Shimmering peace in the midst of darkness
“Argh!” I cried out, as I slammed my fist down hard onto the kitchen counter. “I hate this! I’m so tightly wound up my body feels ready to split open. I can’t stand the tension anymore!”
mental health
Guard your heart and mind
I memorized Philippians 4:4-9 more than 20 years ago when I was on bed rest during my pregnancy with my son Aaron. I had lost three babies before him—and one after him—so pregnancy for me was an obvious cause for anxiety.
Depression resurrection
Today begins like any other, the type that has become common for me. I cheerfully get out of bed at a decent time, feed my children a healthy breakfast, tidy up and then do a boring 20 minutes on the elliptical machine while they begin their chores. It may not sound revolutionary, but I marvel at the grace contained in these everyday happenings.
‘I am still holding out hope that I will be free of this one day’
Melanie Kampen manages her anxiety with medication, counselling and exercise (Photo by Aaron Epp)
Ariel Brandt describes his anxiety as 'utterly terrifying.' Still, he remains hopeful. (Photo courtesy of Ariel Brandt)
What is it like being a young adult journeying with mental illness? Canadian Mennonite spoke with three people from Mennonite Church Canada congregations to find out.
Melanie Kampen
Melanie Kampen sought help for her anxiety when it got so bad last summer that she couldn’t get out of bed.
Small-town suicide
I wrote this story two years ago, and since then another suicide has occurred and been mourned, in a neighbouring community. That man I did know. To remember both of these men who left behind wives, children, even grandchildren, today I publish it. Let’s learn how to handle mental illness in the church in a way that embraces rather than isolates.
It is with a heavy heart that I write today, and even now I debated sharing this. I do so because I believe that the story I am about to share is one with a lesson that we, the Mennonite church, need to learn.
Living with mental illness in the bleak of mid-winter
Elizabeth Wall, left, with the teddy bear she received from the First Mennonite Church women’s Bible study group and her light therapy box. Right: Theresa Driedger has some practical suggestions for dealing with seasonal depression.
Living with illness in the bleak of mid-winter By Elizabeth Wall
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