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Mental Health and Faith Caroline S. Cooper
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Caroline S Cooper believes that conversations and education on mental health and faith are essential for our society and, specifically, for Christians. Why? Statistics reveal that one in five people live with a mental illness (nami.org). And many people turn to clergy for help first, even before mental health professionals (multiple sources). Caroline is one of those people. She lives with bipolar depression and believes God healed her of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through intensive therapy and the power of God. Now, Caroline is a certified peer specialist in mental health, an author, and a speaker, recently joining the RESPECT Institute with the Missouri Mental Health Foundation.
This podcast will be presented in varied formats. Many episodes will be interviews with individuals ranging from people living with mental illness to therapists, pastors, and individuals who work for mental health organizations. Topics will include mental illnesses, the spiritual aspect of recovery, the work of the church, and biblical counseling. Other episodes will be teaching topics related to mental health and faith presented by Caroline or a guest host. Because of God’s renewing and redemptive work in her life, Caroline's mission and desire for this podcast is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. This is accomplished by emphasizing the hope, transformation, and victory we have in Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
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41. Writing for Recovery: Poetry
The Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look program presents a series of episodes on Writing Your Way to Recovery. Throughout June 2024, Caroline shares content originally created for presentations at two different mental health conferences in Missouri. Today's episode explores how poetry can be beneficial in exploring emotions and how to express those feelings in a healthy way.
Links to info on Emotion (Feeling) Wheels
https://feelingswheel.com/
https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-wheel/
https://psychcentral.com/health/emotion-wheel
links for information on poetry
Poetry 101 - different types of poetry: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/poetry-101-learn-about-poetry-different-types-of-poems-and-poetic-devices-with-examples#6bzWosRp10myuzu65GOZ9w
The Free Verse Poem - https://www.masterclass.com/articles/poetry-101-what-is-the-difference-between-blank-verse-and-free-verse
The Narrative Poem - https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-narrative-poem-3-different-types-of-narrative-poems-with-poetry-examples
PSALM 42 (NASB) - An example of poetry (a song) expressing emotions honestly.
Thirsting for God in Trouble and Exile.
For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah.
1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;
When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night,
While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
4 These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.
5 Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.
6 O my God, my soul is in despair within me;
Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan
And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;
All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.
8 The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;
And His song will be with me in the night,
A prayer to the God of my life.
9 I will say to God my rock, “Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me,
While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
11 Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.
Join the conversation!
Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God's Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.
Need help?
Crisis Lines
Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 -
40. The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care = taking care of self!
Sounds easy, right? Unfortunately, many people are over-committed, have too many activities on the calendar, and prioritize their careers over their well-being. But taking time out everyday for yourself is essential for holistic health.
Mindfulness
You can find free resources on mindfulness on the following websites]
Focus on the Family - Mindfulness: A Christian Approach: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/mindfulness-a-christian-approach/
The Mindful Christian: https://www.themindfulchristian.com/guides_for_practice.html
Mindfulness Exercises: https://mindfulnessexercises.com/
MindWorks: https://mindworks.org/blog/mindfulness-exercises/
The Free Mindfulness Project website: https://www.freemindfulness.org/download
Wellness Tools
Create a wellness tools list of activities that bring you joy, relaxation, peace, and a sense of purpose.
Caroline published a Christ-centered workbook guiding you through self-care practices and developing your own wellness tools list. It also has a dozen or so instruction sheets for different mindfulness and wellness activities. You can find more information on the Amazon page.
The Everyday Wellness Workbook on Amazon
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.
Join the conversation!
Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God's Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.
Need help?
Crisis Lines
Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564
a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: ingodscorner.org
CONNECT WITH CAROLINE
Website - https://ingodscorner.org - you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/
Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
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39. Are you Anxious? So am I!
Let's have an honest conversation.
My husband lost his job last year and at one point we thought we'd lose our house. Some close relatives have experienced significant health issues. I didn't receive the promotion that I thought was guaranteed. I had a disagreement with a friend that has broken our relationship. My new insurance company doesn't want to cover the new, expensive medication that has changed my life. And, as a mom and grandma, I yearn to see my children escape the pain of life. But that's impossible.
Yes, I've had increased anxiety lately. I've been worried. Tears have come more easily to me. BUT, I know I can walk through these challenging emotions until a brighter day dawns. Here are some additional insights to the tips I share in this week's podcast.
THE ACTS PRAYER MODEL
A = Adoration. Keep God first above all else by acknowledging who he is and what he has done.
C = Confession. Clear your conscience by admitting your sin, turning away from them, and receiving the forgiveness of the Lord.
T = Thanksgiving. Respond to God's goodness by thanking him for the blessings in your life.
