Everyone is working from home — the Scriveners included. Glen and I have recorded a podcast, thinking personally about mental health and Covid-19. We chat about my history, how this feeds into present fears; and how Jesus makes a difference. DOWNLOAD HERE SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE Image source Share…FacebookTwitterTumblrPinterestStumbleUponDiggemail
At the moment it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But even now, there are moments of grace. Here’s a few; Fresh eyes to see what we depend upon – and what really matters. Three weeks ago I was reading articles about skin creams and fretting about the school run. Now, not so much! My heart’s been exposed and I’m being forced to look to the Lord afresh. The realities of life and death were always there – but now I’m really …Read More
Thank you to Sharon for this wise and timely post. In it she talks about the little steps we can take, even when struggling with mental health issues. Sharon writes: “But I’m too ill… My thoughts are disordered… I can’t concentrate… God would understand…” I was struggling with depression and at times my thoughts were bordering on psychotic…again. Living back in the community after four and a half months in hospital, I was coping, but only just. At the same …Read More
Slice me open and I bleed anxiety. I always have. I grew up in 80s/90s Northern Ireland; a place riven by chaos and conflict. If fear was a contagion, back then, we were all infected. At the same time, the headlines (those I remember) were full of the AIDS epidemic — a terrifying and fatal disease with no cure. My child-sized skull echoed with warnings: you can’t be too careful. You can’t be too safe. Aged 13, I developed anorexia. …Read More
Thanks so much to Sharon, for this wonderful advent meditation for those suffering from mental illness. She writes; …. I suffer from depression, a symptom of my schizoaffective disorder, and, if I’m honest, I find these few weeks leading up to Christmas difficult. As I write, I am sitting in my kitchen. It’s mid-morning, but it’s dark, with heavy cloud pressing down upon the house. The low pressure makes me feel claustrophobic, and part of me just wants to go back …Read More
James Cary is Mr Podcasts and I was fortunate enough to be inquisitioned (is that a thing?) by him for The Inquisition Podcast. Listen in here as I talk about my story and the difference Jesus makes. And do subscribe to the Inquisition — a fab new podcast. Share…FacebookTwitterTumblrPinterestStumbleUponDiggemail
A friend of mine, Jo Johnson, is an author, consultant Neuropyschologist and Christian (in no particular order). In this guest blog, she talks about her experience of work and faith and her new book. Thank you so much, Jo! She writes… I grew up with a strong sense of not being good enough, believing love was a reward for acceptable behaviour or looking a certain way, conditional love. As a result, even as a young child I experienced high …Read More
There are times in our lives when everything seems wrong. A workplace that demands everything; but gives nothing back. A relationship on the rocks; or no relationship at all. A baby who refuses to sleep; a scowling teen who won’t meet your gaze. Maybe it’s something you can’t talk about – or something you can’t see. Bruises; inside or out. Loneliness; depression; pain or grief. Sadness that smothers; thick crests of anger that die, quick as they surge. Hold on, friends …Read More
This is one from the archives. But it seems appropriate as September looms and I start obsessing about new pencil cases and Getting Everything Right. Perfectionism porkies: 1. It makes me into a better person. Actually, no. It makes me a real pain to be around. Grumpier. More critical. More self-focused. And lonely (because ‘friends’ are actually competition). 2. It helps me perform. The reality – it stops me even trying. 3. I feel better knowing that I’ve done my …Read More
The first time Ruby’s brother had a tantrum, she looked aghast and covered her ears. ‘Mum,’ she shouted, I DON’T LIKE THAT NOISE. STOP IT! STOP IT!’ I knew exactly how she felt. When a toddler or baby cries, there’s something in you that starts flashing. High alert, sirens wailing – a burst of panic that spreads across your body. Half of you wants to run away and the other half wants to join in the screaming. Neither works. Here’s what …Read More
