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Leadership and Vulnerability
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Leaders increasing need to show vulnerability to get the most out of their teams.
Media Type:   Article
leaders
WMHD 2023 
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Will highlights the need for greater equality in mental health provision while emphasising the role of local communities, including churches, in promoting mental well-being.
WMHD
Empowering Educators
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Essential resources to empower educators in addressing mental health challenges in the classroom and beyond.
education, teaching, resources
Subversive Rest 
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To rest and recreate in today’s high-speed world is an act of rebellion. This rebellion is a freedom filled with upsides.
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peace, rest, burnout, work, sabbath, life balance
On Trust 
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How do we learn to trust, and to rebuild when trust is broken?
trust
Carers don’t cause eating disorders 
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Beyond just the person with the eating disorder is their entire carer network - the 24/7 role of a carer watching someone you love suffering this cruel illness. An illness that sweeps through entire homes, families and keeps you awake at all hours.
eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia
Anxiety: The Canary in the Coal Mine (Part II) 
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Part II of our long read exploring why we need to stop trying to treat cultural anxiety and look for the causes instead.
Media Type:   Article
anxiety
Anxiety: The Canary in the Coal Mine (Part I)
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Part I of our long read exploring why we need to stop trying to treat cultural anxiety and look for the causes instead.
Media Type:   Article
anxiety
Paul, an Anxious Apostle, and his Framework for Peace
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Paul’s understanding of prayer teaches us that when anxiety comes, if we approach God, ask Him to meet our needs and desires, and give Him thanks for His grace and provision, then we will receive His peace.
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When your faith (in the church, or its leaders) is shaken… 
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How do we manage when what we are reading leads us, or those we are leading, to question the church and its leaders?
Statement: the investigation of safeguarding concerns relating to Mike Pilavachi 
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A statement from the Mind and Soul Foundation about this issue
Avoiding Overwhelm 
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In the emotional challenges of acrisis, Kate Middleton looks at what you can do when it all just feels too much?
coronavirus, covid19
When sleep won't come
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Insomnia is incredibly common. What do you do when sleep just won't come?
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sleep, anxiety, insomnia
Easter Emotions
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The Easter narrative is full of the whole spectrum of emotions. Will delves into the Easter narrative and what we can learn from the emotions it portrays.
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easter, trauma, emotions
The Rest is Worship 
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We all find it hard to rest, here Sam and Sara unpack a vision for rest and worship
Media Type:   Article
worship
Eating Disorders in men - a silent epidemic? 
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This Eating Disorder Awareness week Dr Chi-Chi Obuaya unpacks this year's theme: Eating disorders in men
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eating disorder, anorexia, orthorexia
To Fast or Not to Fast? 
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As we head into Lent conversations and thoughts around fasting are bound to crop up. Here's Kate with some of the theology around fasting and some top tips
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fasting, lent
Money Matters 
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Our finances can often be a hard thing to talk about - here is Stephan from Crosslight with tips for if you're struggling.
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finances, worry, debt, help
Light in Darkness 
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Life can often feel like walking in darkness, but the bible promises us a light is dawning and Jesus is with us.
Media Type:   Article
darkness, hope, Christmas, light, light in the darkness
Have yourself an IMPERFECT year 
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Let yourself and your world NOT be perfect. And why not take a moment in the early days of 2023 to deliberately remind yourself of God's presence in those spaces.
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Stress, new year
Hope + Healing in Advent 
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An Advent reflection from Jayne Manfredi
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Trauma Q+A 
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Dr Chi Chi Obuaya answers some FAQ's around the subject of trauma.
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trauma, emdr
First Steps with Anxiety 
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If you're experiencing anxiety, in any form, for the first time, it can be difficult to know what can help.
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anxiety, breathing
Fear: Fun or Frightening? 
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In a time when anxiety is one of the most common emotions for people to struggle with, or even to cause illness, why is it so popular to celebrate fear and causes of fear? Can this tell us something about the way fear and anxiety work?
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Cold Concerns: Caring for mental health this autumn/winter 
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As we head into winter the cold and dark can have a big impact on our mental health. Here's Kate with some super practical tips on how to support those who may struggling this winter.
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winter, depression
Heading off to Uni?
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Heading off to Uni can be a daunting thing. Here are some top tips from Fusion's Sam Brown
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students, community, mental health
Grief 
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Media Type:   Article
grief, grieving, loss
The Drugs Do Work 
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With much in the news recently surrounding the causes of depression, Dr Kate Middleton and Dr Chi-Chi Obuaya dispel some of the myths
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antidepressants, medication, depression
Time to MOT your mind? 
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As part of a healthy self-care routine, It's good to check in every now and then. Here's a tool to help with that!
