Check out this short mental illness stigma buster

Are you selfish? Are you sinning? Are you sick?

  I don't know if you are acquainted with anyone who has schizophrenia
(or for that matter any other type of mental illness).
I don't know if you avoid talking about mental illness.
I don't know if you or a family member has a mental illness.
I don't know if you feel embarrassment or uneasiness at the mere mention of mental illness.
I don't know if you fear someone may uncover the truth about you or a loved one.
Well, what is the big secret about this anyway? I mean, is mental illness a sin?

Is it a moral flaw?  Is it the same as demon possession?
Is it something about which we should be ashamed?
Is God mad at you because you suffer from it?
Let me answer that question for you:
NO WAY!!!

At Heartfelt Counseling Ministries we are all about fighting the stigma of mental illness.  Robyn and I have done numerous blogs on the subject.  Another way we deal with stigma is in our CAMI support group at our church. Please watch the sixty second video below which features the nephew of Glen Close. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn6yw2KUIwc
We are deeply burdened for people with mental illness. We advocate for people who are afflicted with these diseases through seminars, education and counseling. Another way we have defended the sick is bhttp://www.heartfeltmin.org/how-can-i-get-involved.htmly being honest about our own family struggles. We chronicle our journey in our book, called Broken Minds.

                                                          Recommended by a reader:

 "This is a candid and spirit affirming story of a family's personal struggle, not only with mental illness, but also in finding where they fit into the body of Christ and His ministry. Considering that 10% of the world's adult population suffer from some form of mental illness, this book could well be required reading for pastors, elders, and Christian counselors or for anyone who is called to minister with understanding and unbiased care. The book is solidly based on a scriptural foundation with ample clinical information to appeal to the lay person or anyone in a counseling capacity. Informative, honest and helpful, this work shatters the old stigmas and perceptions of mental illness and depression. It is well written with enough heart and hope to balance the seriousness of the subject. Interesting reading." (Sandra Thayer Author's Choice Reviews 2005-12-01)   It was nominated the Best Non-fiction in 2005  and continues to sell. It does not follow  mental health  fads but rather has staying power based on Scripture, personal testimony, and biology of the brain.


How can you get a copy? In the U.S. we will send you a signed copy for 15.00 including S & H.Please go to http://www.heartfeltmin.org/how-can-i-get-involved.html an d scroll down to donations. You can also send a check payable to Heartfelt Counseling Ministries.
  
Let us know if you need counseling, if you would like us to come to your town and do one of our seminars or if there is any other way we can help.

When we say we are passionate about people who struggle with mental illness, we are and we work in this ministry to make a difference in our world as we intersect with yours! God bless! See the place for our support group in Boca Raton, Florida.
http://heartfeltmin.org/what-we-do.htm http://heartfeltmin.org/what-we-do.htm

Steve and Robyn