LIVING ROOM 3 (August 30, 2006) If only we did not feel such shame. If only it were safer for us to speak and tell others. If only there were no stigma… I can’t let this topic go. I first decided to come out in the open when I read the following by Dr. John […]
Read More...Revised introduction: 2019-01-22 WHY IS MY STORY IMPORTANT? When I was in the ER on November 12, wishing I could die, I realized I couldn’t die until my story was told. I wanted to talk about some of the work I had done, raising mental health awareness in the church and founding Living Room. I […]
Read More...LIVING ROOM MEMORIES 2 (August 28, 2006) One of the main goals in my mental health work has been to reduce stigma. Recently I concluded that stigma was perhaps more responsible for depression, hopelessness and suicide than the illness itself. In my young and zealous “voice” back in August 2006, I wrote the following in […]
Read More...LIVING ROOM MEMORIES 1 (from A Firm Place to Stand: Finding Meaning in a Life with Bipolar Disorder (2008), by Marja Bergen) Only months after the Good Friday service in 2006, God gave me an idea that wouldn’t lie down. I saw a need to start a faith-based support group for people with mood […]
Read More...I just finished reading through one of my journals from 2006 and was amazed at what I found. Encouragement and support as I started my Living Room ministry. Accolades. I had many friends. Such joy! I suffered from a lot of depression in the midst of the Living Room work, as well as the […]
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