Media Type:   Article
self-help, wellness, mensmentalhealth
Post Trauma Support 
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It can feel paralysingly hard to know how to love and care for someone with trauma. Whether it's a refugee or someone in your family here are our top tips on how to safely support someone struggling.
Making Time to Think 
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Taking the time to process our experiences is so important. Here's some advice and prompts on how to do it really well.
Media Type:   Article
processing, reflection
What is Bipolar?
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Bipolar can often be a misunderstood illness. Here's Dr Chi-Chi unpacking what it actually is, some core symptoms, and what can help.
Media Type:   Article
bipolar, bipolar affective disorder
PTSD
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] can occur after times of war and conflict. This article traces the development of the term PTSD and outlines modern approaches.
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PTSD, trauma
Do I Need Grief Counselling? 
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It can often be hard and confusing to know when to seek support for grief. Will unpacks the different stages of grief and gives advise for when additional help might be needed.
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grief, depression, loss
When Will I Feel Normal Again? 
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On this day of National Reflection, Kate Middleton unpacks the effect the pandemic has had on our emotions and how we can process and recover well.
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pandemic perspectives, national day of reflection, covid19, covid-19, covid, ukraine
Fat Jesus and the Desire to be Thin 
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In this personal and raw account Jayne tells her story of living with disordered eating and how she's found hope in Jesus.
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eating disorder, anorexia
Inside the Mind of an Eating Disorder Doctor 
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We had the privilege of sitting down with Dr Chuks, an eating disorder doctor in London to pick his brain about what he's learned and what he'd like to share with our community.
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eating disorder, edaw2022, eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia
Student Mental Health
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Leaving home and starting University can stir many emotions which can be hard to know what to do with. Here are some practical tips from Fusion's Sam Brown.
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student, mental health, university
Armageddon and Ash Wednesday
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This Ash Wednesday, Will unpacks what it means for us to pay attention to what we live for, and gives some practical tips to help us engage with what we see on the news.
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ash wednesday, anxiety, ukraine, war
Debunking the Myths of Self Harm
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There are many myths flying around about self harm. Jenny Flannagan offers helpful, practical advice on how to help someone who is self-harming.
Media Type:   Article
self harm
Eating Disorders: How to Help 
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It can be hard to know how to help when a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder. Here are some practical tips from Dr Chi Chi Obuaya, and some common pitfalls to be aware of.
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anorexia, bulimia, eating disorders, binge eating
Being Present and God's Presence 
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In the busyness of life it can be hard to stop and be present to ourselves, and to God too. Olivia Shone offers tips on how to practice this.
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mindfulness, presence, christian meditation
Why winning at world feels like you’re winning at life 
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Why is Wordle taking the world by storm, and what we can learn from this nifty game?
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wordle, creativity, pandemic perspectives
Calm kids in Chaos 
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How do we help our kids stay calm in spite of the chaos they may feel surrounds them?
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children, kids
Offer rather than don't offer
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Sometimes not knowing what to say or how to help can feel paralysing, but it's important that reach out to those who are struggling. Who can we reach out to for the good of their mental health?
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Returning to Work: Navigating Anxiety, Race and Gender
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Dr Selina Stone helps us understand the different racial and gender microgressions which are often experienced in places of work, and gives some helpful tips for if you're feeling anxious about the return to work.
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microaggresions, race, gender, covid19, covid-19, covid
Anxiety is Not a Flaw, Failing nor lack of Faith
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Anxiety is a normal human emotion, however it's often suggested that it's a sign of some kind of spiritual weakness or lack of faith. Here's Dr Kate Middleton on why that's just not true, and how a life of faith can help us fear less.
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anxiety, fear
I need more than ‘wellbeing’
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I know that whilst my attempts to retain my wellbeing might be overwhelmed, God’s hand will never let me go.
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wellbeing, new year, covid19, covid-19, covid
Christmas Ranking 
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As a society we learn to rank things from an early age, right from our first school report cards. In this article Will shares our need to break out of this need to rank everything and everyone.
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comparison, anxiety, ranking
Being Grounded in God 
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To be spiritually grounded infuses our whole physical and inner life, making our whole existence a spiritual and sacred affair.
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meditation, mindfulness, christian mindfulness
Covid Psychosis: Fact or Fiction? 
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Recent news coverage has reported that the rate of psychosis has increased over the last year during the pandemic. Dr Chi-Chi Obuaya gives some practical advice.
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psychosis, pandemic, mental health
And Yet: The Road to Joy is Paved with Lament 
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The question 'where is God when it hurts?' can be one of the hardest parts of faith. In this article Rachael Newham shares her testimony and explores the power of lament for helping us find joy again.
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lament, depression, joy
Still Stressed? How to manage when stretch and pressure keep coming
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Many of us are all too aware of how stressed and worn out we are. What do you do when a season of stress just keeps on and on - and you can't stop?
