Too often we say things like, "I am___________."  (Fill in the blank with your diagnosis e.g., "I'm bipolar.") Instead we should say, “I've been diagnosed with _______.” We who have a mental health diagnosis need to understand that weare NOT the sum total of our mental health diagnosis, rather saying that we have or have been diagnosed as _______, which indicates there is much more to us than just our diagnosis.  Your diagnosis does NOT define you!In this podcast, Pastor Brad says, "I am NOT bipolar! I have bipolar. There's a big difference between those two statements."  He explores who we are in Christ; seeing it from a Christian mental health perspective.  This podcast is very encouraging to anyone who is struggling to figure out"who they are" after being diagnosed.
Fresh Hope Today is a weekly podcast of Fresh Hope Ministries.  For more information about Fresh Hope go to: www.FreshHope.us
Our podcasts are available on Fresh Hope Today, Stritcher Radio and iTunes.
Email us with your input, suggestions or topics you'd like to have covered on the program at info@FreshHope.us 

You are NOT Your Diagnosis!

Fresh Hope for Mental Health  is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries, www.FreshHope.us.  The purpose of Fresh Hope for Mental Health  is to empower those with a mental health diagnosis to live a faith-filled and rich life in spite of having a mental health challenge.  The program is hosted by Pastor Brad Hoefs, the founder of Fresh Hope.  He is also the author of, "Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis" www.FreshHopeBook.com 

The program consists of insights for how to live well in spite of having a mental illness as well as interviews with those who have a diagnosis sharing their journey and insights to living well.  Fresh Hope offers local Christian mental health recovery groups through out the United States.  

For more information go to: www.FreshHope.us  or email: info@FreshHope.us

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Mental Health

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Jesslyn McCutcheon, who has lived with bipolar 1 disorder for the past 24 years. Jesslyn shares her journey of coming to terms with her mental illness and realizing her calling to minister in this area. Last year, she began speaking at different churches about creating stigma-free environments and the importance of spirituality and faith in mental health. Jesslyn is an active advocate for NAMI, speaking for their IOOV and NAMIFaithnet programs, and is studying to become a mental health coach through the American Association of Christian Counseling. She is also working on her first book. Jesslyn’s story is a powerful testament to living a fulfilled life despite serious mental illness, emphasizing that with God’s plan, nothing can stand in the way of achieving your goals and dreams. For more about Jesslyn and her work, visit her website at jesslynmccutcheon.com. Don't forget to share this episode with friends on social media and explore more resources available at Fresh Hope (https://freshhope.us/). Tune in to additional episodes on our website: https://freshhopeformentalhealth.com/.

Finding Purpose in the Midst of Bipolar Disorder: Jesslyn McCutcheon’s Journey

In this enlightening episode, Pastor Brad sits down with  Chris Morris, the author of   Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons from Suicidality and Depression. Chris shares his deeply personal journey, recounting how he discovered God at the age of 15 while battling depression and suicidal thoughts. Through years of struggle, Chris has gained profound insights into mental health and the transformative power of faith. He emphasizes the critical role of support from family, friends, and the church in navigating these challenges. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with hope, resilience, and practical wisdom for anyone facing similar battles. 

Interview with Chris Morris, Author of "Resilient and Redeemed"

In this episode of the Fresh Hope for Mental Health podcast, Pastor Brad sits down with special guests Mark and Janet Soppitt, who bravely share their journey through a 7-year depression that nearly cost them everything, including Mark's life. Through their unwavering faith and resilience, they emerged from the darkness, rebuilt their lives, and now serve as trauma healing facilitators with the Canadian Bible Society. Mark's album "Take My Life and Let It Be" reflects their journey, while their vision for a life coaching business aims to support ministry couples in crisis. Join us as we glean insights into overcoming adversity and finding restoration through faith. Don't forget to share this episode with friends on social media and explore more resources available at Fresh Hope (https://freshhope.us/). Tune in to additional episodes on our website: https://freshhopeformentalhealth.com/.

"From Darkness to Light: A Journey through Depression, Faith and Redemption" with Mark and Janet Soppitt

Welcome back to the second part of our podcast series, "30 Ways to Make Your Life Worse." If you haven't listened to the first part yet, we highly recommend starting there to catch up on the insightful discussion we had on the critical roadblocks to personal growth and fulfillment. Today Pastor Brad continues his exploration of these roadblocks, offering invaluable insights for recognizing and overcoming them. Dive deeper into the remaining 15 ways we inadvertently sabotage our own lives and explore how these roadblocks hinder personal growth and fulfillment. Don't forget to catch up on the first part of our series if you haven't already, available on our website at Fresh Hope for Mental Health. We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.      

30 Ways to Make Your Life Worse Part 2

In the first installment of our two-part series, "30 Ways to Make Your Life Worse," Pastor Brad delves into the critical topic of roadblocks to recovery. By dissecting these roadblocks, Pastor Brad offers invaluable insights into recognizing and overcoming them. Don't miss this enlightening episode as we explore 15 ways we inadvertently sabotage our own lives this week, with another 15 to follow in the next installment. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how we can navigate towards a more fulfilling existence. We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com.

You are NOT Your Diagnosis!

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