In the early part of this century, there was often little understanding about mental health in many Churches. People suffering from depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders were sometimes made to feel ashamed – considered to be lacking spiritually. Many believers ended up leaving, not getting the support they needed. In 2006, the first Living Room peer support group for … [Read more...] about Living Room support remembered
Mental Health
Following a radical Jesus: Addressing the pain of stigma
Jesus was known for his kindness, humility, and gentleness. Something we clearly see in Jesus’ life and teachings is the way he included people that everyone else left out. Christ’s love brought a sense of dignity and value to those on the margins. He calls us to love in the way he did by caring for those who are rejected in our world today. But Jesus had a lot more … [Read more...] about Following a radical Jesus: Addressing the pain of stigma
Sanctuary Songs: A local conversation bearing fruit
World Mental Health Day October 10th is World Mental Health Day, which aims to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide. Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries is joining in by providing a month of special online content that raises awareness of mental well-being and hosting a Matt Maher and Friends concert on October 18 in Vancouver, focusing on mental health and … [Read more...] about Sanctuary Songs: A local conversation bearing fruit
Following Christ as a person with mental illness
In this world of stigma and discrimination against people with mental health challenges, have you ever thought what it might be like to be a Christian with such challenges? As believers we want to follow Jesus like every good Christian does. We want to contribute to building God’s kingdom. We want to make the world a better place. But in many ways the world is not kind to … [Read more...] about Following Christ as a person with mental illness
Faith & mental health: Finding a sanctuary in the Church
My odyssey into mania culminated on my 48th birthday when friends intervened and took me to the emergency room. I was admitted to the psychiatric ward and diagnosed with mania and bipolar 1 disorder (formerly manic depression). For a few days, I pushed against the diagnosis and hospitalization in a manic-driven sense of grandeur until I started listening to fellow patients and … [Read more...] about Faith & mental health: Finding a sanctuary in the Church