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stress, distress, worry, exhaustion, burnout, conflict
Obsessional Thoughts or Genuine Risk? 
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You may be wondering how on earth you can discern between a genuine ‘risk’ and a simple intrusive thought. In this article Will Van Der Hart helps us look at the difference and brings an encouragement for those struggling
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OCD, intrusive thoughts
Locked in: Understanding Agoraphoboia 
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After a season of lockdowns, Dr Chi-Chi Obuaya takes a look at Agoraphobia, the fear of crowded spaces and/or going outside. What is it, and what are the treatments?
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lockdown, agoraphobia, treatment
Supporting Young People In Anxious Times 
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Supporting young people in tough times can be really difficult. Here, Kate Middleton shares her top tips and tells us about a new campaign BRAVE, a brilliant new online resource for those working with young people.
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youth, CAMHS, mental health, youthwork
I still believe… World Mental Health Day 2021 
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As we consider the costs on mental health to those suffering deprivation, poverty, isolation and prejudice, Will Van Der Hart encourages us not lose sight of the simple medicine of welcome.
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WMHD, equality, hospitality, friendship, welcome, social justice
Unequal access to treatment
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Why is access to mental health services variable in different places and for different conditions? Dr Rob Waller looks at some of the factors that cause this and what we, the Church can do to help.
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WMHD, access, waiting, inequality
Valuing Your Body 
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If we want to live richer, fuller lives then we need to live through our bodies as well as our minds. In this article Olivia looks at how we can value our body as part of our spirituality.
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meditation, mindfulness, body
Connecting With Your Children Through Stories
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In this article Clare Luther, author of The Little Paws Hotel stories, describes how finding time to connect with your young children about their emotions through stories can have a positive impact on their emotional well being.
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children, emotional health, parenting
Start Your Engines Please...
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At the start of a new term we often feel like we need to hit the ground running, but how can we do that when we feel an overwhelming sense of exhaustion?
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exhaustion, pandemic, mental health, burnout
Seeing God at Work in Dark Times 
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Rosie reflects how she's experienced God whilst parenting a daughter with serious mental health conditions.
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parenting, hope, mental health, children
Suicide Prevention
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You are probably doing more than you think. We need many and varied approaches. Keep going!
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suicide, prevention
Suicide: Supporting the Survivors 
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Suicide is such a difficult subject and one no one would want to be part of their story. But it's important we talk truths about suicidal feelings and how we care for those who have survived suicide attempts.
Starting University in 2021
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Starting university this year? In this article Rich Wilson, movement leader of Fusion gives his top tips for stepping into this next chapter post-pandemic.
Media Type:   Article
students
Demystifying OCD 
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OCD affects 1 in 50 people. In this article Dr Chi Chi Obuaya helps us understand exactly what it is, and treatment options.
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OCD, treatment
Telling New Stories 
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The story of our lives that we live in can help us understand our purpose and who we really are. But sometimes our stories can feel skewed. André Radmall looks at how we can live into God's story for our lives.
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emotional health, emotional intelligence, stories
The power of music to help us heal 
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Music is a powerful tool for us both psychologically and spiritually. In this article we take a look at why this is, and discover a new group of musicians helping us to create space to process the pandemic.
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music, pandemic
Book Review: I Love Jesus, But I want to Die 
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A review of: "I love Jesus But I Want to Die" by Sarah J Robinson. A book exploring how we can find hope in the darkness of depression.
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depression, suicide, recovery, faith
When going back is hard...  
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Find yourself strangely reticent to get back to normal life? Trying to work out why?
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covid19, covid-19, covid, coronavirus, anxiety, fear, change
Depression, Faith and Lockdown
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In the pain and darkness of depression George Parsons explains the ways which he's found his faith to have been strengthened.
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depression, lockdown
When Freedom brings Fear 
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Levels of anxiety and distress have been significant as people contemplate what release of restrictions means for their own circumstances.
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covid19, covid-19, covid, coronavirus, fear, anxiety
Faith, fear and therapy: Recovery from OCD
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In this article Helena explores how to support those with OCD in a practical, faith-filled way.
Media Type:   Article
OCD, fear
Spiritual Receptivity in Times of Challenge
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When walking through challenging seasons of life we often struggle with our faith. In this article Olivia Shone shares how we can give space to God in those places, in a new way.
Media Type:   Article
5 things you might not know about long term illness
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It’s never nice being unwell. But what do you do when a period of ill health turns into something more long term? Here’s 5 things you might not know about long term illness
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long-term, chronic illness
Fear of Missing Out?
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As lockdown restrictions ease how can we protect ourselves from the Fear of Missing Out?
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anxiety, pandemic perspectives, social anxiety, covid19
Pandemic Kids: Adult Anxiety Over Screen Time
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With children playing more games than ever over this last year of pandemic, many parents and carers are concerned about the impact this will have on their development and mental health.
