Heal Depression with God/Trauma, Shame, Healing Bible Verses, Holistic Healing, Mindfulness

6-Do you ever grump and complain about your circumstances? Do you ever feel like God is not hearing your prayers for provision? Do you ever compare yourself to a neighbor who seems to have a lot more than you do? I hear you, friend. It was not that long ago that I stormed out of my house in Minnesota, and stomped through the chilly winter morning, trudging over rural roads toward a cemetery. It was still dark, and gray storm clouds covered the sky. Clenching my fist, I complained about my circumstances. We didn't have enough to provide for our family, I felt stuck in my home, and lacked purpose. I felt cold and hard like the graveyard stones, marking the time of people who had passed away. 

When you’re depressed, it is easy to focus on everything that is going wrong and forget to thank God who created you. Practicing gratitude can free us from that pit of rehash and freshen our perspective. In today’s episode, I will explore how God helps us unclench our fists to release stress, and focus on Him, who lightens our load. Welcome to the third part of the Count Your Blessings Gratitude Series, using the acronym G.I.F.T.  Episode 6 is “Feeling Grumpy? How Gratitude Frees Us and Freshens our Perspective.” Come on in and take a listen!

Check out the other episodes in this G.I.F.T. of Gratitude in the Count Your Blessings series.

4-G. Gratitude Grows Goodness in our hearts

Apple iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-4-count-your-blessings-series-part-1-how-gratitude/id1783189689?i=1000679252039

5-I. How Gratitude Inspires our Minds to Reset Depression

Apple I tunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-5-feeling-blah-from-holiday-brain-fog-how-gratitude/id1783189689?i=1000679747270

If you are enjoying this podcast, please send it to a friend, so they can journey toward mental health and discover hope in the process. Also please consider posting a review on iTunes! The reviews get the word out about the podcast, so many can discover strategies to boost mental wellness. Thank you!

Contact by Email:   [email protected]

Books referenced in this four-part series:

Dr. Robert A Emmons, The Little Book of Gratitude: Create a Life of Happiness and Wellbeing by Giving Thanks

Dr. Robert A Emmons, Thanks, How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier

Scripture used in this podcast

     3. Allow God to soften your heart of stone Ezekiel 35: 25, 27

     4. Ask God to help you be content and full of gratefulness Phil 4:12

Promises of God

Journaling Prompts:

Count Your Blessings Hymn Lyrics, Public Domain. 

Lyrics by Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1926); Music by Edwin Othello Excell (1851-1921)

Accessed through https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/707, who freely shares hymn information.

Intro, outro, and trailer music “Bright as the Dawn” is licensed by Taizo Audio through Premium Beat by Shutterstock. #6193805

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional therapist, and unable to diagnose, treat or analyze depression or other associated mental illnesses. Based on Biblical principles, my personal experience of healing, and creative expression, I offer these Christ-centered mental wellness strategies to support, encourage and instill hope through your journey to mental and spiritual health. Please see your doctor, psychologist, or professional therapist for help with diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are severely depressed, to the point where you are considering suicide, please get help immediately! Your life matters, and you are loved and valued. It is possible to find hope and healing.

Here are some resources to help you.

Christians in Crisis https://www.christiansncrisis.com  phone or text 1-844-472-9687   Started by Marriage/ Family Therapist Dr. Cheryll Holmes, this faith-based hotline offers a listening ear and counsel for severe depression and other mental illness issues.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  Call 988 for emotional support through depression/Suicide.                                                                                                                              

If you have enjoyed this podcast, could you please send it to a friend, so they can discover healing in their journey to mental wellness? Also, please consider writing a review on Apple/iTunes. These reviews help spread the word about Heal Depression with God Podcast, so other people can rise above depression and begin to thrive in mentally-well health, like the sun ascending and reflecting on majestic mountains, a new day dawning.

5-Do you ever feel blah at Christmas time, not wanting to decorate, bake or celebrate? Do you ever just want to stay in bed, covering your ears from joyful Carols? I understand, because that is how I felt the year I struggled through breast cancer treatments during the holiday season. I grumped through Thanksgiving, nauseated from chemotherapy treatments. In December, I wanted to stay curled in my bed, not wanting to decorate or make cookies. I felt blah, agreeing with the Scrooge from Christmas Carol, “Bah Humbug.” In my case, the brain fog resulted not just from the chemicals bombarding my body, but from focusing on the negative depressive thoughts.

