Category Archives: stigma
The Hidden Life of Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent and frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food (e.g., binge-eating), and feeling a lack of control over the eating. This binge-eating is followed by a type of behavior that compensates for the binge, such as purging (e.g., vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics), fasting and/or excessive [...]
That Awful Wasteland of Alzheimers
What is Alzheimer’s disease (AD)? Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living. In most people with AD, symptoms first appear after age 60. AD is the most common cause of dementia among older [...]
Dipped in Shame
“All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face.” Psalm 44:15 Some of us truly understand shame. It’s like we have been dipped in it, we have wallowed in it and things are sticking to us. We live out our lives in disgrace and in the sense of nasty embarrassment [...]
Should I Take Medication?
by John Piper What’s Your Take on Christians Using Antidepressants? In the end I’m going to say that there are times when I think it is appropriate, but I want to go there cautiously and slowly, with warnings. Depression is a very complex thing. It’s got many layers. I think we all would agree that [...]
Mental Health Commercial
This is a 60 second commercial used on TV in New Zealand for a couple of years. It functioned as a sort of PSA raising awareness. It features part of a catchy song by Des’Ree, entitled “You Gotta Be.” It’s a great commercial, and it is a great visual effort to communicate to those who [...]
Wrong Things Said in Church
“There must be something wrong with your spiritual life.” Yes, depression CAN be a result of sin. BUT depression is NOT always a result of sin! If it is, God will tell you loud and clear what the problem is. This saying piles on the guilt for the depressed Christian. It’s unlikely that their depression [...]
The Meat Grinder
I feel like I am going through a meat grinder. Pushed against my will (and desire) I’m finding myself in a place I’d rather not be. My therapist confirmed today that I’m in a “mixed state” where bipolar mania and depression come together. I compare it to two massive ocean currents smashing into each other. (please Google, “mixed state“). [...]
Are You Still Ashamed? Or Will He Be Ashamed of You?
“I am proud of the good news! It is God’s powerful way of saving all people who have faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.” Romans 1:16, CEV “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first [...]
Was Jesus Mentally Disturbed?
“When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3:21, NIV Even our Lord’s own family did not believe Him. I can see them gathering out of concern, not only for concern for Jesus, but for the family name– perhaps they [...]