Tori Beck, the creator of the Christian Advocate, hangs out with us this week on the “Dear God, I’m Sad” Podcast! Tori is a writer, content creator, and advocate. She holds a bachelor's in psychology and a master's in counseling and currently works for social services in mental health. After struggling with anxiety and OCD in a religious context, she has become passionate about mental health advocacy in the Christian space. This passion is one of the factors that led to her creating The Christian Advocate on Instagram. In this place, she strives to have conversations about how we can be better followers of Jesus while also recovering from harm that is too often experienced in church. In this first part of our conversation, Tori and I talk about her journey with her mental health, her deconstruction process, and an open letter she wrote to all who told her that she was going to Hell. This episode is for those of you who have ever experienced deconstructing your faith and have felt the isolation and alienation that comes with it, been told that you were going to Hell and are not sure how to come back from that, and if you need an advocate.   Favorite Question of the Week: What was your experience with your Christian community when you were first deconstructing and how did you feel or what did you think when you received threats that you were going to Hell? What do you experience when you receive these threats now?  Intro Topic: Habits we've picked up in times of crisis or trauma that no longer serve us. Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal ideation/suicide  Tori’s Instagram (The Christian Advocate): https://www.instagram.com/thechristianadvocate/ Tori’s Website: https://thechristianadvocate.blogspot.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

I have the honor of having the intelligent and kind Jenni Johnson join me this week on the “Dear God, I’m Sad” podcast. Jenni is a writer, content creator, and podcast host of “Cageless”. “Cageless” is a self-discovery podcast about experiential wisdom, culture, and personal hope. After stumbling into a platform of over 70k followers on TikTok, Jenni found herself wanting to create a specific space to share, explore, and research tools to educate and liberate us all. In this episode, Jenni and I talk about her decision to go and eventually leave seminary, her experiences with depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder, and what it means to be truly free. We touch on what it means to be a Christian who suffers from mental illness but who also experiences freedom and how our identity as a Christian can be freeing in and of itself. This is a good one, you don’t want to miss it. Favorite Question of the Week: Mental illnesses and mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders, don’t necessarily ever leave us in totality. There’s always the potential of experiencing another depressive episode or anxiety attack or a relapse in recovery. So, how do you experience freedom from these things while still, to an extent, suffering from them? Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorder, Self-Harm, Addiction  Jenni’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejennijohnson Jenni’s Instagram:  http://instagram.com/jennijohnson  Jenni’s Website: http://thejennijohnson.com/ Jenni’s email: jennijohnsonproductions@gmail.com Jenni’s Cageless Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cageless/id1636005306  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

The first (kinda) solo episode of the season is here! In this episode, I start out in the intro giving you a small life update and then we move into listening to a sermon I recently preached on fear. In this sermon, I talk about how we get through moments in our lives when stability and certainty keep us from moving forward into the life that God has for us, how we fight through our fears, how we discern earthly fear from Holy Fear, and how we get to the Promised Good that God has for each of us. In the end, I get you to ask yourself one of the most important questions you'll ever ask yourself in regard to your faith: "Am I brave enough to believe in something better?" Let's find out together. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

This week, I hung out with the writer and editor of Anxious Faith, Maddy Scholefield. Anxious Faith is a production of Our Daily Bread Ministries, a ministry that helps millions of people connect with God each day, and was born out of the need to address the growing mental health crisis in Australia. Maddy and I talk about her experiences with depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and life in the church. I chose to name this episode "Dear God, I want to Live" because Maddy’s story is all about her actively and consistently choosing to live into the big and beautiful life that God has given her despite the suffering, pain, and thoughts that made her think that maybe life wasn’t worth living. Listen to our conversation to find encouragement when you're at your lowest, hear firsthand experiences of those who suffer from mental health challenges, and gain reassurance that choosing life is always the right choice. Favorite Question of the Week: What do you understand about God now that you didn't understand before the onset of your mental health challenges? Intro Topic: Boundaries and how best to move forward in relationships regarding mental health challenges and, specifically, self-harm.   Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Suicide, depression, anxiety, and self-harming.  Maddy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddygracehope/ Anxious Faith’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/anxious_faith/Maddy’s website: https://www.maddygracehope.com/ Anxious Faith’s Website: https://www.anxiousfaith.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

