her healing process and how evidence in the Bible proves that mental health struggles don't equate to faithlessness.

Join Ciara on this episode of the Space and Grace podcast, where we unpack the biblical principles that support the use of therapy and support groups. With verses like Proverbs 27:17 and Matthew 5:4, we challenge the stigma around mental health in the church and discuss the transformative power of gratitude as a mental health tool rooted in scripture. This episode is a call to action for church leaders to embrace the God-given hope and support that professional help can provide.
In another insightful segment, we dive into the practice of mindfulness and its impact on mental health, particularly through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Discover how MBSR, integrating ancient contemplative practices with Western medical and faith-based approaches, can reduce suffering and build resilience, balance, and peace of mind. We'll discuss practical techniques like body scans, attentional focus practices, and mindful movement, offering you a comprehensive guide to incorporating faith and mental health practices into your life. This episode provides a treasure trove of resources to help you start your mindfulness journey. Don't miss out on these valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your mental well-being through the lens of faith.
*Skip ahead for the trigger warning to 3:38*
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Next Episode

Mental Health & Faith in the Church ft: Laura Howe, LCSW

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It's that time of the month, for our special segment: Clinician's Corner. Where we invite fellow experts in the field of mental health onto the show to "talk shop"!!
In this exciting episode of the Space & Grace Podcast, we are continuing the conversation around the Faith & Mental Health Connection. This episode features a special conversation with Laura Howe, LCSW, founder of Hope Made Strong and the Church Mental Health Summit. Laura, a licensed clinical social worker and trauma-informed counselor, shares her journey and expertise in supporting pastors to prevent burnout and navigate mental health challenges. Key topics include practical strategies for integrating mental health support in ministry, the role of peer support, and breaking the stigma around mental health in the church.
Join our host Ciara Helm, a licensed therapist and retired minister, as she and Laura delve into the intersection of faith & mental health, offering valuable tools and real-life stories for church leaders.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation and be sure to check out Laura's work and sign up for your spot at the Church Mental Health Summit on 10/10/24 for more insights and resources.
Laura’s Links
Visit HopeMadeStrong.org for all the details and registration.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_made_strong/
Show Minutes:
00:00 Introduction to Faith and Mental Health
01:09 Meet Laura: A Transformative Conversation
02:55 Rapid Fire Questions with Laura
06:37 Laura's Journey and Burnout Experience
10:54 Connecting Faith and Mental Health in the Church
19:02 Supporting Pastors and Preventing Burnout
28:47 The Church Mental Health Summit
32:53 Final Words and Encouragement