Sometimes what we focus on manifests in our brain and spirit. If we constantly focus on everything that is wrong with our lives, our brain responds by pushing away from the vibrant and creative centers, and hunkers down in survival mode, it. However, scientific studies show that if you focus on gratitude, the brain responds eagerly, lighting up on scans in the creative and innovative parts of our mind, releasing positive hormones that help us to move toward emotional wellness. There are also many Scriptures that remind us to renew our minds, by dwelling on whatever is true, noble right and pure. In this episode, which is the second in the four-part Count Your Blessings series, we will explore the “I” of Gift, how Gratitude inspires Your Mind. Come on in and join me for today’s episode of “Feeling Blah from Holiday Brain Fog? How Gratitude Inspires Your Mind to Reset Depression.”

Contact by Email:   [email protected]

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please consider sending it to a friend, so they can move toward mental wellness. Also, I so much enjoy hearing from listeners. Could you please write a review on Apple Itunes? Your review helps get the word out about the podcast, which helps people heal and find hope for mental health. 

Link to Part 1 of Count Your Blessings Series: Part 1 How the Gift of Gratitude Grows Goodness in our Hearts

https://mentallywellwithbethsteigerwalt.podbean.com/e/count-your-blessings-four-ways-the-gift-of-gratitute-boosts-mental-wellness-beyond-thanksgiving-day/

Books referenced in this four-part series:

Dr. Robert A Emmons, The Little Book of Gratitude: Create a Life of Happiness and Wellbeing by Giving Thanks

Dr. Robert A Emmons, Thanks, How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier

Scriptures used in this podcast:

Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Eph 4:22-24 “to put off your old self,[a] which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,  and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,  and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Psalm 139: 7-10 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

Journaling Questions: 1. What are three things you know to be true about God’s Character?

Count Your Blessings Hymn Lyrics, Public Domain. 

Lyrics by Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1926); Music by Edwin Othello Excell (1851-1921)

Accessed through https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/707, who freely shares hymn information.

Intro, outro, and trailer music “Bright as the Dawn” is licensed by Taizo Audio through Premium Beat by Shutterstock. #6193805

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional therapist, and unable to diagnose, treat or analyze depression or other associated mental illnesses. Based on Biblical principles, my personal experience of healing, and creative expression, I offer these Christ-centered mental wellness strategies to support, encourage and instill hope through your journey to mental and spiritual health. Please see your doctor, psychologist, or professional therapist for help with diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are severely depressed, to the point where you are considering suicide, please get help immediately! Your life matters, and you are loved and valued. It is possible to find hope and healing.

Here are some resources to help you.

Christians in Crisis https://www.christiansncrisis.com  phone or text 1-844-472-9687   Started by Marriage/ Family Therapist Dr. Cheryll Holmes, this faith-based hotline offers a listening ear and counsel for severe depression and other mental illness issues.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  Call 988 for emotional support through depression/Suicide.                                                                                                                              

If you have enjoyed this podcast, could you please send it to a friend, so they can discover healing in their journey to mental wellness? Also, please consider writing a review on Apple/iTunes. These reviews help spread the word about Heal Depression with God Podcast, so other people can rise above depression and begin to thrive in mentally-well health, like the sun ascending and reflecting on majestic mountains, a new day dawning.

In between stuffing yourself with turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie, did you remember to give thanks to God for all His blessings and express gratitude for abundance in your life? It is easy to do at Thanksgiving, and we are reminded to give thanks. But after snarfing down the meal, when your belly is full and you watched some football or played with the grandkids, do you still remember to express gratitude? Or do you let gratitude slide as you push through the hustle of preparing for Christmas glitter and gifts?

If you are anything like me, I often let gratefulness slip, as the stress of Christmas can overwhelm. Expressing thanks is important and can boost our mental wellness all year long, according to science research and Scriptures. In today's podcast, we will explore four ways to improve mental wellness, using the acronym G.I.F.T. Come on in and join us for Part 1, Gratitude Grows Goodness in Our Hearts, which is a series in Count Your Blessings: Four Ways the Gift of Gratitude Boosts Mental Wellness Beyond Thanksgiving Day.