Sarah I. Fox joins me this week on the “Dear God, I’m Sad” podcast to talk about her experience living with Bipolar Disorder and hope. Sarah is an alumna of The King’s College with a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics with a Pre-Law minor. Sarah currently works as a Case Manager/Transformational Coach at St. Nicks Alliance. She is also the host of the Rough Edges Podcast where she shares educational tools about mental health, anecdotes from her healing journey, and the intersection between faith and mental illness. In this episode, you’ll hear what’s worth putting our hope into and what we hope for as mental illness sufferers, and what it looks like to hope through psychosis, hospitalization, diagnosis, isolation, stigmatization, and alienation. Favorite Question of the Week: If you could go back in time to the moment you woke up in the hospital after experiencing your psychosis, what would you tell your past self Intro Topic: Contentment and life satisfaction. Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Bipolar Disorder, DepressionRough Edges Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rough.edges.podcast/ Rough Edges Website: http://www.roughedgespodcast.com/ My feature on Rough Edges Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/roughedgespodcast/episodes/Dear-God--Im-Sad-and-Loved-feat--Gabby-Wilkinson-e1vipro   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

Welcome back to “Dear God, I’m Sad”! To kick off season two, I sit down with Daniel Whitehead who serves as the CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, a non-profit that exists to equip the Church to support mental health and well-being. He is a Regent College graduate and ordained minister with over ten years of full-time vocational church ministry experience in the UK. In this conversation we talk about the work done at Sanctuary, Daniel’s experiences as both a pastor and a CEO, and our understanding of God’s relationship to our mental health.  Favorite Question of the Week: How has being the CEO of Sanctuary impacted how much you disclose your mental health challenges to others? Are you more inclined to share your challenges or to repress them to make space for those you serve? Content Warning/Trigger Warning:  Suicide, Bipolar Disorder  Sanctuary’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanctuarymentalhealth/ Sanctuary’s Website: https://sanctuarymentalhealth.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

Welcome to Season 2 of the "Dear God, I'm Sad" Podcast! Are you ready? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

Reid Bervik has an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a writer, creator, and speaker. In this season finale, I ask Reid about his experiences in deconstructing his faith from his white evangelical background and the trials, tribulations, and triumphs within his story. Listen to hear from a first-hand perspective on the impact deconstructing has on your mental health (the freedom found as well as the difficulty through), how to best come alongside those deconstructing (be a friend!), and how to best take care of yourself through your deconstruction. Stick around after our conversation to hear me give a departing word for season 1 and don’t forget to follow the DGIS Instagram to stay up to date on season 2 and all things “Dear God, I’m Sad”! Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Depression, suicidal ideation/suicide, ADHD, abuseReid’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidibervik/?hl=en Reid’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reidbervik Reid’s Website: https://www.reidbervik.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

Michael McCord is the executive director of the Georgia United Methodist Commission on Higher Education and Collegiate Ministry (UM Commission), which oversees and underpins the higher education ministries of the North and South Georgia Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church, providing support, funding, administration, and long-term vision casting for the campus ministries and United Methodist schools in the state of Georgia. Michael is also the founder and former director of the Wesley Foundation in Macon from 2001-2010, ordained elder in the South GA conference, and podcast co-host of Not Alone. Michael and I talk about all things collegiate ministry and mental health, the future of the church and its role in coming alongside those who suffer and endure trauma, and the importance of vulnerability. Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Depression, suicide, social anxiety, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar disorder, anxiety, sexual assault, abuseMichael’s Profile at the UM Commission: https://umcommission.org/our-team/ The Not Alone Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-alone-conversations-on-faith-and-wellbeing/id1512010391 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

