CMHI Events Archives - CMHI https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/category/cmhi-events/ Christian Mental Health Initiative Tue, 02 Jun 2026 01:17:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-e1647343448328.png CMHI Events Archives - CMHI https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/category/cmhi-events/ 32 32 209842201 Transforming Faith Spaces: Reflecting on CMHI’s 4th Annual Virtual Mental Health Symposium https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/2026-symposium/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2026-symposium https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/2026-symposium/#respond Tue, 02 Jun 2026 01:17:02 +0000 https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/?p=3516 What an incredible, spirit-filled, and transformative day! On Saturday, May 30th, the Christian Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) hosted our 4th Annual Faith, Meds, and Therapy Virtual Mental Health Symposium. Under this year’s vital theme, “Demystifying Mental Illness: Decrease Stigma & Increase Support,” we gathered online for three powerful hours of learning, storytelling, and honest conversation. …

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What an incredible, spirit-filled, and transformative day! On Saturday, May 30th, the Christian Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) hosted our 4th Annual Faith, Meds, and Therapy Virtual Mental Health Symposium. Under this year’s vital theme, “Demystifying Mental Illness: Decrease Stigma & Increase Support,” we gathered online for three powerful hours of learning, storytelling, and honest conversation.

Whether you were able to join us live or missed the event, we have great news: the complete video replay is now available directly on our YouTube channel!

 

A Truly Global Gathering (By the Numbers)

We are still in awe of how God expanded our borders for this event. The symposium brought together 250 total live viewers, with 220 participants joining us on Zoom and another 30 streaming live via YouTube.

Our virtual space was rich with professional and spiritual wisdom, counting at least 11 credentialed mental health providers and 6 active faith leaders chatting and collaborating alongside our attendees. Even more exciting, a staggering 90% of our tracked chat participants were first-time attendees, proving that the movement to normalize mental health conversations in the Church is growing rapidly.

The geographic data from our global church community tells a powerful story:

  • 6 Continents Represented: We had participants log in from North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia/Oceania—uniting all corners of the globe under one mission.

  • Over 20 Countries: We welcomed vibrant international clusters from across the globe, including the Philippines (representing Manila, Davao City, and Cebu City), Canada (with a strong contingent from Ontario, including Toronto and Mississauga), Nigeria (joining from Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt), the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean (including Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago). We even had an attendee join from Vatican City!

  • Over a Dozen U.S. States: We saw a diverse national turnout across the United States, spanning Pennsylvania, California, New York, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, and beyond.

 

Symposium Key Moments & Panel Highlights

1. The Keynote: Distinguishing Distress, Diagnosis, and Spirituality

Our keynote speaker, Dr. Noemi Bermudez (a child and adolescent psychiatrist from South Florida), kicked off the morning by brilliantly breaking down the language of mental health. She addressed the critical differences between emotional distress, normal spiritual struggles, and clinical mental illness. By explaining common everyday conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and grief in clear, non-technical language, she demystified severe conditions and took the fear out of the conversation.

Key Takeaway: Seeking professional medical or therapeutic help is not a sign of weak faith; it is a wise stewardship of the mind God gave you.

2. Expert & Faith Leader Panel: Practical Church Support

Moderated by medical student and CMHI volunteer Chioma Uka, our expert panel tackled the heavy question: What can the Church actually do?

  • The panelists provided concrete, actionable tools for churches to create safe spaces, navigate the early signs of depression, and support individuals who may be waiting for professional care to become accessible.

3. Lived Experience Panel: “This Is What It Really Feels Like”

We closed the day with our deeply moving Lived Experience Panel, featuring Tobi Mustafa, Ivan Omagor, and Angela Brown. These individuals courageously opened up about their personal journeys with mental health diagnoses. They shared what symptoms actually felt like, what actions from the church helped versus what harmed, and the profound role faith played in their ongoing recovery. Their vulnerability humanized these conditions and left everyone with a deeper sense of empathy and compassion.

Moving Forward Together

A special, heartfelt thank you goes out to CMHI’s Program Development Fellow and medical student Chidera Agugua for her incredible dedication and hard work behind the scenes in bringing this entire symposium together!

Thank you as well to our phenomenal speakers, our dedicated volunteers, and every single person who logged on from around the world to break the silence. Let us continue to build churches that are safe havens for both spiritual growth and mental wellness.