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children, kids, gaming, screen ti
The Three Bears: Anxiety, OCD, Depression 
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In psychological diagnostics things aren't always straightforward. In this article Will explores the nuanced nature of our psychological experiences and approaches to recovery.
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depression, anxiety, OCD, diagnosis
Nature and Mental Health 
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How spending time outdoors can help rejuvenate and replenish us.
Media Type:   Article
nature
Healthy Dieting Post Lockdown
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Engaging in healthy and sustainable eating habits as lockdown lifts.
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weight, eating, binge eating, pandemic, covid19, covid-19, covid
Christian leadership post-pandemic?
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The world has fundamentally changed and we need to give up notions about going back
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leadership, pandemic perspectives, coronavirus, covid19, covid-19, covid
Supporting teens and young people in unpredictable (+exam) times
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One of the toughest things we’ve faced as parents is not being able to be in control of our children and teens situations. We’ve had our own reactions to that, hitting in a time where many parents are themselves struggling.
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teens, young people, exams, parenting
Pivoting OUT of Lockdown 
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Coming out of lockdown is going to be psychologically challenging for many people. Even those who can’t wait to restart normal life might be surprised by some feelings of anxiety as the new normal starts to change.
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coronavirus, covid19, covid-19, covid
Control FREAK or GEEK? Covid, chaos and our need for control  
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This last year has stolen our control away in so many of those areas so we have not always been able to even decide when we leave the house. So how DO we manage when things are going on that are outside of our control?
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covid19, covid-19, covid, coronavirus
Panic Attacks
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I have had quite a few requests recently for information on panic attacks from younger Christian people so I thought I should have a go at explaining things and putting them in a bit of context - so here goes.
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panic attacks, panic, anxiety, depression
Parenting through Pandemic and beyond: A message of optimism 
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Is there a more optimistic message about the way pandemic has shaped our children than the ones we may have heard?
Media Type:   Article
parenting, coronavirus, covid19, covid-19
Back to work when you have been ill
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Paul speaks to his friend Kelly about going back to work and how Permitted Work can help
Media Type:   Article
Testimony
work, benefits, permitted work
Covid, conflict and conversations:reflections on lockdown one year on  
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A year after the first lockdown, has apathy kicked in, and have we lost the ability to empathise and show kindness to each other at a time of great challenge and vulnerability?
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covid19, covid-19, covid, coronavirus
We are (not) invincible: when you suddenly realise you are vulnerable  
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For the majority of people this pandemic year has made us aware of our personal vulnerability in a new, stark, sometimes even brutal way.
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covid19, covid-19, covid, coronavirus
Broken Ground - 1 Year into a Global Pandemic 
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It strikes us how much of the last year has simply been unsettling; that the ground beneath us has become fractured and unfamiliar.
Media Type:   Article
covid19, covid, covid-19, coronavirus
Pandemic Perspectives: People Under Pressure 
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Living under huge pressures, how do we restore ourselves, how do we move beyond a sense of burnout and into a life that feels whole and balanced?
Media Type:   Article
#coronavirus, covid19, covid-19, covid
Uninspired, unproductive and unhealthy? How to survive the monotony of home-working
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How do we get through the rest of this working-from-home-season with your sanity and relationships intact?
Media Type:   Article
Pandemic perspectives: Is lockdown producing a 'Tsunami' of eating disorders?
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People suffering with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders often seek to control their weight when other parts of their life seem out of control, and there’s nothing like a global pandemic to show you the limits of your mastery.
Pandemic Perspectives: The Antidepressant Wave
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Why antidepressants prescribing is soaring.
covid19, covid, covid-19, coronavirus, pandemic perspectives
Faith in Mind [Book Review]
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A new book to bring comfort to those suffering with mental illhealth and an introduction to faith and Bible reading
Media Type:   Book Review
book, mental illness, chaplain
From one mother to another
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The practice of solidarity within Christian churches can make a real difference for people with mental illness
Media Type:   Article
mother, parent, perinatal, toddler, anxiety, solidarity
Pandemic Perspectives: When Sex gets out of Control 
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Many people enjoy a healthy sex life. Sadly, for about 1 in 15 adults in the church the picture is very different. For them, while they know what they are doing goes against everything they believe in and hold dear they do it anyway.
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sex, addiction, addictions, pandemic perspectives
Pandemic Perspectives: Managing Post Panic and Doomscrolling 
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Media Type:   Article
covid19, covid-19, covid, coronavirus, doomscrolling, pandemic perspectives
Pandemic Perspectives: Caring for the Carers 
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The issue of professional burnout is a major concern at this time within the health and care professions.
