Marja Bergen

author, mental health advocate, follower of Christ

Page 38 of 142

Hard times – personally speaking

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Dear friends, Please let me share some personal things with you. I’ve been writing to you for many years—for some of those years going through extremely tough times. […]

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There is no pit so deep

  In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.                                                                                                           John 1:4-5   In her book The Hiding Place Corrie ten Boom tells the true story from the Second World War when she and her family had risked […]

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Making room for Christmas in 2013 and 2021

  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.                                       Luke 2:6-7   We’re all familiar with this story. We know […]

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Better than new

  I have a friend who once wrote a beautiful poem about a broken vase. It held a lot of meaning for her. And this morning I remembered this story told me by another friend. It held a lot of meaning for me. Somehow I feel these stories are connected. I bring this to you […]

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A courageous journey

Adapted from November 2015   Have I not commanded you? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9   Villages in the Greek islands are built on hills, meaning that many streets are steep. Stairways are unavoidable […]

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Let’s get angry at mental health stigma

  Throughout history, anger has proved to be an instrument of change. It leads to revolutionary action that can upend unjust social structures. Mahatma Gandhi was incensed with the state of his Indian nation, where his countrymen were made to feel inferior under British rule. Some years later, Nelson Mandela felt the same way when […]

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Church mental health – Awareness or care?

When talking about those in need of our help, Mother Teresa is probably the best example of compassionate love and care for the suffering. We would do well to study her thoughts about feeding the hungry and helping those for whom life is feeling hopeless. She did not wait for institutions to be established. If […]

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Mental health care and the church: Building self-esteem

The Church has made great headway in offering more accepting communities for people with mental health issues. But is the acceptance and the support it now gives enough? I believe God calls us to do more. One of the most difficult things people with mental illness face is low self-esteem. With the love of Christ, […]

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I was misdiagnosed – much damage done

Complex post traumatic stress (CPTSD) has been the source of my struggles all along, caused by emotional abuse in 2015. My original diagnosis, borderline personality disorder (BPD), has similar symptoms. Thus the misdiagnosis. The psychiatrist who has seen me for the last 8 months discovered the error. I’m announcing this because I’ve written so much […]

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Accepted and valued

  On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12,13   I guess I’ve been angry far too long about how people […]

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