Contact by Email:   [email protected]

Books referenced in this four-part series:

Dr. Robert A Emmons, The Little Book of Gratitude: Create a Life of Happiness and Wellbeing by Giving Thanks

Dr. Robert A Emmons, Thanks, How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier

Scriptures used in this podcast:

Ezra 3:11 11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord. He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever. And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.” 

Journaling Questions: 1. What are five things that you appreciate about your life?

2.  Name three ways that God has provided for you and your family.

3. Have you experienced a miracle in your life? Describe the experience in detail in your journal and express gratitude to God for helping you.

Count Your Blessings Hymn Lyrics, Public Domain.  

Lyrics by Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1926); Music by Edwin Othello Excell (1851-1921)

Accessed through https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/707, a website that freely shares hymn information.

Intro, outro, and trailer music “Bright as the Dawn” is licensed by Taizo Audio through Premium Beat by Shutterstock. #6193805

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional therapist, and unable to diagnose, treat or analyze depression or other associated mental illnesses. Based on Biblical principles, my personal experience of healing, and creative expression, I offer these Christ-centered mental wellness strategies to support, encourage and instill hope through your journey to mental and spiritual health. Please see your doctor, psychologist, or professional therapist for help with diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are severely depressed, to the point where you are considering suicide, please get help immediately! Your life matters, and you are loved and valued. It is possible to find hope and healing.

Here are some resources to help you.

Christians in Crisis https://www.christiansncrisis.com  phone or text 1-844-472-9687   Started by Marriage/ Family Therapist Dr. Cheryll Holmes, this faith-based hotline offers a listening ear and counsel for severe depression and other mental illness issues.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  Call 988 for emotional support through depression/Suicide.                                                                                                                             

If you have enjoyed this podcast, could you please send it to a friend, so they can discover healing in their journey to mental wellness? Also, please consider writing a review on Apple/iTunes. These reviews help spread the word about Heal Depression with God Podcast, so other people can rise above depression and begin to thrive in mentally-well health, like the sun ascending and reflecting on majestic mountains, a new day dawning.

When you are deep in depression, how do you navigate through the sadness? How do you cope and have courage to rise out of bed to face the day? When I was deep in depression, feeling overwhelmed with sadness while I battled breast cancer, I had to choose to find goodness and God’s grace through the pain. In this podcast, I will explore three ways I navigated depression, using the acronym A.S.K. Come on in and listen to today’s podcast to discover three ways you can navigate deep depression, which will help you on your way to mental wellness.

Check out these Scriptures mentioned in this podcast and journal your thoughts on these questions!

2 Chronicles 20:1-29

God routs the enemy after King Jehoshaphat prays and sends praisers ahead of the army.

Hebrews 13:6 “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Psalm 27: 1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation—

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you;

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Contact by Email:   [email protected]

Intro, outro, and trailer music “Bright as the Dawn” is licensed by Taizo Audio through Premium Beat by Shutterstock. #6193805

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional therapist, and unable to diagnose, treat or analyze depression or other associated mental illnesses. Based on Biblical principles, my personal experience of healing, and creative expression, I offer these Christ-centered mental wellness strategies to support, encourage and instill hope through your journey to mental and spiritual health. Please see your doctor, psychologist, or professional therapist for help with diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are severely depressed, to the point where you are considering suicide, please get help immediately! Your life matters, and you are loved and valued. It is possible to find hope and healing.

Here are some resources to help you.

Christians in Crisis https://www.christiansncrisis.com  Phone or text 1-844-472-9687.   Started by Marriage/ Family Therapist Dr. Cheryll Holmes, this faith-based hotline offers a listening ear and counsel for severe depression and other mental illness issues.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  Call 988 for emotional support through depression/Suicide.                                                                                                                              

If you have enjoyed this podcast, could you please send it to a friend, so they can discover healing in their journey to mental wellness? Also, please consider writing a review on Apple/iTunes. These reviews help spread the word about Heal Depression with God Podcast, so other people can rise above depression and begin to thrive in mentally-well health, like the sun ascending and reflecting on majestic mountains, a new day dawning.