Media Type:   Article
covid19, pandemic perspectives, coronavirus, covid-19, covid, NHS
Happy Blue Year 
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Media Type:   Article
coronavirus, covid19, covid-19, covid, new year, blue monday
Two-stage Resolutions
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New Year again - just how do I make those changes and resolutions stick?
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new year, resolution, learning, experience, change
Christmas, food, eating disorders and diets
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My relationship with Christmas has been an emotional rollercoaster in itself each year and one that still carries a mixture of uncertainty and fear.
Media Type:   Article
christmas, anorexia, eating disorders
Comfort and Joy 
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We cannot escape reality this year...But these things do not blot out the presence or reality of good. Good things to come, good promise ahead, and even moments of light and life and pleasure in the midst of all the mayhem.
Media Type:   Article
christmas, covid19, covid-19, coronavirus
When it feels like Christmas is cancelled...   
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When the magic disappears, we are forced to create or find the wonder in new ways.
Media Type:   Article
christmas, Lonliness at Christmas, covid19, covid-19, covid, coronavirus
Not so positive thinking
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Have you ever been told, “Aw, it’s not that bad, try thinking positive.” How did that work for you?
Media Type:   Article
The impact of Covid-19 on vulnerable children and what we can do to help 
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Covid-19 exposed and then amplified existing inequalities facing children, meaning those children already facing the worst life chances have felt the greatest burden from the virus.
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children, covid19, covid-19, covid, coronavirus
It's good to talk 
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Let’s not be ashamed to put up our hands, reach to others and ask for support, prayer and guidance. That’s what friends are really for.
Media Type:   Article
Your Emotional Health at Christmas 
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Keeping your festive sparkle at Christmas can be a real challenge, especially within the context of the Covid pandemic.
Media Type:   Article
christmas, covid19, covid-19, covid, coronavirus
Notes on Self-Isolation 
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The text was from NHS Track and Trace saying please self isolate immediately. As I read the text out I felt shocked. My Dad wisely backed away further down the drive…
Media Type:   Article
coronavirus, covid19, covid-19, isolation
Emergency Generator
circles BW
A poem written in a time of crisis - and what helped
Media Type:   Testimony
poem, generator
Isolation Inspiration 
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Isolation isn’t easy, but if we can help our minds comprehend it better, we can remove some of the difficult emotions from it. And there ARE things we can do to manage isolation better.
Media Type:   Article
coronavirus, covid19, covid, covid-19
Sudden loss, mental illness and the long hard road back...
circles BW
Ewan shares his grief and bereavement journey after the death of a child
Media Type:   Testimony
grief, bereavement, ECT
It’s a marathon, not a sprint 
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How do you just keep going? It's a question a lot of us are asking right now.
Media Type:   Article
perseverence, anxiety, depression
Living Well with Mental Illness
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A registered mental health nurse and CAP counsellor speaks about her own experience.
Media Type:   Testimony
perinatal, mental illness, CAP
World Mental Health Day 2020 
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This World mental Health Day is unusual in that rather than having a specific theme it is simply entitled, ‘Mental Health for All’. Covid has had the most profound impact on global mental wellbeing of any single event since WWII.
On World Mental Health Day - do we need to take burnout (and our minds) more seriously?
circles BW
Burnout is a complex set of experiences and reactions, and perhaps the most challenging thing about it is how hard some of those loops are to break out of.
Media Type:   Article
burnout, stress, exhaustion
When Pastoral Care Turns Sour
circles BW
Why do we join and stay in churches?
Media Type:   Testimony
church
Is my lack of relationship with God holding back my mental health recovery? 
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I sense that this is a really important question for us to address here at MASF because it's a very common concern amongst Christians who have mental health issues.
Media Type:   Article
Jesus and Emotions - engaging as families
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As adults, it can seem overwhelming to help our children deal with their emotional response to the coronavirus crisis, when we may not even know how to handle it for ourselves.
Media Type:   Article
family, parenting, children
A Running Community
circles BW
How one church started a running group to combat the mental distress of COVID-19
Media Type:   Article
coronavirus, running, covid19, covid-19, fitness
Why is this transition so hard? 
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As I write, I am sitting on a ferry. It seems like the perfect time to write about transitions, not just because I am between countries, but also because I will be entering quarantine when we arrive home.
Media Type:   Article
transistion, covid19, covid-19, coronavirus, change
Locked DOWN but not OUT: how to support teens and the Coronavirus Generation   
circles BW
Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of lockdown, particularly as we’ve continued to journey through the various phases of it, has been the effect it has had on our children and teenagers - now being described by some as the ‘Coronavirus generation'.
Media Type:   Article
headstrong, youth, youngpeople
Food, Fear and Focus in Global Pandemic
circles BW
How to deal with a society that is fixated on thinness and dieting.
