mental health for christian women

The Duggars are a well known family for their 19 Kids and Counting Show, but some of the beliefs that the organization they belong to taught were actually man-made and cultivated practices that caused fear and abuse in people under the IBLP organization's authority.  Today, we explore part 2 of Michelle's mental health therapist perspective as well as Biblical and Scriptural basis for truth verses abuse and toxic interactions and relationships that are not according to God's design.  

Michelle shares her personal journey in hearing God's voce through the Holy Spirit and wise counsel as she takes steps toward the goals and leading of what God is calling her to do with the Mental Health With Christian Women podcast and the exciting changes that will be coming soon and offerings for listeners from goal-setting, to training your thought life, to self-care tips, to anxiety management tips, to meet-up connection, to a new podcast schedule, and more.

You can notice the signs that trauma is still causing pain in your nervous system by becoming aware of what traces of trauma "residue" are left behind through observing the ways you react in everyday situations.  Once you know what to look for, you can decide your next steps forward in your healing work so that you can have less anxiety, more peace, and overcome trauma wounds.

This is Part 3 of the Spiritual segments of Michelle's framework for conceptualizing the parts of a person which may need attention to heal as she sees it.  In this episode, Michelle shares how it isn't helpful for one to be misunderstood and shames, guilted, or minimized by others who want to just slap a Scripture or platitude on something that needs compassionate care and attention.  In this series, Michelle provides you with insights from Scripture, psychology, and personal experience which will address the spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational aspects of the whole person and the human experience in a fallen world.  Whether you want healing from anxiety, trauma, depression, or something else, there will be many gems to glean from this series on a Framework for Healing.

What do first-class airplane rides, kangaroos, and substance abuse have in common?  A schema framework that Michelle uses to explain how exploring your thoughts and changing your surroundings can help you to grow and gain new skills toward a healthier mental, emotional, and spiritual life.  Listen in!

The words should and shouldn't are beneficial when related to matters of sin, such as we should follow God's ways, and we should not sin.  However, when it pertains to comparison, expectations for accomplishments by a given point in time, and other such things, should is not your friend.  Listen in for a more flexible way to think.

Have you ever wondered what causes depression?  Well, it's like a recipe with a bit of this and and a bit of that, but unique to each person. In this Mental Health for Christian Women podcast episode, Michelle talks about what causes depression and 8 things you don't want to do if you have depression or depressive symptoms.  Listen in.

How can we love God and others well if we treat ourselves differently and speak to ourselves with our "self-talk" with harsh words?  Noticing our words can help us to be more intentional and to be more in line with the love God has for us so we can better love Him and others when we also live that love out towards ourselves with our words and kindness towards ourselves.

Scripture and Cinderella both play a part in the content on positive mindset and reframing it for optimism to lighten your emotional burden and difficult circumstances.  Listen in to hear what they have to say as well as 9 Positive Techniques for Chosing Your Focus toward Positivity, even when you are having a rough time.  You can both validate your feelings and not let them rule how you feel.  Positive choices can make all the difference.

Today's weekly Scripture focus is on God's Word and Hope.  Be encouraged.  God is near to you, and His word is true.   Anxiety, panic, trauma, pain, and discouragement are no match for our Powerful God.

Have you ever wondered if you would benefit by taking a mental health medication?  Whether you are dealing with overwhelming panic, anxiety, lack of focus, sleep difficulties, psychotic thoughts, or mood fluctuations such as depression or mania, medication may just be a viable tool for your toolbox but only under a doctor's care and supervision.  Yet, people often fear mental health medications for various reasons such as wondering if it shows a lack of faith for God to do the healing, or fear that it will become a crutch or change a personality.  In today's episode, Michelle shares why it doesn't have to be so scary or complicated and what you might notice when you think it may be time to talk with your doctor or psychiatrist.

Disclaimer: This episode is not to be considered therapy or medical care in anyway.  If you need professional help, please seek it out.

Do you ever wonder, "Why do I do the things I do?"  "Why can't I just get past this already?" Or, "Why is this so hard?"  It could be because you have sub-personalities; we all do.  Through ego state and family systems awareness, courtesy of Dr. Richard Schwartz's discovery, today's episode shares more about our internal experience as humans and parts and jobs of our personality.  Understanding these concepts can help you to negotiate with your various parts and their needs so that you can identify how to move forward toward your goals.

Today is a throwback episode on Goal Setting, part 1. Listen in as Michelle coaches Alisha Sweyd regarding meal planning.

We make many choices that seem to be benficial in life, but some choices actually cost us something else of greater value to us.  Our mindset of hidden costs can help us to challenge our decisions and indecision to lead lives of better stewardship.

Do you hate winter and snow as much as I do?  Maybe you love it, but for today's episode, I ask you to suspend your enjoyment of it temporarily and come alongside me for my metaphor on what it's like to work toward healing for mental health.  You may feel like you are slogging through mounds or immovable snow or slipping on ice and not gaining any traction, but Spring will come.  Listen in.

Have you ever watched the 90's TV show, Friends?  Michelle recently read the new book by Matthew Perry, about his life story and striving for sobriety, health, and God.  Today, she shares 4 take aways about attachment needs, addiction, faith, and the comparison trap in this episode.

No matter what is going on around you, God is your ever present help.  Today's Scripture meditation will help you to focus on this truth.

Have you ever felt like you are getting nowhere with someone or that no matter what they turn things upside down and inside out and make you or others feel like you're losing your sensibilities?  You may be interacting with someone with a personality disorder.  While they are loved by God, and often by you, and whille they can have many good traits, being able to meet you where you are is not likely to be among those traits.  Listen in for tips on how to deal with the toxic traits of difficult personalities in your life.

Do you ever wonder if why you feel so exhausted after being around some people?  Does it seem like something is off, but you try to rationalize it away or blame yourself, rather than calling out sin or false accusations someone made toward you?  If you feel like your mind is being twisted, like you are never heard but often minimized or dismissed for your thoughts, feelings, or needs, you may be in a relationship with a person who is a narcissist.