I sit down with Dr. Marcia Webb to talk about her book Toward a Theology of Psychological Disorder. Dr. Webb is a clinical psychologist who completed both an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. She has conducted psychotherapy for approximately 20 years and is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at Seattle Pacific University. As a professor, she studies the integration of psychology and theology and is published in multiple scientific journals. Her Toward a Theology of Psychological Disorder touches on how Christians in the 21st century understand psychological disorders, what Scripture teaches us about these conditions, and how to move forward by offering a combination of theological and psychological insights. Listen as we not only discuss these topics, but also topics such as demon possession, the Passible God, power in weakness, and so much more!Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Depression and Schizophrenia Dr. Webb’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Toward-Theology-Psychological-Disorder-Marcia-ebook/dp/B075V17VTD?ref_=ast_sto_dp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

This week, I chat with Dr. Monica A. Coleman, the John and Patricia Cochran Scholar for Inclusive Excellence and Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Delaware, author or editor of six books, ordained AME minister, and contributor to the field of womanist theology and other theological landscapes.  I speak to Dr. Coleman about her award-winning memoir Bipolar Faith: a Black Woman’s Journey with Depression and Faith which depicts Dr. Coleman’s journey as a black woman through her life suffering from bipolar disorder along with grief, abuse, sexual assault, and much more. Through this suffering, however, she also experiences a deeply complex and intricately beautiful relationship with the Process God. Listen to this episode to learn what it looks like to walk through life as a black woman with Bipolar Disorder, as a minister and seminarian who lost their faith, and as a child of God searching for a God who cries and hurts alongside her. Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Depression, Bipolar disorder, Suicide, domestic violence and abuse, sexual trauma, sexual assault, self-harm  Dr. Coleman's Instagram: @revdrmonica Dr. Coleman's Website: Monicaacoleman.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

Happy New Year! To kick off 2023, I'm giving you a mini-episode consisting of a message I preached back in November 2019. In this message, I speak candidly about my struggle with my addiction to self-harm, the lies I believed about myself, my faith, and my God (the "3 Big Lies"), and the truths I found to combat the lies (the "3 Big Truths").  I intentionally crafted and wrote this message so that it was applicable to everyone, giving my listeners time in the message to process their own 3 Big Lies and 3 Big Truths. Therefore, even if you don't struggle with addiction or self-harm, this message is for YOU. So, give this mini episode a quick listen, DM me your thoughts, and rate the show!Happy New Year, I'm so glad you're here. Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Depression, Self-Harm, Eating-Disorder, AnxietyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

I hang out with author and minister Rev. David Finnegan-Hosey to talk about his book, Christ on the Psych Ward. Christ on the Psych Ward walks its readers through David's multiple hospitalizations, journey with Bipolar Disorder, and discovery of Christ and the Vulnerable God on the psych ward with him. In this conversation, we discuss David's story, his theology around Divine presence (and felt absence) in unlikely places, and his moving forward living with both the devastating realities of mental illness and the loving truth of God. Thought-provoking, compelling, and heart-breaking, David's story is the story of a man who finds and holds onto God in the midst of tragedy and devastation and who finds hope, truth, and victory through it all. Content Warning/Trigger Warning:  Bipolar Disorder, suicide, self-harm, addiction Guest Instagram: David's InstagramGuest Website: David's Website Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

In the 2nd part of my and Dr. Jessica Coblentz's conversation on Depression, we dive into the parallels between the experience of Depression and the experience of the Hagaric wilderness, the significance of meaning-making and the lack thereof, and moving through life as a Christian depression sufferer. After the conversation, I kick off a new segment where she will be answering submitted questions and reacting to submitted stories from the "Dear God, I'm Sad" community! Today's question is "What is God in a world where [God] created me to self-harm, want death, fear my own mind because of chemicals?" Be sure to submit your questions or stories at gabriellemwilkinson.com to hear your submission in future episodes!TW/CW: Depression, Sexual Trauma, Suicide, Self-Harm Dr. Coblentz’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcoblentz/Dr. Coblentz’s book: https://litpress.org/Products/8502/Dust-in-the-Blood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