Media Type:   Article
anorexia, eating disorders, bulimia, covid19, covid-19, coronavirus
Food, glorious food? Disordered eating in the pandemic 
circles BW
We should all be mindful of the challenges faced by people with established eating disorders and other difficult relationships with food that are more commonly associated with significant weight loss, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Media Type:   Article
anorexia, bulimia, eating disorder
Motherhood and Pregnancy in Lockdown
circles BW
How has Covid 19 impacted the mental health of new mothers and mums to be?
Media Type:   Article
coronavirus, covid19, covid-19, pregnancy, motherhood, parenting
Will Mental Illness be the Second Pandemic?
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When so many are experiencing the same distress or difficulty at what point do we stop calling it illness and recognise a shared experience we need to process?
Media Type:   Article
covid19, covid-19, covid, coronavirus
Introducing HEADSTRONG! 
circles BW
The 21st Century world is vibrant, dynamic, exciting and inspiring - full of potential and possibility! But there’s plenty of pressure too - and real concerns for the rising generations who are showing increasing signs of mental and emotional ill-health.
Cybersecurity – protecting young people from online hatred 
circles BW
While racist bullying was previously confined to those environments, social media permits 24/7 access to images, posts and threads and now can extend into the bedroom, provided a young person has access to a smartphone.
Media Type:   Article
racism, bullying
Face Coverings Without Fear 
circles BW
As of 24 July, face coverings are compulsory in shops in England. What do you do if issues with anxiety, panic, past trauma, or mental health challenges make wearing a mask very difficult for you? Here are 5 steps to wearing a face-covering without fear.
Media Type:   Article
coronavirus, covid19, covid-19, covid, masks
Splashes of colour in a(another) grey day 
circles BW
How do you find hope in longer-term challenge? How do you find splashes of colour in yet another grey day? how does your brain sometimes make you feel things are much worse than they are in these moments?
Media Type:   Article
hope, perseverence, coronavirus, covid19, covid, covid-19
Under the Cordon - Revisited
circles BW
Looking back on my 15 year old piece on the 7/7 terrorist attack in London and their influence upon my anxiety.
Media Type:   Article
Testimony
PTSD, cordon, police, trauma
Even heroes get tired 
circles BW
Media Type:   Article
rest, burnout, wellbeing
Emotional Health + Home Working 
circles BW
Working from home sounded like some futuristic utopia; discarding the stresses of work commutes, we would wake up late and finish early. Propping up our laptops on our pillows we would chill through online conference calls wearing sports gear...
Media Type:   Article
work, home, emotions, habits, boundaries
The Search for Significance: A New Chapter 
circles BW
Will and Louie Van Der Hart share their news of new beginnings in London...
The Last Dance, Lance and legacy – further thoughts on racism 
circles BW
One of my many concerns is that young people will operate out of a position of fear; a fear that they will at some point risk being dragged down and their reputations destroyed when they inevitably make mistakes.
sport, racism, equality, legacy, blm, blacklivesmatter
School's out for ... Lockdown?! 
circles BW
With school still out for many, it's been described as a ‘national disaster’. But how much impact will this time out of school really have - and what can we do to minimise any negative effects?
coronavirus, covid19, covid-19, covid
Glum on a knife’s edge 
circles BW
This is not another story of forgetting and pushing down but rather a distressing acknowledgement of the reality of so very many people.
bipolar
 Will’s Top 10 Simple Sleep Tips
circles BW
Over the years, I have gathered a lot of simple supportive tools to help restore sleep. These are the ten that I have found to be most helpful, both personally and through other people’s experience.
sleep, sleepweek, insomnia
Chemical Sleep
circles BW
There are lots of prescription medications that people say help with sleep - but is this a good thing?
Media Type:   Article
sleep, sleepweek, insomnia, sedative, sedation, medication
Racism, action and empathy 
circles BW
Responding to the death of George Floyd - keeping silent or doing nothing under these circumstances feels like a poor and insensitive choice.
racism, covid-19, covid19, coronavirus
Slippers in the Snow
circles BW
A Hymn Writer and Poet shares words from one of her song’s on mental health
Media Type:   Article
poem, hymn
The Sanctuary Course
circles BW
A great new free online mental health course from Sanctuary Ministries
Have we replaced FOMO with FOGO?
circles BW
Whether it's gnawing fear, cycling worries or just a vague dis-ease at the thought of going out, as the rules that have governed our lives are lessened, have we swapped FOMO (fear of missing out) for FOGO (fear of going out)?
Media Type:   Article
covid19, covid, coronavirus, fear
Learn to Lament 
circles BW
How do you intentionally and safely release and express the least welcome emotions like grief, sadness and loss? What do you do if an emotion feels so powerful that allowing it headspace might mean it overwhelms you?
