The Christian Mindset Coach with Alicia Michelle Alicia Michelle

Trigger warning: This episode discusses teen depression and suicidal behavior. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, you are not alone. If you are in crisis, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or dial 911.
Parenting teens with mental health issues can be challenging. You may not know what to say or do. You may even feel like you’re alone. In this episode of the Christian Mindset Coach podcast, I share what it’s been like for me as a parent of a struggling teen, as well as help for parents walking through similar seasons. Listen in to learn more about scripture we can turn to for comfort and guidance as well as a peek into next week’s episode covering more on mental health resources.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
[02:38] Help for parents to be strong and resilient while supporting themselves and their children
[05:38] Handling worry and fear in the face of mental health issues
[11:28] Parenting support for ‘what if’ moments in times of concern
[13:44] Navigating guilt and shame while parenting teens with mental health issues
[19:26] My personal story of wrestling with responsibility as a parent
[24:40] God’s reminders and help for parents guiding their children through mental health struggles
[28:46] What to expect on next week’s episode


RESOURCES:
Calm Your Anxiety Mindset Tool Kit
 Hope Prevails Bible Study 


MENTIONED AND OTHER RELATED EPISODES:
210: My Daughter's Story: A Christian Teen's Journey Through Depression, Suicide + Eating Disorders
209: A Doctor's Personal Struggle with Depression with Dr. Michelle Bengston
202: 5 Bible Verses and Christian Affirmations for Calming Anxious Thoughts


Write a 5-Star Rating and Review and Get a Free Gift: 50 “I Am” Declarations ($47 value)!
If you love this podcast, would you take a second to write a five star rating and review? If so, I’d love to send you a free gift: the 50 ‘I Am’ Declarations. This is an audio and written statement of who we are in Christ, and includes Bible verses and powerful statements about identity that you can proclaim over your life. 
To get the free gift ($47 value), take a screenshot of your five star rating and review and then email that screenshot to Hello@VibrantChristianLiving.com, and we’ll send you access to the resource! Thank you again for helping us get the word out about the podcast in a bigger way!

Trigger warning: This episode discusses teen depression and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, you are not alone. If you are in crisis, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or dial 911.
Recently, the CDC released a statistic that blew my mind - nearly 3 in 5 teen girls say that they feel persistently sad or hopeless. While these numbers certainly spiked during COVID, they remain elevated while we continue to deal with the after effects of COVID’s impact on mental health across the board.
In today’s episode, I am sitting down with my teenage daughter Susie to discuss her mental health journey and how it has impacted our family as a whole over the last six months.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
[06:12] About Susie 
[06:56] A look into Susie’s mental health journey 
[09:33] What sparked Susie’s depression spiral and eating disorder
[14:45] Looking back to Susie’s darkest season 
[18:23] Susie’s experience at a treatment facility 
[25:04] Her major breakthrough while at the treatment center
[26:45] What provoked Susie’s rededication to God 
[28:50] How Susie has progressed since leaving the treatment center
[31:28] Struggles that Susie is still facing post treatment
[32:17] Why so many teen girls struggle with body image
[34:29] Susie’s best advice for teen girls struggling with mental health right now
[37:37] A prayer for teen girls currently struggling with depression and mental health
[43:05] A preview of next week’s conversation 


OTHER RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 90: Finding Joy + Peace When You Feel Stuck
Episode 92: What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Lost
Episode 142: How My Battle with Depression Helps Me Grow Closer to God with Amber Cullum
Episode 181: Becoming Better or Bitter? Allowing Life’s Difficulties to Grow You Closer to Christ with Connie Albers
Episode 182: 3 Steps to Take When You’re Stuck In an Emotional Funk
Episode 208: 7 Questions for When You Feel Like You’re Going to Lose It
Episode 209: A Doctor’s Personal Struggle with Depression with Dr. Michelle Bengston


Write a 5-Star Rating and Review and Get a Free Gift: 50 “I Am” Declarations ($47 value)!
If you love this podcast, would you take a second to write a five star rating and review? If so, I’d love to send you a free gift: the 50 ‘I Am’ Declarations. This is an audio and written statement of who we are in Christ, and includes Bible verses and powerful statements about identity that you can proclaim over your life. 
To get the free gift ($47 value), take a screenshot of your five star rating and review and then email that screenshot to Hello@VibrantChristianLiving.com, and we’ll send you access to the resource! Thank you again for helping us get the word out about the podcast in a bigger way!

