Today mental health struggles affect so many people, draining their energy and joy for life and undermining their confidence. People rightly look for medical and psychological treatment to help them in such struggles. Yet, as researchers are recognizing more and more, a large component of these struggles is spiritual, and people need spiritual care and healing too. In this workshop, Dr. Stephen Pietsch, associate professor of Practical Theology, we will draw on the long Christian tradition of care and comfort to those in mental distress, looking into Scripture, as well as gaining insights from Martin Luther and his pastoral care of those with mental struggles.
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Christian Caregiving for People Suffering with Depression and Anxiety Part 1
Stephen Pietsch
The discussion, led by Dr. Stephen Pietsch from Australia, focuses on understanding anxiety and depression, offering spiritual insights and hope for those struggling with these illnesses. He emphasizes the sensitive nature of the subject, acknowledging that many in the audience may have personal connections to these conditions.
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Christian Caregiving for People Suffering with Depression and Anxiety Part 2
Stephen Pietsch
Helping individuals struggling with anxiety and depression is a key focus, and it's essential to understand that this caregiving is primarily about love. All Christians are called to be pastoral carers, sharing in the "office of comfort". This is a demanding task because anxiety and depression are real illnesses that impair a person's ability to think, act, and be responsible, often causing them to think "round and round, not through" and making it hard for them to "bear" their burdens. The illness tells them they are alone, that no one cares or can understand them.
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Christian Caregiving for People Suffering with Depression and Anxiety Part 3
Stephen Pietsch
Dr. Pietsch discuss various ways to provide ministry and support to people experiencing anxiety and depression, emphasizing a distinction between faith and feelings and the importance of objective reality.