Stream the Replay

If you want to revisit a specific session or share these vital tools with your pastor, ministry team, or loved ones, you can watch the entire event and view our resources below:

Leave a Comment Below: What was your biggest takeaway or favorite moment from this year’s symposium? How can your local community implement these tools?

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Breaking Free from Addiction: Relationships & Restoration https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/breaking-free-from-addiction-relationships-restoration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=breaking-free-from-addiction-relationships-restoration https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/breaking-free-from-addiction-relationships-restoration/#respond Mon, 29 Dec 2025 14:00:13 +0000 https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/?p=3478 At CMHI’s recent annual symposium, Pastor Sadik Aboagye offered a compassionate, clear-eyed conversation about addiction—what it does to relationships and communities, why it’s more than a moral failing, and how churches can be a central part of real, lasting recovery. Below, we unpack the session’s key lessons, ground them in current research, and offer practical …

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At CMHI’s recent annual symposium, Pastor Sadik Aboagye offered a compassionate, clear-eyed conversation about addiction—what it does to relationships and communities, why it’s more than a moral failing, and how churches can be a central part of real, lasting recovery. Below, we unpack the session’s key lessons, ground them in current research, and offer practical next steps churches and families can take to walk beside people seeking healing.

🎥 Watch the session: Breaking Free from Addiction | Pastor Sadik Aboagye

Addiction is a chronic, brain-based condition—not merely a moral lapse

A central point Pastor Sadik emphasized is that addiction changes the brain and behaves like other chronic illnesses: it is progressive, often relapsing, and requires ongoing management. This view is backed by neuroscience. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that repeated substance use alters brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control—changes that can persist long after substance use stops. Treatment and long-term support are, therefore, medical and social necessities, not evidence of weak will.

Why this matters for the church: Understanding addiction as a health condition helps move congregations from judgment to compassionate care and creates space for treatment, not just condemnation.

Addiction touches entire communities and relationships

Pastor Sadik reminded listeners that addiction rarely affects only one person. Families, friendships, workplaces, and congregations all feel the ripple effects—financial strain, broken trust, emotional trauma, and social isolation. Public health data underline the scale: millions of Americans need treatment for substance use disorders, while only a fraction receive it, and overdose deaths remain high. In 2023, over 100,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S., illustrating the urgency of community-level responses.

Church implication: Recovery must involve the family and faith community. Sermons, small groups, and pastoral care should address the relational wounds addiction produces and create pathways for restoration.

Compassion + Knowledge: practical support beats moralizing

Pastor Sadik shared powerful, humanizing moments—meeting someone in withdrawal, seeing the face of desperation—and urged the church to respond with connection and dignity. Addiction is complex, influenced by genetics, trauma, culture, and social factors. Thus, solutions need to be multi-layered: medical care, counseling, peer support, and faith-based ministry working together.

Research shows that regular religious involvement and supportive faith communities can reduce the risk of substance misuse and provide protective social structures—when those communities avoid stigma and instead offer practical help and referral to clinical services.

Recovery is possible—but it often requires rebuilding purpose

A recurring theme in the session was purpose. Many people in recovery struggle because they lack a sense of meaning after addiction has upended their lives. Pastor Sadik challenged churches to help people find purpose through volunteering, mentoring, job training programs, or ministries that restore dignity and usefulness.

Evidence supports this: programs that integrate social support, meaningful engagement, and faith-based resources often see better retention and well-being among participants. Churches are uniquely positioned to offer that combination of belonging plus practical opportunity.

The church should partner with professionals—not replace them

Pastor Sadik stressed that addiction treatment is a partnership between individuals, families, churches, and healthcare professionals. Because addiction alters brain function and can involve medical complications (including co-occurring mental health disorders), clinical treatment and, when appropriate, medication-assisted treatment can be lifesaving.

Public health data show a large gap: while millions needed SUD treatment recently, only a fraction received it. Churches can narrow that gap by building referral networks, hosting on-site support groups, and promoting evidence-based services.

Addiction Teen

Youth, social media, and prevention: guiding the next generation

The session also raised concerns about how youth interact with risky behaviors and social media influences. Pastor Sadik encouraged proactive conversations with young people about boundaries and the emotional dangers of certain online cultures. Prevention—through education, mentorship, and safe community spaces—is both a pastoral and public-health imperative.

Action step: Develop youth-focused programming that addresses peer pressure, digital boundaries, and healthy coping skills—combined with faith formation and mentoring.