Have you ever had church women wound you, with cutting words and mean actions? Have you ever been so hurt, that you vow not to participate in women’s groups again? If you are anything like me, I run away, stuffing down the pain and saying everything is fine, even as I struggle with rejection and sadness. For me, the woundedness festered for eight years, after women at a Christmas party stabbed and accused me with their words. In this episode, I explore the hurt of that situation. While I was battling breast cancer eight years later, I plummeted into depression and called a friend who was there at the party. She asked me if I ever had dealt with that situation. Working through the betrayal, I had to be R.E.A.L., an acronym for specific steps to be set free from church hurt. Come on in and discover how you can manage church hurt and heal your wounded heart, by being authentic and real in today’s episode of “When Women Wound You, How to Manage Church Hurt.”

Contact by Email:   [email protected]

Intro, outro, and trailer music “Bright as the Dawn” is licensed by Taizo Audio through Premium Beat by Shutterstock. #6193805

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional therapist, and unable to diagnose, treat or analyze depression or other associated mental illnesses. Based on Biblical principles, my personal experience of healing, and creative expression, I offer these Christ-centered mental wellness strategies to support, encourage and instill hope through your journey to mental and spiritual health. Please see your doctor, psychologist, or professional therapist for help with diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are severely depressed, to the point where you are considering suicide, please get help immediately! Your life matters, and you are loved and valued. It is possible to find hope and healing.

Here are some resources to help you.

Christians in Crisis https://www.christiansncrisis.com  phone or text 1-844-472-9687   Started by Marriage/ Family Therapist Dr. Cheryll Holmes, this faith-based hotline offers a listening ear and counsel for severe depression and other mental illness issues.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  Call 988 for emotional support through depression/Suicide.                                                                                                                              

If you have enjoyed this podcast, could you please send it to a friend, so they can discover healing in their journey to mental wellness? Also, please consider writing a review on Apple/iTunes. These reviews help spread the word about Heal Depression with God Podcast, so other people can rise above depression and begin to thrive in mentally-well health, like the sun ascending and reflecting on majestic mountains, a new day dawning.

Does depression keep you from getting out of bed in the morning? Do you still carry burdens from unresolved childhood trauma? Do you say everything is fine, when inside you are hurting deeply, and wish you could find a friend who understands?

You have come to the right place, friend. Through Heal Depression with God Podcast, you can find hope and healing in your journey to mental wellness. I am a cancer-conquering, set-free-from depression daughter of the King, best-selling author, mom of five and grammy, prayer warrior, loyal friend, and encourager. I like to meander through mountain meadows, enjoying the sweet-smelling butterscotch scent of lodgepole pines and admiring wildflowers, listening to the chickadees sing.

When I am at home, I play board games with my family, and dance in my furry lion pajamas, raising the praise in my living room.

It was not that long ago, where I was weeping in the middle of the night, crying out to God as I suffered through breast cancer treatments of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation in my mid forties. I felt alone, like I was abandoned. Sobbing continually, I struggled to get out of bed, and care for my five children. At one point, I didn’t want to live anymore. My sadness had much deeper roots than just cancer. Deep down inside, I also still carried wounds of shame, grieving from childhood abuse from a known teen neighbor.  

It wasn’t until I began journaling my grief in my mid-forties, surrendering all my tears and sadness, to God the Comforter and spending time in His presence, that I began to heal. I had to stand on His promises even though He seemed far away. Jesus, who suffered on the Cross for you and me, knew what it felt like to have his friends hurt Him and leave Him. Yet He gave them grace, forgiving them, the model for which helped me work through the hurt of childhood trauma. Immersing myself in His Word, in worship, and in nurturing nature, I began to heal and find emotional wellness. The Lord, in His goodness and mercy, met me through moonlit nights, rustling autumn leaves, and the hugs of my children. And He can touch you, too. It is possible to heal and find hope, rising from the pit of depression to joy.

