“If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
— Psalm 139:11-12 NIV
I learned the hard way that caregivers experience anger, anxiety, grief, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and faith struggles at a much higher rate than the national average. Not only that, but Christians are less likely to seek mental health treatment due to stigma and faith beliefs. God is the center and presence of our recovery and healing process. But mental health disorders often also require professional mental health treatment. How do you rise up out of hopelessness to faith and mental health healing?
A COMPLICATED RECIPE
Challenging circumstances. Grief. Chronic stress. Isolation. Financial burdens. Strained relationships. Lack of time for self-care. Traumatic events. Take any combination of these factors, and it’s not surprising that mental health decline may be the result. Then add in the ingredients of faith doubts, confusion, bitterness, and even anger, and you may find a person suffering in spiritual darkness.
Continue reading on the Key Ministry Church4EveryChild Blog
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Kristin Faith Evan, MA, MS, LMSW
Kristin is an author, a speaker, a mental health therapist, and a special needs mom. Her greatest passion is walking with others on their journey to deeper faith and emotional healing. As a Licensed Masters Social Worker and with her Masters in Christian Education, she has served in youth, camping, and retreat ministries and is experienced in Christian counseling, couples and family therapy, substance abuse treatment, and crisis counseling. Kristin lives with her husband, Todd, and their two children in the Nashville, TN area. When she is not enjoying life with her family, writing or working with clients, you can find Kristin training for triathlons, reading, or simply being out in nature. Visit her author website at www.KristinFaithEvans.com
Disability Parenting
I just read “Finding Hope When Caregiving Stress Leads to Faith and Mental Health Struggles” shared on Key Ministry’s Church4EveryChild blog. Outstanding article – faithful, well researched and documented, and extremely helpful!
Thank you for your support and encouragement!