Simple first steps churches can take now

  1. Educate leadership — host workshops on addiction as a health condition (invite a local clinician).

  2. Replace stigma with language — use person-first, nonjudgmental phrases (see NIDA’s “Words Matter” guidance).

  3. Build referral pathways — curate accessible lists of counselors, treatment centers, and hotlines.

  4. Create recovery-friendly ministries — weekly support groups, job-training partnerships, service teams.

  5. Support families — offer family counseling resources and support groups for loved ones.

  6. Offer hope and purpose — integrate testimony, service opportunities, and mentorship into recovery plans.

Final thought: restore, don’t reject

Pastor Sadik’s message is ultimately one of restoration: addiction reveals our shared brokenness, and the gospel calls us to meet people there with love, truth, and practical help. Churches that combine spiritual care with clinical knowledge, community support, and opportunities for renewed purpose can be powerful places of recovery and reconciliation.

If your congregation wants to take the next step, CMHI can help—whether with training materials, referral resources, or guidance on starting a recovery ministry.

Get help & resources: Visit CMHI’s Mental Health Resource Page

More On The Blog…

Whole-Person Healing: Inside the 2025 CMHI Virtual Symposium

Faith in the Feed: Protecting Teens from Social Media Overload

Finding Choosing a Mental Health Provider That Honors Your Faith

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How Faith and Therapy Helped Toni Find Healing from Anxiety https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/how-faith-and-therapy-helped-toni-find-healing-from-anxiety/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-faith-and-therapy-helped-toni-find-healing-from-anxiety https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/how-faith-and-therapy-helped-toni-find-healing-from-anxiety/#respond Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:31:31 +0000 https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/?p=3409 At the 3rd Annual CMHI Virtual Mental Health Symposium, Toni LaShaun shared a deeply moving testimony that resonated with countless attendees. In her session, “From Pain to Peace: Healing Through Faith,” Toni unpacked her lifelong struggle with anxiety and how a Christ-centered approach—paired with professional mental health care—became the key to her healing journey. Her …

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At the 3rd Annual CMHI Virtual Mental Health Symposium, Toni LaShaun shared a deeply moving testimony that resonated with countless attendees. In her session, “From Pain to Peace: Healing Through Faith,” Toni unpacked her lifelong struggle with anxiety and how a Christ-centered approach—paired with professional mental health care—became the key to her healing journey.

Her story offered an honest, vulnerable, and much-needed voice in the conversation around faith and mental health, especially in communities where emotional struggles are often silenced.

🎥 Watch Toni LaShaun’s full session here:

 

The Silent Struggle: Toni’s Journey with Anxiety

From childhood through her college years, Toni wrestled with chronic anxiety, often feeling isolated and overwhelmed. As a Christian, she believed that “faith should fix everything”—a belief that only deepened her sense of shame when anxious thoughts didn’t go away.

She recalled how a moment of desperation brought her to the edge. Reaching for medication, she was interrupted by a worship song that stirred her heart, redirecting her to seek faith-informed support rather than suffering in silence.

Toni LaShaun

🗣 “I thought needing help meant I didn’t trust God enough. But I was wrong. God met me in the help I finally asked for.”

Why Therapy Is Not a Lack of Faith

A key message Toni shared was that seeking therapy or medication is not a sign of spiritual weakness—it’s an act of wisdom and faith. Many Christians are taught to “just pray more” when struggling mentally. But as Toni highlighted, God often works through licensed professionals, giving us tools and insight for healing.

This aligns with broader mental health research. According to the American Psychological Association, therapy significantly improves mental well-being, especially when integrated with spiritual practices.

Setbacks, Grief, and Pandemic Pain

Even after finding support, Toni’s healing journey wasn’t linear. She faced setbacks, grief, and a heightened sense of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most profound lessons she offered was this:

🗣 “Healing is not a straight line. Sometimes, you start over. That’s okay.”

She encouraged others to revisit therapy when new struggles arise and to address unprocessed emotions, particularly grief, that often lie beneath anxiety and depression.

Faith and Mental Health Are Not Opposites

Toni powerfully dismantled the false dichotomy between spirituality and psychology. For her, therapy and prayer work together to bring lasting peace.