Do you or a loved one struggle with depression? As Christians, sometimes we find ourselves wondering why we can’t simply pray ourselves out of depression. Join Alicia and her guest, Dr. Michelle Bengston, as they discuss the physical, emotional, and spiritual components to christian depression, share bible verses that have helped them along their journeys, and share what we need to do in order to respond to depression from a Christ-centered perspective.
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is the author of multiple books, including the award winning Hope Prevails book and bible study guide. Her ministry's goal is to restore hope to renew minds and to empower others to live in their God given identity.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, you are not alone. At the end of this episode, Alicia shares a few of her recommendations for next steps and resources you can use to help with your struggle.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
[05:18] Dr. Michelle’s background and experience with depression
[09:28] Dr. Michelle’s introduction to the spiritual side of depression
[12:05] How Dr. Michelle saw bible verses ring true in her struggle with depression
[16:06] The multi-layered contributors to depression
[20:36] Ways the church can support Christians in depression
[25:20] How Dr. Michelle went from feeling joy oppressed to grateful 
[28:41] How to cope with the lies that depression often tells us 
[32:48] How to approach tough conversations about God with our children 
[35:09] Addressing God’s truth with a loved one who is struggling with depression 
[39:35] Dr. Michelle’s advice for reestablishing your identity in Christ
[46:16] Alicia’s takeaways and suggestions for next steps for those that struggle with depression


RESOURCES:
Calm Your Anxiety Mindset Tool Kit
 Hope Prevails Bible Study 

Connect with Dr. Michelle: 
Website
Instagram 


MENTIONED AND OTHER RELATED EPISODES:
Ep 204: 6 Questions to Ask When Your Emotions Feel Overwhelming
Ep 192: 3 Everyday Mindset Skills for More Emotional Stability


Write a 5-Star Rating and Review and Get a Free Gift: 50 “I Am” Declarations ($47 value)!
If you love this podcast, would you take a second to write a five star rating and review? If so, I’d love to send you a free gift: the 50 ‘I Am’ Declarations. This is an audio and written statement of who we are in Christ, and includes Bible verses and powerful statements about identity that you can proclaim over your life. 
To get the free gift ($47 value), take a screenshot of your five star rating and review and then email that screenshot to Hello@VibrantChristianLiving.com, and we’ll send you access to the resource! Thank you again for helping us get the word out about the podcast in a bigger way!

How do we find calm in moments where we feel like we’re going to “lose it?” Managing emotions can be a difficult task, especially when managing anger and other high-stress emotions. 
We’ve been covering some bigger topics like depression and anxiety on the podcast, and today I wanted to share some very practical emotional coping skills that I use every day to calm myself down in moments of anger and frustration. Listen in as we discuss 7 questions to ask yourself in these moments, as well as what you can do to help yourself stay calm and show up for your people, yourself, and for God in a way that honors Him.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
[01:55] Question #1 for managing emotions: Have I eaten yet?[03:13] Question #2 for managing emotions: Have I had enough water?[04:49] Question #3 for managing emotions: Have I moved my body recently?[07:42] Question #4 for managing emotions: How are my sleep habits?[13:24] Question #5 for managing emotions: What needs to be processed?[17:00] Question #6 for managing emotions: What lies might I be telling myself about what I'm experiencing?[18:31] Question #7 for managing emotions: How can I use A.D.D. to help me process?[22:16] A question specifically for women when managing emotionsRESOURCES:
Calm Your Anxiety Mindset Tool Kit


MENTIONED AND OTHER RELATED EPISODES:
Ep 204: 6 Questions to Ask When Your Emotions Feel Overwhelming
Ep 192: 3 Everyday Mindset Skills for More Emotional Stability
Ep 152: How to Lose Weight + Love Your Body Better by Letting Go of Toxic Thoughts with Wendie Pett
Ep 157: Mindset Coaching: "Self-sabotage: Why can't I stop turning to food as comfort?" with Angela 
Write a 5-Star Rating and Review and Get a Free Gift: 50 “I Am” Declarations ($47 value)!
If you love this podcast, would you take a second to write a five star rating and review? If so, I’d love to send you a free gift: the 50 ‘I Am’ Declarations. This is an audio and written statement of who we are in Christ, and includes Bible verses and powerful statements about identity that you can proclaim over your life. 
To get the free gift ($47 value), take a screenshot of your five star rating and review and then email that screenshot to Hello@VibrantChristianLiving.com, and we’ll send you access to the resource! Thank you again for helping us get the word out about the podcast in a bigger way!