S = Supplication. Ask God to continue meeting your needs by naming specific requests and praying for others.
Scriptures for encouragement and peace
Isaiah 41:10 - Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Matthew 11:28-30 - Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Philippians 4:6-7 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 55:22 - Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 94:18-19 - I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Psalm 23:1–4 - The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Proverbs 12:25 - Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 - All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Matthew 5:4 - God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Joshua 1:9 - This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. -
38. Recovery For Life with Scott Hartman
Recovery for life
Caroline's guest, Scott Hartman, is a man who knows how hard life can be. After being raped as a child, he turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with this unresolved pain. For many years, he hid his addictions until they overwhelmed his life. That's when he began the recovery journey. Scott is now 7 years clean and has an amazing testimony of how he has overcome--and continues to persevere--through the power of God. Please share this episode - especially with men who have experienced trauma of any kind.
Sensitive Topic
Today's episode contains sensitive information about childhood rape, addiction, and other forms of trauma. Scott and Caroline also discuss how God overpowers our pain through hope and recovery. If you at any time feel triggered or distressed as you listen, please pause the episode and return when you can receive better benefits from this important story.
CONNECT WITH scott
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/scott.hartman.9674
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sredemption16/
Email - recovery4life16@gmail.com
Check out Scott's book!
From Chasing Dope to Pushing Hope: My Steps to Recovery & Redepmtion
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Dope-Pushing-Hope-Redemption/dp/1957013389/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=uXKNS&content-id=amzn1.sym.d0ebfbb2-6761-494f-8e2f-95743b37c35c%3Aamzn1.symc.50e00d6c-ec8b-42ef-bb15-298531ab4497&pf_rd_p=d0ebfbb2-6761-494f-8e2f-95743b37c35c&pf_rd_r=BH01KNPJJE3H3XKN53CD&pd_rd_wg=LODpM&pd_rd_r=c376ca20-b61c-4d54-821d-e5194df7c5d7&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.
Join the conversation!
Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God's Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.
Need help?
addiction recovery
Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/groups-and-state-reps
Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/
Narcotics Anonymous: https://na.org/
Crisis Lines
Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564
a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: ingodscorner.org
CONNECT WITH CAROLINE
Website - https://ingodscorner.org - you can sign up for my monthly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Caroline.S.Cooper.igcm
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolinescooperauthor/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/
Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
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37. Love Others and Love Yourself
lOVE THE OTHERS AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF
It is sometimes easier to love others than it is to love ourselves. But God tells us that we are to love others AS we love ourselves!
In this episode Caroline share 3 ways to love others and 6 ways to love yourself.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.
Join the conversation!
Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God's Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.
Need help?
Crisis Lines
Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564
a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: ingodscorner.org
CONNECT WITH CAROLINE
Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org
Website - https://ingodscorner.org. *you can sign up for my monthly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Caroline.S.Cooper.igcm
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolinescooperauthor/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/
Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
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36. Love for the Lonely with Cindy Hixson
Love for the Lonely
Many people celebrate love for the entire month of February with Valentine's Day right in middle. But not everyone enjoys February 14 or thinking about romantic love. Caroline's guest, Cindy Hixson is one of them. At least she used to be. In this episode, Cindy shares her inspirational and emotional story of learning to accept God's love and love herself.
Episode take-away: God is our fortress
At the end of the episode, Cindy presents an exercise to help listeners realize they are never alone, God is a constant presence. He is our rock and redeemer, our fortress and protector. OR select other attributes of God you want to underline depending on your personal needs. (comforter, provider, etc.)
Instructions:
Use a Bible that you're comfortable underlining in or highlighting
In the entire book of Psalms, skim through and underline these words (or similar words) when used to describe God: rock, refuge, fortress, strong tower, protector
Go back through and for each psalm with words underlined, do the following:
Read the entire psalm paying attention to the use of the underlined words in context.
Ask yourself or journal: How does God demonstrate this attribute in the psalm?
Ask yourself or journal: How is God my rock (etc,) in my life? Or, how can I let God be that for me?
When experiencing challenges, turn to the book of Psalms and read some psalms with underlined words. Make sure to ask yourself those important questions.
About Cindy
Cindy Hixson is an author with a passion for using what God has taught her to encourage others. Her first book is titled, Practicing a Worry-Less Life and she is currently writing a companion workbook. (Click on the cover image to reach the Amazon page.)
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.
Join the conversation!
Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God's Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.
Need help?
Crisis Lines
Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564
a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: ingodscorner.org
CONNECT WITH CAROLINE
Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org
Website - https://ingodscorner.org. *you can sign up for my monthly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Caroline.S.Cooper.igcm
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolinescooperauthor/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/
Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true