She shared practical tools that helped her manage anxiety while remaining rooted in faith:

  • Daily prayer and surrender
  • Gratitude journaling
  • Naming and validating emotions
  • Talking openly with faith-filled friends and mentors

This reflects what mental health professionals call “integrative care”—blending spiritual practices with evidence-based mental health tools.

The Call to Churches: Be a Safe Place

Toni closed her session with a message for pastors and church leaders: create safe, stigma-free spaces for conversations around mental health.

She called for:

  • Honest preaching about emotional struggles
  • Referrals to mental health professionals
  • Small groups or care teams trained to support emotional needs
  • A clear message: “You’re not broken if you need help.”

At CMHI, we echo this call. Churches should be sanctuaries not only for spiritual growth but also for mental healing.

 

Final Encouragement: You Are Not Alone

If you’ve struggled with anxiety or wondered whether faith and therapy can coexist, Toni’s story is your reminder that they absolutely can. Healing may be messy, nonlinear, and full of hard conversations, but it is holy work.

💬 “God isn’t waiting for you to be perfect. He’s with you in your process.”

🎥 Watch Full Video Of Symposium Here:

More On The Blog:

Whole-Person Healing: Inside the 2025 CMHI Virtual Symposium

Religion News Service (RNS) Featured CMHI In A Powerful Article

CMHI Annual Report 2024 – Year in Review & Vision

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Mind, Body, Spirit: God’s Vision for Holistic Wellbeing https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/mind-body-spirit-gods-vision-for-holistic-wellbeing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mind-body-spirit-gods-vision-for-holistic-wellbeing https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/mind-body-spirit-gods-vision-for-holistic-wellbeing/#respond Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:15:16 +0000 https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/?p=3406 At CMHI’s 3rd Annual Virtual Mental Health Symposium, one of the most impactful sessions explored what it means to truly care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—through a biblical lens. Titled “Mind, Body, Spirit: God’s Vision for Holistic Wellbeing,” the conversation encouraged attendees to move beyond surface-level self-care and embrace a more integrated, God-centered …

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At CMHI’s 3rd Annual Virtual Mental Health Symposium, one of the most impactful sessions explored what it means to truly care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—through a biblical lens. Titled “Mind, Body, Spirit: God’s Vision for Holistic Wellbeing,” the conversation encouraged attendees to move beyond surface-level self-care and embrace a more integrated, God-centered approach to health and healing.

This session aligned powerfully with CMHI’s mission to provide trauma-informed, faith-driven mental health education to underserved communities. Here, we break down key insights and takeaways that highlight how believers can live more fully in the wellness God desires for us.

🎥 Watch the session on YouTube:

 

What Does Holistic Wellbeing Look Like Through Faith?

Holistic wellbeing acknowledges that every part of us is connected—our thoughts, our physical bodies, and our spiritual lives. When one area suffers, it impacts the others. This biblical principle echoes 1 Thessalonians 5:23, where Paul prays for believers to be sanctified “through and through—spirit, soul, and body.”

One of the session’s anchors was the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, introduced by CMHI Founder Dr. Atasha Jordan. This model includes:

  1. Mental Wellbeing
  2. Physical 
  3. Social
  4. Spiritual
  5. Home/ Environment
  6. Career
  7. Recreation
  8. Financial

Rooted in both clinical research and spiritual insight, this framework helps believers steward their whole selves as God intended.

Mental and Emotional Wellness: Living Loved, Not Striving

Society often values performance, appearance, and productivity, but our faith teaches a different standard. One powerful message from this session was that God’s love is not something to earn—it’s something to live from.

Mental and emotional health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or burnout, can be made worse by the pressure to appear “put together.” But healing begins when we admit our struggles and embrace God’s grace.

💬 “You’re already enough because God made you enough.” – Rachel Ann

This approach reflects Christian values of self-worth, identity, and rest, reminding us that our emotions matter and healing is a valid spiritual pursuit.

 

Rethinking Physical Wellness: It’s More Than Weight

In Christian spaces, physical health is sometimes reduced to diet trends or outward appearances. But true physical wellness is about honoring the body as a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and considering deeper health indicators such as:

  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Blood sugar (A1C)
  • Sleep quality and energy levels

According to the CDC, metrics like A1C and cholesterol levels are critical for assessing long-term health, not just weight. During the session, participants were encouraged to prioritize self-care practices like rest, movement, and nutrition, not out of vanity, but out of reverence for God’s creation.

