For the month of May, we'll be discussing all things mental health related.  Although the stigma of mental illness is dwindling some, there is still work to be done.  For those who suffer, you are not alone.  Our prayer is that you find comfort by hearing these stories and discussions, even if it's just a little bit.  For those who do not struggle, our  prayer is that through these episodes, you will have more understanding; and this would lead you to more compassion and grace for all who do. Episode 2:  Where does mental health fit, in the context of faith and spirituality? Does the church place enough value on professional therapy?  Are expectations for pastors reasonable and healthy?  Why does the church often prefer simplicity and formulas over an acknowledgement and appreciation of human complexity? Amie Patrick shares what she's learned in her life experiences, including the loss of her husband to suicide three years ago.  Elizabeth Gillespie, a licensed therapist, describes where "mental disorders" fit in the context of  general "mental health" and shares new research on suicide and what ACEs is.  She also gives her take on some short-sightedness in how people of faith view mental health. At the top of the episode, Lynne Stroy, Roy Jacques and Joey Svendsen discuss medication and what motivated Joey to ween himself off of it, leading to his mental health crisis in 2019 [this story told in Episode 1 of this months mental health series]. Stay ConnectedWebsite | Facebook Discussion Page  In this episodeAmie Patrick / Instagram Elizabeth Gillespie / Site / Tedx Talks (2022)Josh Surratt / InstagramLynne Stroy, co-host/ Instagram Joey Svendsen, co-host / InstagramRoy Jacques, co-host / Facebook  Desiree Clement, narrator / Instagram Executive Producer: Josh SurrattProducer/Editor: Joey SvendsenSound Engineer/Editor: JT PriceSound Engineer: Gabe DewalkSpecial Music: Robbie Madison"The Way That You Love"  / Spotify / AppleMusic, theme song: Joel T. Hamilton Music