In this podcast, you’ll learn how Biblical encouragement, Christ-centered holistic healing strategies, mindfulness and soul-nurturing nature imagery can help you connect with God and jumpstart the healing journey so you can flourish in wellness. To calm your soul, I may sing or pray, inviting our Comforter to touch you and give you hope.

If you’re ready to ditch depression and rise in resiliency, let’s find freedom together. Walk with me as we stroll through the forest, picking wildflowers and listening to chickadees sing. We can dip our toes into living water, skipping in newly found joy and wholeness. And wherever you are, you can put on your garments of praise (I will smile if you are leaping in furry lion pjs, like me!) and dance with me, as we sing praises to our Lord and King. 

Come on in and connect with your Creator. We can discover spiritual and mental wellness together on the Heal Depression with God podcast, where hope rises like the morning sun glowing on a majestic mountain.  

Connect with Me:   [email protected]

Connect with Podcast host and Next Steps

Website: https://bethsteigerwalt.com

Confidence After Trauma One on One Coaching: https://bethsteigerwalt.com

Contact: [email protected]

Next Steps:

Disclaimer: The messages on this podcast, interviews, connected coaching, website are not intended to take the place of professional medical care. I am not a licensed professional therapist, and unable to diagnose, treat or analyze depression or other associated mental illnesses. Based on Biblical principles, my personal experience of healing, and holistic healing ideals, I offer these Christ-centered mental wellness strategies to support, encourage and instill hope through your journey to mental and spiritual health. Please see your doctor, psychologist, or professional therapist for help with diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are severely depressed, to the point where you are considering suicide, please get help immediately! You can call 988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ) for emotional support through depression/Suicide.  Your life matters, and you are loved and valued. It is possible to find hope and healing.

If you have enjoyed this podcast, could you please send it to a friend, so they can discover healing in their journey to mental wellness? Also, please consider writing a review on Apple/iTunes. These reviews help spread the word about Heal Depression with God Podcast, so other people can rise above depression and begin to thrive in mentally-well health, like the sun ascending and reflecting on majestic mountains, a new day dawning.

Does severe depression keep pressing you down and prevent you from getting up in the morning? Do you wish you could heal from childhood trauma? Do you wish you could draw near to God and be comforted, but feel abandoned in the storm of despair? You are not alone, friend.

It was not that long ago that I was sobbing through breast cancer treatments in my mid-forties, unable to get out of bed or care for my five children.  Despairing, I thought about ending my life. The root of my depresson went much deeper than just breast cancer. As a young child, I experienced abuse from a known neighbor, which resulted in life-long depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. While battling breast cancer at age 45,  and working through the betrayal of childhood trauma, I scrawled my pain onto the pages of my journal. I cried out to God in my distress, feeling broken like the branches felled in a blasting windstorm. And God met me, comforting and meeting me. Come listen to this episode 1-Still Standing: My Journey from Depression to Redemption” and discover my story of healing, and how you can enhance mental wellness and keep standing, rising resiliently above depression to redemption in your life, too.

Contact by Email:   [email protected]

Disclaimer: The messages in the Podcast, interviews, connected coaching and website are not meant to take the place of professional medical care. I am not a licensed professional therapist, and unable to diagnose, treat or analyze depression or other associated mental illnesses. Based on Biblical principles, my personal experience of healing, and holistic healing ideals, I offer these Christ-centered mental wellness strategies to support, encourage and instill hope through your journey to mental and spiritual health. Please see your doctor, psychologist, or professional therapist for help with diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are severely depressed, to the point where you are considering suicide, please get help immediately! You can call 988 (National Suicide Prevention Line) for immediate help in addressing mental health issues.  Your life matters, and you are loved and valued. It is possible to find hope and healing.

Next Steps:

Connect with Podcast host and Next Steps

Website: https://bethsteigerwalt.com

Confidence After Trauma One on One Coaching: https://bethsteigerwalt.com

Contact: [email protected]

Next Steps:

If you have enjoyed this podcast, could you please send it to a friend, so they can discover healing in their journey to mental wellness? Also, please consider writing a review on Apple/iTunes. These reviews help spread the word about Heal Depression with God Podcast, so other people can rise above depression and begin to thrive in mentally-well health, like the sun ascending and reflecting on majestic mountains, a new day dawning.