Holistic welbeing

Spiritual Wellness: Healing in a Safe Community

Spiritual wellness means more than weekly church attendance—it’s about finding purpose, identity, and support through God. However, many individuals carry spiritual wounds or “church hurt” that make faith spaces feel unsafe.

The session reminded attendees that:

  • Healing is personal and nonlinear.
  • Community matters—especially when it’s trauma-informed and Christ-centered.
  • Faith is not a performance but a relationship.

This resonates with CMHI’s broader vision of equipping churches and individuals to become safe spaces for spiritual and mental healing, especially for those who’ve experienced trauma or marginalization.

 

Mindfulness and Reflection: A God-Centered Practice

While often seen as secular, mindfulness can be a powerful Christian practice when anchored in God’s presence. The session offered tools like:

  • Body scans to increase awareness of emotional and physical signals
  • Journaling as a spiritual discipline for reflection, gratitude, and prayer
  • Breathwork to ground the nervous system and invite calm

These practices align with scripture’s encouragement to “be still and know” (Psalm 46:10) and reflect the growing body of research supporting mindfulness in emotional regulation.

Final Thoughts: Wellness Is Worship

When we intentionally nurture every dimension of our being, we reflect the fullness of God’s design. The session “Mind, Body, Spirit: God’s Vision for Holistic Wellbeing” reminded us that wellness is not selfish—it’s worship. It’s a way to honor God, serve others more fully, and live from a place of wholeness.

At CMHI, we believe that healing is sacred work. Through Christ-centered education, conversation, and community, we continue to advocate for a world where mind, body, and spirit are cared for together.

 

🔗 Watch the full Symposium Video:


More On The Blog:

Whole-Person Healing: Inside the 2025 CMHI Virtual Symposium

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CMHI Annual Report 2024 – Year in Review & Vision

Black Mental Health Resources: Bridging the Cultural Gap in Care

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This Giving Tuesday: Support CMHI! https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/this-giving-tuesday-support-cmhi/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-giving-tuesday-support-cmhi https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/this-giving-tuesday-support-cmhi/#respond Mon, 20 Nov 2023 22:07:26 +0000 https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/?p=2586 As we approach “good ol’ turkey day,” we are spending more of our energy appreciating what we have, which spans many categories. We can be thankful for physical objects, our position in school or work, other areas that are important to us — experiences we’ve had over the years, health, wealth, and the list goes …

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As we approach “good ol’ turkey day,” we are spending more of our energy appreciating what we have, which spans many categories. We can be thankful for physical objects, our position in school or work, other areas that are important to us — experiences we’ve had over the years, health, wealth, and the list goes on. One of the weightier categories we can be thankful for during Thanksgiving is good people. This understanding that we are not alone and require the help of others is at the foundation of our very being. As we focus on things we’re thankful for, we can also think of ways to give; hence, Giving Tuesday!

My Thanksgiving Reflections

I remember one of my earliest Thanksgiving holidays when I realized I had to thank my mom for even cooking a Thanksgiving dinner. It wasn’t that I didn’t thank her on Mother’s Day when she helped me, or even daily, but it was the understanding that just because of her “mother” position in my life, it did not mean she had to give me a life that surpassed the necessities or requirements of being “good.” Our caregivers are not the only good people we should be thankful for though. As I’m sure, we are all already thinking of someone outside of that role who is fundamental in our lives and whose help we would not be here without like a mentor, chosen family, friend, etc.

!! CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW !!

 

Support CMHI this Giving Tuesday

Now that we all have that special person(s) in our mind, let’s dive a little deeper. Thanksgiving usually vaguely stops at being grateful. Besides recognizing the good things in your life, there is no call to action to relay reciprocal affection besides spending a few hours or days together in a hopefully joyous environment. CMHI wants to call you to action this Thanksgiving season in tandem with us to reciprocate some of our gratefulness.

As an organization, our growth in the last year has made us truly discern the importance of teamwork and the role of volunteers. And the benefit has not been solely our own. Through the help of this wonderful and growing team, we have reached all over the world and provided knowledge of recourses like ABIDE, located on our Mental Health Resources page, and events like the Mental Health Symposium. So, in the spirit of giving, we ask that you help us reach our Giving Goal on Giving Tuesday.

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”” Acts 20:35

!! CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW !!