Media Type:   Article
covid19, covid, coronavirus
The Healing Power of Kindness 
circles BW
There are medicines, therapies, treatments, and groups, but nothing universally changes the lives of people who are struggling with their mental health more than kindness.
kindness, mentalhealthawarenessweek
The Wake Up Call
circles BW
Can we use theses trying times to collectively 'wake up' and undergo a rite of passage?
Media Type:   Article
covid19, coronavirus
Divine Interruption 
circles BW
What have I been doing? I have been so busy doing what my schedule dictates that I have not considered the divine interruptions God has been offering me.
interruption, covid, covid19, coronavirus
Maternal Mental Health - Part 2
circles BW
Postnatal depression came as a shock for me. I was so excited for our baby to arrive and for my son to have a little sister.
postnatal, depression
Maternal Mental Health - Part 1
circles BW
Postnatal depression came as a shock for me. I was so excited for our baby to arrive and for my son to have a little sister.
mother, depression, postnatal
The Uncertainty
circles BW
Your mind will do anything to get away from uncertainty. There is almost nothing that troubles the human brain more than, ‘just no knowing’.
coronavirus, covid19, pain, worry, anxiety
Adrenaline Hangover 
circles BW
I have never travelled less and yet I have never felt more tired. Honestly, I am struggling to get past 9:30pm and It’s not a regular gentle sleep, but a sort of brutal exhaustion that comes down like the final curtain on a West End play.
coronavirus, covid19
Christian Formation at a Time of Coronavirus
circles BW
The Christian faith offers tremendous support and help in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.
Media Type:   Article
coronavirus, covid19
Telephone Empathy
circles BW
You have taken 157 Zoom calls since the Corona Virus lockdown started and you are beginning to dread the next ‘interactive online gathering’. Sounds familiar?
covid19, coronavirus
Eradicate Guilt 
circles BW
A couple of weeks into lockdown, it’s starting to sink in: this way of life is going to be for a while...
covid19, coronavirus
Covid-19: Unexpected Losses
circles BW
This isn’t the time for triumphalism or for simplistic anecdotes. Equally, it's not the moment to close our eyes to the ways in which we are being reformed in vulnerability, humility, gratitude, compassion, and community.
coronavirus, covid19
New Routines
circles BW
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all having to adapt to ever-changing circumstances in a way and at a speed that we’ve never had to before.
coronavirus, covid19
Finding the inner cathedral of peace 
circles BW
One of the things I am helping folk with during this Coronavirus pandemic is how to handle heightened anxiety and stress. As a Baptist Minister, contemplative and psychotherapist I know this can be approached spiritually and therapeutically.
coronavirus, stress, anxiety, covid19
Managing Isolation
circles BW
Imposed social isolation probably wouldn't be anyone's choice - but it needn't be totally out of control. Here are 5 steps we can take to help us emotionally if we're having to isolate.
coronavirus, covid19
Panxiety 
circles BW
If you're of an anxious disposition the Corona Virus outbreak is an emotional nightmare come true. How can we be both faith-filled and do everything we can to avoid getting sick?
coronavirus, covid19
Peace in Psychosis
circles BW
Finding God’s Peace in a Place of Psychosis. Why it's hard and 5 things that can help.
Media Type:   Article
10 tips for creating dementia friendly churches
circles BW
Dementia Friendly Churches are churches that include and welcome people with dementia. They offer people with dementia respect and dignity, and promote knowledge and awareness about dementia within the local community.
Media Type:   Article
dementia, alzheimers, church, friendly
5 things you need to know when suicidal thoughts kick in 
circles BW
Recent events have brought painfully into focus the kind of desperation and powerful emotions that can lead people to take that most desperate of steps - to end their own life. Here are 5 things you need to know when suicidal thoughts kick in
The Greatest Love 
circles BW
It's Valentine's day - all about celebrating love. But what do you do if you are not in a season of romance? Here's something we might forget today - the greatest kind of love is actually open to all of us in friendship. Here's why ...
Words Matter
circles BW
"Most of all, we need pastors and church leaders willing to admit that the Church doesn’t have all the answers."
Media Type:   Article
words, stigma, sanctuary
Adult reflections on childhood bereavement
circles BW
One woman's journey from losing her father to cancer aged 10.
Media Type:   Testimony
bereavement
How can we make church a space where people can talk?
circles BW
6 Feb is Time To Talk Day - but for every person who needs to talk, someone else has the challenge of creating the right space and moment so that they can. Especially in church. Here are 6 ways we can make church a safe space for people to talk.
Did God hold me throughout my anorexia?
circles BW
"I know it isn’t going to always be plain sailing but I know with God by my side I will always be okay."
Mundane Rocks!
circles BW
Mundane is the same old reliable, familiar solid stuff that we take for granted. If you are going to make a resolution for this New Year, how about giving thanks for the regular stuff, the everyday, the routine. It's amazingly good!