When we hear the phrase “emotional eating,” it typically comes with a negative connotation, meaning that we are doing something wrong if we have an emotional tie to food. On today’s episode, Christian women health coach Katrina Sequenzia brings a mind-blowing perspective to the table. Join Alicia and Katrina as they discuss God's purpose for food, the dark and light sides to emotional eating, and other steps we can take when managing emotions.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
[03:13] Why we turn to food to manage emotions when we know God is the answer[10:54] Emotional eating as a coping mechanism[14:57] A reminder to give yourself grace if you’re struggling with emotional eating[17:38] How to discern between “good” emotional eating and potentially damaging experiences[21:54] What gets in the way of seeing food as God intended[23:52] Tips for managing emotions and emotional eating[29:13] A recap of our conversation on emotional eating and other insightsSTAY IN TOUCH WITH KATRINA:
Instagram
Go to Katrina’s site here.
MENTIONED AND OTHER RELATED EPISODES:
Ep 204: 6 Questions to Ask When Your Emotions Feel Overwhelming
Ep 192: 3 Everyday Mindset Skills for More Emotional Stability
Ep 152: How to Lose Weight + Love Your Body Better by Letting Go of Toxic Thoughts with Wendie Pett
Ep 157: Mindset Coaching: "Self-sabotage: Why can't I stop turning to food as comfort?" with Angela 
Write a 5-Star Rating and Review and Get a Free Gift: 50 “I Am” Declarations ($47 value)!
If you love this podcast, would you take a second to write a five star rating and review? If so, I’d love to send you a free gift: the 50 ‘I Am’ Declarations. This is an audio and written statement of who we are in Christ, and includes Bible verses and powerful statements about identity that you can proclaim over your life. 
To get the free gift ($47 value), take a screenshot of your five star rating and review and then email that screenshot to Hello@VibrantChristianLiving.com, and we’ll send you access to the resource! Thank you again for helping us get the word out about the podcast in a bigger way!

Do you find yourself replaying moments of rejection over and over again? God shows us that there’s a different path to take when managing rejection. Today on the podcast, we're going to talk about the residual effects that can begin to creep in when we’re struggling with how to handle rejection,  as well as Bible and brain-based steps we can take to be strong and courageous in the face of rejection and fear. Listen in for plenty of ‘be strong and courageous’ Bible verses that can help you when you encounter feelings of rejection. 


WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
[01:03] An overview of the residual effects of and reasons for feelings of rejection[03:12] A brain based perspective: How the brain tries to keep us safe when managing rejection[12:18] How to handle rejection using Bible verses and the A.D.D. method [22:45] How being strong and courageous keeps us in connection with God[27:55] Other podcast episodes that can help you be strong and courageousMENTIONED AND OTHER RELATED EPISODES:
166: How to Manage Your Mind to Hear God’s Voice167: How to Connect with God When You’re Struggling with Shame, Guilt + Not Feeling Enough168: How to Trust God When You're Scared You'll Be Hurt Again171: It’s Time to Take Responsibility for Your Anxiety + Discover More Calm193: 6 Negative Self Talk Phrases to Eliminate and Replace for More Self Confidence205: Managing Rejection Pt 1: How Do You Stop Replaying A Hurtful Situation?Write a 5-Star Rating and Review and Get a Free Gift: 50 “I Am” Declarations ($47 value)!
If you love this podcast, would you take a second to write a five star rating and review? If so, I’d love to send you a free gift: the 50 ‘I Am’ Declarations. This is an audio and written statement of who we are in Christ, and includes Bible verses and powerful statements about identity that you can proclaim over your life. 
To get the free gift ($47 value), take a screenshot of your five star rating and review and then email that screenshot to Hello@VibrantChristianLiving.com, and we’ll send you access to the resource! Thank you again for helping us get the word out about the podcast in a bigger way!