May: Mental Health Awareness Month

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Faith Infusion Podcast, with your host, Minister Demetria Lea. This episode focuses on the importance of discussing and acknowledging mental health within the religious community. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we engage with the often-taboo subjects of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges and encourage open dialogue and acceptance within the church.

In this episode, we bust myths about depression being a sin and declare that it's a legitimate illness. We argue against the harmful notion that mental illness is a failure or lack of faith and insist that no one should face judgment or stigma for suffering from any form of illness. We touch upon how the sinful, broken world has led to physical and mental illness and how God, who deeply cares for our well-being, wants us to seek hope, healing, and freedom.

We reveal how our mental health struggles are not random, but rather signals of unfulfilled desires and needs within us. We explore the root causes of these struggles and how they have been influenced by negative emotions, experiences, and relationships. By questioning and understanding the underpinnings of our mental health struggles, we open doors to self-healing and the acceptance of love and safety.

We also delve into the reality of depression--a common but treatable mental health disorder--and assert that those struggling with it are not alone and should not feel ashamed. We impart personal experiences with depression and the path to seeking help and confronting the pain. You are reminded that you are not alone in your struggles and have a community of fellow sufferers, trustworthy friends, professional therapists, and above all, God, who is always watchful and has good things in store for your life.

We strongly emphasize that one's mental health matters greatly to God and should matter to you too. We urge listeners to take control of their lives, seek help when needed, and not let depression take a toll on them. We affirm that our struggles don't define our faith in God, but it's a part of the human struggle for all of us. We encourage you to be kind to yourself and remember that God wants you to be happy and free.

Join us as we journey towards understanding, acceptance, and healing in the journey of faith and mental health.

For more information or support, please contact us at demetrialea40@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook, and subscribe to our podcast on Podbean and Spotify.