Do you want to be well? 
circles BW
Do challenges around accessing good treatment and care mean happiness and health feel out of reach to some? What does an often unhelpfully quoted gospel story have to teach us about creating a culture where everyone gets the chance to thrive?
Spot the Difference 
circles BW
...between Severe Mental Illness and Demon Possession
Media Type:   Article
demon, healing, illness
Take a deep breath! 
circles BW
Finding peace amidst Christmas business.
Give a gift to someone in hospital
circles BW
What could you give this Christmas to someone who will be stuck on a mental health ward?
Media Type:   Article
christmas, gift
Wounds not scars 
circles BW
A friend asked me about what the difference was between scars and wounds this week. We were discussing what healing looked like for people with mental health issues.
Mental Health Bible Study
circles BW
This Bible Study is designed to be used in a small group, maybe as a way of introducing the topic in your church.
Treatments, bible study, bible, self help
Prison and Promise - The Challenge of Long-Term Illness
circles BW
Long term illness is understandably hard - but what is it about this cruellest of life's challenges that can have such a powerful impact on our emotional and mental wellbeing?
Surviving Me - Book Review
circles BW
A new book about suicide and hope. "Some books change lives: this might save them." - J John
Media Type:   Book Review
suicide
The Resilience Challenge
circles BW
How your church can help build resilience in your local community
Media Type:   Article
resilience, video, challenge
A Brief Theology of Mental Health
circles BW
A theology of mental health is rooted in 'The Suffering Victorious Christ'.
When feelings are far away 
circles BW
What do you do when you can’t feel emotions at all?
The Shame of Suicide 
circles BW
The shame of suicide is literally killing us. We cannot be passive about suicide any longer and we cannot wait in the vain hope that the most vulnerable in our communities will change the culture for us.
circles BW
Download audio and video from our 2019 conference
Media Type:   Events
Coast, beach
Attitudes to suicide
circles BW
One of the hardest things to deal with when someone is suicidal or has died from suicide is that there are so many negative attitudes aboout the subject.
depression, suicide, attitudes, stigma, history
Wrestling with my thoughts
circles BW
A new book from IVP by a doctor who lives with psychosis
Jarrid Wilson was brave
circles BW
Responding to his recent death, Will explores how people might react
Labels
circles BW
Label people - or is there a better way?
Fear Less 
circles BW
Where anxiety is concerned - how can we get rid of it? How can we become Fearless?
Using The S Word
circles BW
Suicide is the most greatest killer of men aged 20-49 and yet it is rarely acknowledged in our churches, Following a number of high profile suicides how will the church respond?
Resilience
circles BW
What is resilience and how can we develop it? Do you need adversity to develop resilience?
Media Type:   Article
Video
Audio
resilience, prevention, youth
Is anxiety a sin?
circles BW
The question that I often find unlocks the ‘anxiety/sin’ matrix is one around categories. 1 John 3:4 offers us a model of categorising sin: For anxiety to be a sin, according to the scripture it would have to be a demonstration of ‘lawlessness'.
Alex's Story
circles BW
8 months ago, I was admitted to psychiatric hospital with a severe physical manifestation of anxiety and depression. My brain slowed down to a crawl, my short-term memory was completely shot, I could barely speak and was slurring my words, and when I read
When the monsters strike...
circles BW
Monsters often catch us in those quiet moments, and the night when we are exhausted and alone is the worst time to be ambushed. Here are 5 ways to manage them.
I can change...
circles BW
How humans change, what happens when we don’t or can’t change, and some ways to move forward
Media Type:   Article
change, I can change, psychology, science, theology
Where did all my anger go? 
circles BW
I know that as much as I want to believe anger is a God-given emotion that is essential to my wellbeing, I am struggling. Nobody wants to be known as an Angry Pastor - it’s an oxymoron, isn’t it?
How to look after your Mental Health at Christian Festivals
circles BW
Festival season is rapidly approaching and for many of us this is a time of both expectation and apprehension. If you have a mental health condition or are vulnerable to low mood or anxiety, Christian festivals can be particularly challenging...
For those on the sidelines ... 
circles BW
Fighting emotional ill health is tough. But what about those on the sidelines supporting those who are struggling?
Far from their home
circles BW
We often see stories of people being sent hundreds of miles away for inpatient care. Is there a better way?
Breaking Isolation 
circles BW
We are made for relationships, for connection and to be in community with one another. This isn’t always easy but it’s reassuring to know that whatever we have been through others have also been through too...
10 Tips About Mental Health Vulnerability Online
circles BW
One question I get asked really regularly is about sharing my emotional/mental health struggles online. Having just written a book with the subtitle, “Discovering the confidence to lead with vulnerability”, I guess its not surprising!...