In this first part of my conversation with Dr. Jessica Coblentz, assistant professor in the Department of Religious Studies and Theology at Saint Mary’s College and author of Dust in the Blood: a Theology of Life with Depression, Dr. Coblentz speaks about her experience with severe depression, the concept of depression as a “unhomelikeness” and wilderness, and popular Christian theological maps of depression.  Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Suicide Dr. Coblentz’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcoblentz/Dr. Coblentz’s book: https://litpress.org/Products/8502/Dust-in-the-Blood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

In this mini, solo episode, I read a poem I wrote while in college that ended up winning an award called "Your Apologetic Wife" (Linked here). From this poem, I enter into a theological discussion regarding the realities of those who suffer from mental illness or mental health challenges and offer a trinitarian response to these realities. Listen to understand feeling like a burden and having an uncomfortable existence, the significance of believing in God the Creator, Jesus the Friend, and Holy Spirit the Home, and the meaning of the Algorithm of Love.Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Self-harm, Eating Disorder, OCD, Intrusive thoughts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

I am hanging out this week with THE Dr. Josh Packard, the Executive Director of Springtide Research Institute and accomplished researcher and speaker on young people in America, specializing in their spirituality and their relationship with religious groups and faith leaders. With over 10 years of teaching experience, Josh has been a guest on numerous radio shows and podcasts and has been an invited speaker at many conferences, events, and workshops. He has been published widely in both academic and popular outlets, including Christianity Today, The Aspen Institute, The Huffington Post, Desert News, and Christian Science Monitor, among others, and is the author of numerous books. Josh earned his Ph.D. in sociology from Vanderbilt University and did his undergraduate work in English at Texas Lutheran University.  Dr. Packard and I speak about Gen Z's status as the Loneliest Generation, Gen Z's relationship with institutional religion, and some of Springtide's most fascinating and pertinent findings in their recent Mental Health series! Listen to grow in compassion for and understanding of Gen Z's mental health and the Church's role in it all.Content Warning/Trigger Warning: Depression, Anxiety Springtide's InstagramSpringtide's Website Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

Reverend Lindsay Geist, MDiv, MSW, LCSW, Director of Clergy Wellbeing, providing mental health resource support for North Georgia Conference clergy, joins me on the "Dear God, I'm Sad" Podcast this week! Rev. Lindsay and I talk about the startling statistics regarding clergy's mental health, how to best care for clergy, the power of presence, how the future of the church ties into clergy's well-being, and much more regarding Clergy, mental illness, and the Church. TW/CW: Depression and anxiety. Rev. Lindsay's InstagramRev. Lindsay's ProfileInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

In the second part of the Meet Your Host episode, I talk through her journey to creating "Dear God, I'm Sad," answer the infamous "What's something you feel strongly about that other people are either indifferent about or feel opposite of the way you feel about it" question, and indulge in a rapid-fire question segment with her sister. In contrast to Part 1 where you learned about the depths and darkest points in my mental health and mental illness journey, in Part 2 you'll get to know my personality better and get a glimpse of who I am outside of ministry, mental illness, and academic and vocational endeavors. Enjoy and thanks for being here!TW: Self-harmInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217

In the first part of this two-part episode,  my sister, Danielle, and I have a conversation about my past with my mental illness, my relationship with Christianity and the Church during the worst of my mental health, and the way my mental illnesses impacted my relationship with myself, my loved ones, and God. Listen as I touch on things I haven't thought about for years and hadn't told anyone before with blunt honesty and vulnerability. CW/TW: Depression, self-harm, suicide, addiction, OCD, obsessive thinking, magical thinking, eating disorder, disordered eating, personality disorder, anxiety Danielle's InstagramInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/deargod_imsad/ Merch: https://dear-god-im-sad.square.site/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gabswilks_ Podcast: https://deargodimsad.buzzsprout.com Gabby’s Website: gabriellemwilkinson.com Email: deargodimsad@gmail.com Not Always Okay (Coupon Code DGIS15): https://notalwaysokay.company/gabby-wilkinson We The Believers (Coupon Code DGIS20): https://wethebelieversclothing.com/?ref=J06XSUFI Elevated Faith (Coupon Code GWilkinson15): https://elevatedfaith.com/?aff=42217