The Fight With Depression

Can a disability be a gift? And what if the very traits that make someone feel misunderstood in the church are actually traits the church needs?

In this episode, I explore the connection between autism, mental health, and the church—and why analytical thinking, honesty, empathy, and a desire for truth can be valuable gifts.

I discuss how Bible verses like Jeremiah 29:11 are sometimes taken out of context to offer encouragement, even when those interpretations can unintentionally cause hurt. I also share personal experiences that have shaped my understanding of honesty, compassion, and the importance of preparing people for reality rather than simply telling them what they want to hear.

As an autistic Christian who has struggled with mental health, I know what it's like to have unanswered questions and to feel misunderstood. But asking difficult questions doesn't necessarily mean someone is trying to challenge God or tear down theology. Sometimes, they're simply searching for the truth.

The church needs both truth and love. It needs people who are willing to ask questions, examine Scripture carefully, and approach difficult topics with compassion.

What if we stopped pushing people away because they communicate differently and instead allowed them to contribute their gifts?

Let's make room for different perspectives, deeper understanding, and a faith rooted in both truth and love.

Let's continue to fight this good fight together.

Connect with me at https://thefightwithdepression.com/contact

Have you ever felt like you didn't fit into the very place meant to welcome everyone?

Following my recent autism diagnosis, I’ve been reflecting deeply on neurodiversity, in addition to the focus on mental health. After opening up about my journey, so many of you reached out to share a painful truth: you felt cast aside, misunderstood, or completely pushed out by your churches because you are autistic.

The church should be a place that lifts people up, not tears them down. In this episode, we are pulling back the curtain on the raw reality of being an autistic Christian. But we aren't just talking about the hurt—we are focusing on the behavior or a Jesus-following church. How do we fix this? How can faith communities move past simple awareness and start creating spaces of true belonging and support for neurodivergent believers?

Whether you are an autistic individual looking for healing, a church leader wanting to do better, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this conversation is for you. You are not alone, and you belong here.

Join the Conversation:
Have you experienced this in your own faith journey? What steps do you think churches need to take to truly support neurodivergent individuals? Let me know in the comments below.

Resources Mentioned / Connect with Me:

• Subscribe for more videos on mental health and neurodiversity
• Reach out to me at TheFightWithDepression.com/contact

#AutismAndFaith #ChurchOutcast #NeurodivergentChristian #MentalHealth #AutismAwareness #InclusionInChurch #LateDiagnosedAutims

We continue season 2 with our dive into what the Bible actually says and addressing misconceptions about the texts that often lead to increased anxiety and a decrease in mental health.

In this episode we look into the concept of "ask, seek, and knock," and whether or not we should expect what we ask for in the Name of Jesus.

Website:

https://thefightwithdepression.com/

My Book:

The Fight: My Battle With Depression - https://a.co/d/bDFMFNB

Referenced Books:

Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes - https://amzn.to/3Eig1hF

Welcome to season 2. We begin this season diving into what the Bible actually says, and we address many misconceptions about the texts that often lead to increased anxiety and a decrease in mental health.

In this episode we look into understanding the lie of, "I don't have enough faith," and, "If I had enough faith, I could move mountains." We get into the impact that misunderstandings can have on mental health, and we reframe the correlation between faith and mental health.

My Book:

The Fight: My Battle With Depression - https://a.co/d/bDFMFNB

References:

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/cambridge/matthew/17.htm (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges)

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/17.htm (Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers)

Against the Stream: religion and mental health – the case for the inclusion of religion and spirituality into psychiatric care

Dein S. Against the Stream: religion and mental health - the case for the inclusion of religion and spirituality into psychiatric care. BJPsych Bull. 2018 Jun;42(3):127-129. doi: 10.1192/bjb.2017.13. PMID: 29761753; PMCID: PMC6048728. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6048728/

Thank you to everyone who has been listening to the podcast. At this point I will be taking a break. Please make sure to subscribe to the podcast so that you will be aware when the next season begins.

Do you wish your mental health was better? Or are you taking action to improve your life? In this episode Christopher speaks about the importance of taking action rather than being a spectator in your own life.

Disappointment in life and get you down, or you can learn from it. In this episode Christopher and Molly address the reality that life comes with disappointment. But we should not think of this negatively. So how can we learn from our disappointments and come out stronger on the other side?

Have you been hurt by the church? Misinterpretation of the Bible can be harmful to our mental health as well as the mental health of others. In this episode Christopher continues his conversation with Pastor Brian Hays about mental health and the Church.

It's okay to not be okay, even in church. In this episode Christopher speaks with former police officer, and pastor Brian Hays. They discuss difficult topics such as why God would allow bad things to happen, and how mental health can be damaged by people misinterpreting and misusing the Bible.

Have you ever been told that you must forgive someone for something they have done wrong? Have you told someone they must forgive you? Do you know what a healthy apology looks like? In this episode Christopher and Molly discuss the issues of being told that you must forgive, and what it looks like to sincerely apologize.