 

Your Role in CMHI

The funds procured help CMHI bring on dedicated interns to work alongside the motivated volunteers and provide more resources and events to the masses. This act of help through donating to our goal parallels the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37. The story revolves around a man being robbed and beaten and at the mercy of a passerby. Eventually, a Samaritan comes to his aid even though he does not know the man. The Samaritan still has business to attend to but is invested in the restoration of the man and provides compensation, in excess, it is believed, to the innkeeper he has left the man with and states he will pay the difference when coming back along the path after his business is concluded.

I find this story resembles our Giving Tuesday goal because we are the innkeeper. Our “inn” is the online community we are building to help restore each wounded individual, and though we will continue to do so no matter the circumstance, we ask you to partake in the journey as the Good Samaritan with a donation.  

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him, he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’” Luke 10:33-34

As the year ends, we celebrate our last two major holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Have you ever thought about how ironic it is to have a holiday focused on remembering why we should be grateful, followed by a holiday focused on amassing more “stuff”? Not to say that contentment isn’t truly reached during Thanksgiving or that desiring a new killer pair of headphones is destroying the “reason for the season,” but it’s just a small thought to spend a few moments to think about as you make your lists for both holidays as well as the upcoming Giving Tuesday. Thank you in advance for your partnership!

“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Deuteronomy 15:10

!! CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW !!

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Mental Health Awareness Month Virtual Event https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/mental-health-awareness-month-virtual-event/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mental-health-awareness-month-virtual-event https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/mental-health-awareness-month-virtual-event/#respond Fri, 21 Apr 2023 15:36:54 +0000 https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/?p=1880 May is Mental Health Awareness Month!!! As part of the efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues, the Christian Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) will host the Faith, Meds, and Therapy: Virtual Mental Health Symposium will take place on Saturday, May 13th at 10 AM EST. This event is aimed at helping Christians understand the …

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month!!! As part of the efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues, the Christian Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) will host the Faith, Meds, and Therapy: Virtual Mental Health Symposium will take place on Saturday, May 13th at 10 AM EST. This event is aimed at helping Christians understand the importance of mental health, how it relates to spiritual health, and how to recognize and deal with mental illness and addiction.

The symposium is free, and anyone interested can register on Eventbrite. The event will be led by experts in the field of mental health and will feature discussions, panels, and Q&A sessions.

Why Should Christians Learn About Mental Health?

The symposium will kick off with a discussion on why Christians should learn about mental health. This topic is important because many Christians may not see the connection between their faith and mental health, and as a result, they may not prioritize their mental well-being. Learning about mental health will help Christians understand that taking care of their mental health is not only important for their overall well-being but is also an act of faith.

How Are Spiritual Health and Mental Health Related?

The connection between spiritual health and mental health will also be discussed at the symposium. Many Christians believe that their spiritual health is the most important aspect of their lives, but they may not realize that their mental health is just as important. Understanding how the two are related will help Christians prioritize their mental health and seek the help they need.

How to Recognize Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness

The symposium will also include a session on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness. This topic is crucial because many people may not realize that they are experiencing mental health issues, and as a result, they may not seek help. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental illness will help Christians and others understand when they need to seek professional help.

Click the image to register.

How to Approach Addiction from a Christian Perspective

Addiction is a mental health issue that affects many people, and the symposium will also feature a discussion on how to approach addiction from a Christian perspective. Addiction can be a complex issue, and many people may struggle with understanding how their faith can help them overcome their addiction. This session will help Christians understand how they can approach addiction from a biblical perspective and seek the help they need to overcome it.

Challenges and Success Church Leaders Face Related to Mental Health in the Church

The symposium will additionally include a panel discussion about the challenges and successes that church leaders face related to mental health in the church. This topic is important because church leaders play a crucial role in helping their congregations understand the importance of mental health and seek help when needed. The panel discussion will provide insights and practical tips for church leaders to help them better support their congregations in this area.

In conclusion, the Faith, Meds, and Therapy: Virtual Mental Health Symposium is an excellent opportunity for Christians to learn about the importance of mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month. Attendees will also learn how mental health relates to their faith and how to recognize and deal with mental illness and addiction.

The symposium is free, and anyone interested can register on Eventbrite. The event will be led by experts in the field of mental health, and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in discussions. By attending this symposium, Christians can take an important step toward prioritizing their mental health and supporting others in their communities who may be struggling with mental health issues.

This post was made in collaboration with AI technology.

