A Mental Health Q&A from a Christian Perspective
After the fall, the world was disordered from structure to chaos—negatively altering the nature of human emotions. Today, we witness its impact as mental health concerns surge and people continue to suffer. How should Christians approach the topic of mental health? What is the most Christlike way to care for those who suffer?
A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness answers 30 commonly asked questions about mental health from a Christian perspective. Intended for caregivers, this accessible resource will equip family, friends, and churches with wisdom for caring for individuals with mental health illnesses. Authors David Murray and Tom Karel use a holistic approach as they share personal stories, professional expertise, and biblical wisdom to tackle difficult questions—ultimately providing hope for the hopeless and rest for the weary.
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Useful for Caregivers of Mental Health Sufferers: Equips family, friends, and church leaders with advice for helping those who suffer from mental illness
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Q&A Format: Each chapter answers a commonly asked question related to mental health
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Accessible: Written for everyday people, this book is concise and easy to understand
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Biographical: Authors David Murray and Tom Karel share stories about their own mental health battles as well as those of others
272 pages.
Introduction
1. What is mental illness?
2. Is mental illness a helpful label?
3. What are the different kinds of mental illness?
4. How is mental illness different from ordinary sadness, anxiety, etc?
5. How does mental illness affect the sufferer?
6. How does mental illness affect spiritual life?
7. How does mental illness affect those around the sufferer?
8. How do people react to having mental illness?
9. What are common hurdles to recovery?
10. What causes mental illness?
11. Can a Christian have mental illness?
12. What role do pastors have in helping the mentally ill?
13. What role does the church community have?
14. What role do family and friends have?
15. What role do mental health professionals have?
16. What role does medication have?
17. What role do biblical counselors have?
18. What role does the sufferer have?
19. How can we discern faith and the fruits of the spirit in a sufferer?
20. How can we help a sufferer grow spiritually?
21. How can we help sufferers serve in the church?
22. What are the biggest challenges in disciplining a sufferer?
23. What’s the role of Scripture, prayer, and the sacraments in a sufferer’s life?
24. What are the things to avoid in ministering to sufferers?
25. What should we do when a sufferer falls into temptation?
26. How can we help someone who is suicidal?
27. How can we care for caregivers?
28. How can we reduce the stigma of mental illness?
29. How can we prepare for mental illness?
30. What good comes out of mental illness?
Christian's Guide to Mental Illness, A: Answers to 30 Common Questions is in the following collections: