In this heartfelt episode of Connected Conversations with Jean & Colin MacKenzie, we sit down with Lisa and Josh Canning as they share their deeply personal journey of navigating mental illness in marriage. Since 2012, they’ve faced the challenges of clinical depression, and today they open up about how these struggles have shaped their relationship, their faith, and their mission to help others through Persevere Together. Josh reflects on his experience with depression, sharing how it initially brought confusion and shame, and how difficult it was to reconcile his inner turmoil with the appearance of a good life. Lisa candidly discusses her learning curve as a spouse, from initially underestimating the weight of mental illness to growing into a more understanding, supportive partner. Together, they founded Persevere Together, offering support, hope, and practical tools for couples facing similar challenges. The Cannings emphasize that mental illness is not a simple issue to "get over" but a reality that requires understanding, empathy, and constant communication. They share how their Catholic faith has been central to their journey, helping them to persevere through tough times. Whether it’s the healing power of the sacraments, drawing on the lives of saints who struggled with mental illness, or leaning on a supportive community, they emphasize that faith is key to finding strength. In this episode, Lisa and Josh share practical insights about mental health in marriage, from communicating openly with your spouse to incorporating regular check-ins and date nights. They remind us that while mental illness may feel isolating, it doesn’t have to be faced alone. With faith, perseverance, and the support of a loving partner, marriage can not only survive but thrive. Join us for this powerful episode as we explore how marriage, approached with love and faith, can grow stronger in the face of adversity. Whether you're in the midst of a mental health struggle or supporting a spouse, Lisa and Josh’s story offers hope, solidarity, and practical wisdom. Connect with Lisa and Josh Canning at Persevere Together: Instagram: @LisaCanningWebsite: perseveretogether.locals.comYouTube: Persevere TogetherStay Tuned for the Next Episode: Join us next time as we welcome Logan and Jen Lorette, the inspiring couple behind "Surprised by Marriage." Logan and Jen, high school sweethearts married for 15 years, share how they’ve navigated both the joys and unexpected challenges of marriage by keeping God at t Thank You for Listening! We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more couples looking to strengthen their marriage. Connect with Us: 📌 Instagram: @holyunionconnect – Follow us for daily inspiration and updates. 📌 Website: www.holyunionconnect.com – Explore our course, Holy UNION Battleplan, and sign up for our free daily meditations. Got Topic Ideas? We’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to feature, drop us a message on Instagram or through our website. Disclaimer: We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.