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First Mental Health First Aid Training in 2023! https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/first-mental-health-first-aid-training-in-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=first-mental-health-first-aid-training-in-2023 https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/first-mental-health-first-aid-training-in-2023/#respond Fri, 10 Feb 2023 20:39:00 +0000 https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/?p=1777 Millions of people with mental illnesses do not receive treatment due to stigma, lack of information, costs, and many other factors. In Christian communities, the stigma is even greater. A major goal of the Christian Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) is to increase mental health literacy in the church. Though mental and spiritual health are similar, …

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Millions of people with mental illnesses do not receive treatment due to stigma, lack of information, costs, and many other factors. In Christian communities, the stigma is even greater. A major goal of the Christian Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) is to increase mental health literacy in the church. Though mental and spiritual health are similar, we must learn about their differences to effectively achieve the wellness we seek.

This is why, on January 21st, 2023, CMHI hosted a virtual Mental Health First Aid training in collaboration with members and leaders of Christ Church of Philadelphia. Amazingly, CMHI has now hosted FIVE Mental Health First Aid trainings since we started!

Thanks to teachings from instructor Tamara Brown, twelve people in the Greater Philadelphia Area joined the virtual training. These attendees dedicated eight hours towards becoming certified Mental Health First Aiders. This certification is valid for three years!

Mental Health First Aid: differentiate types of health

 

Mental Health First Aid

What is Mental Health First Aid exactly?

Mental Health First Aid is a National Council for Mental Wellbeing program. The following is an expert from the organization’s website to describe the aims and goals of the program.

Mental Health First Aid for Adults teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions.

 

Christian Mental Health Initiative Sponsored Training

It was an absolute pleasure to host this training. We connected with people from several of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods! The attendees work across varying industries, such as mental health facilities, church ministry, and middle school education. We now have more people prepared to respond to the mental health needs of our youth. Look at God!

 

Christian Mental Health Initiative Mental Health First Aid Training

 

Future CMHI Events

The Christian Mental Health Initiative volunteer team is just getting started!

This year, we aim to continue connecting with communities to impact mental well-being in the church.

We are planning a virtual mental health symposium for May 2023 to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and the first anniversary of CMHI!

The CMHI team encourages you to join our mailing list to receive updates about future mental health training opportunities and events.

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Recent CMHI Events: Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Training https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/recent-cmhi-events-virtual-youth-mental-health-first-aid-training/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=recent-cmhi-events-virtual-youth-mental-health-first-aid-training https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/recent-cmhi-events-virtual-youth-mental-health-first-aid-training/#respond Mon, 12 Dec 2022 08:30:46 +0000 https://christianmentalhealthinitiative.org/?p=1648 Millions of people with mental illnesses do not receive treatment due to stigma, lack of information, costs, and many other factors. In Christian communities, the stigma is even greater. A major goal of the Christian Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) is to increase mental health literacy in the church. Though mental health and spiritual health are …

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Millions of people with mental illnesses do not receive treatment due to stigma, lack of information, costs, and many other factors. In Christian communities, the stigma is even greater. A major goal of the Christian Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) is to increase mental health literacy in the church. Though mental health and spiritual health are similar, we must learn about their differences to effectively achieve the wellness we seek. This is why, on November 16th and 17th of this year, CMHI hosted a virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid training.

In collaboration with certified Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor and psychiatrist Dr. Richard Fields, nine people around the country joined the virtual training. These attendees dedicated eight hours towards becoming certified Mental Health First Aiders. This certification is valid for three years!

 

Christian Mental Health Initiative Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

 

Youth Mental Health First Aid

What is Youth Mental Health First Aid exactly?

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a program disseminated by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The following is an expert from the organization’s website to describe the aims and goals of the program.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

Christian Mental Health Initiative Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

 

It was an absolute pleasure to host this training. We connected with people in Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, and even Bermuda! The attendees work across varying industries, such as mental health facilities, church ministry, and middle school education. We now have more people prepared to respond to the mental health needs of our youth. Look at God!

 

Future CMHI Events

The Christian Mental Health Initiative volunteer team is just getting started!

We aim to continue connecting with communities to impact mental well-being in the church. In January 2023, we will host an in-person Adult Mental Health First Aid training at a church in South Philadelphia. We are also planning a virtual mental health symposium for May 2023 to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and the first anniversary of CMHI!

We encourage you to join our mailing list to receive updates about future mental health training opportunities and events.

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