Blog Category: Mental Health
7 Different Types of Depression
All the various types of depression mostly share symptoms in common like; sadness, low mood & lack of interest in usual activities. However, the symptoms of depression can vary from one person to the next.
Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Of Bipolar Disorder
When we think about Bipolar Disorder we tend to think of it as one type of mental illness when in fact there are a few variations. Bipolar disorders (manic-depressive disorders) are classified as a ‘chronic mental health condition’ characterised by periods of low mood such as depression as well as periods of mania, or extreme…
When To Stop Talking To The Dog & Get Counselling
Taking care of pets can be therapeutic, but in no way should that replace the need to open up to someone about our problems. As a child I felt a great sense of relief after talking to my dog about my woes. He was a great listener. He didn’t answer back, he didn’t judge me,…
The Benefits & Joys Of Spending Time Outdoors
There’s something unique about being outdoors absorbing the sunshine and seeing the beauty of nature that brings our focus back to the more important things in life. While spending too much time indoors can have the opposite effect. Why is spending time outdoors so uplifting? In a blog by Michael Hyatt titled, “Why Going Outdoors…
Assertive, Aggressive & Passive Communication Styles
As individuals we often dress, look, communicate and express ourselves in a variety of different ways. When communicating with one another we might come across to others as assertive but nice, way too nice and trying too hard or just plain aggressive. In what ways are these communication styles different from each other? ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION – Allows…
Fearful Hesitant Responses In Decision Making
Making decisions can be difficult at the best of times, particularly where emotions or fear is involved. Making a decision can result in hesitant responses by answering questions with, “Maybe”, “I’ll look at my calendar” or “I’ll get back to you on that?” Quite often these verbal stop signs are used evasively for avoiding situations…
How To Find Contentment & Happiness As A Wife
Many women struggle to find happiness and contentment in their marriage or in their role as a wife. Some find themselves waiting for a man to change or they wait for circumstances in their lives to change. The truth is that there isn’t perfection to be found in another human being. However, when we shift…
Common Symptoms Of Anxiety & The Bizarre
There are classic psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety that are well known to most of us. However, there are also those rare and bizarre symptoms we don’t often hear about. Below you’ll find those common or classic symptoms affecting others physically and psychologically. Also we take a look at the lesser known manifestations of…
Self-Harm – Why Do They Hurt Themselves?
Self-harm can begin as a means to control feelings of extreme psychological distress or deep emotional pain, and it refers to people who deliberately hurt their bodies by cutting, pinching, burning, biting, picking skin or sores, stabbing, bruising or punching oneself for an immediate sense of relief. These actions are not usually carried out for…
How I Found God To Be A Mother To The Motherless
In ‘ ‘How I Found God To Be A Mother To The Motherless‘ Amy Simpson describes how she lost her mother to schizophrenia when she was only 14 years old and how in the journey to follow, she discovered that God is also a mother to the motherless. When I was 14, I lost my mother.…
Do you Know Someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as with other personality disorders, has long term effects on people’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours affecting all areas of life. NPD is associated with socially destructive behaviours that have a negative impact on relationships and work life. NPD is part of the range of personality disorders with intense and unstable symptoms…
Change Negative Thinking Patterns That Ruin Your Life
Change negative thinking patterns and self talk that can ruin your life. Learn how to change those inner slogans that you repeat to yourself.
4 Keys To Lasting Inner Joy That Comes From God
Most people believe that happiness comes from owning things like a car, a bike and a having the job they’ve always wanted. In which case happiness can also be considered a fleeting moment. Lasting inner Joy on the other hand comes from within. According to the bible real joy is something that nobody can steal…
Developing Resilience For Facing Our Depression Giants
Resilience training can help those with depression by strengthening their ability to deal with adversity. Today we have a holistic understanding of mental health and depression. There’s a combination of medication, psychological therapy, social support, nutrition, exercise and spiritual care to help treat depression. One such treatment is resilience training through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)…
aifc’s 2018 Self Care Retreat
aifc invites you to invest in the physical, vocational, relational and spiritual aspects of selfcare. Read for more details and view the price of admission.
5 Things A Depressed Christian Doesn’t Want To Hear
In 5 things not to say to a depressed Christian Pastor Darryl Eyb puts into words what others going through depression often don’t like to hear and offers practical ways we can offer help to those who have depression. I’ve struggled with depression for several years now. Words that come to mind are disorienting, numb…
Self-Care After Something Tragic Happens In Our Lives.
The shock and pain of a serious emotional upset is undoubtedly quite difficult to deal with that can be described as a ‘psychological trauma’. Grief and bereavement is a normal part of being human to help us process and deal with our heavy loss or trauma. While we are processing our pain it’s important that…
The Positive Effects of Kindness On Our Mental Health
Making others feel good with kindness can be really rewarding by making us feel great about our actions as Christians for doing the right thing. Practicing kindness also has a profound effect our own mental & physiological health, helping us to become happier and compassionate towards others. Being kind to others has been known to…
Fearing Social Rejection & Loss of Leadership Credibility
The fear of facing social rejection or losing leadership credibility within the christian community due to the present stigma and the over spiritualisation of mental illness that is often deemed solely as a spiritual condition, is very real. This raises some concerns for those who might be managing their mental health issues and leadership roles quite…
Scientific Breakthrough Uncovers ‘Cell Disorder’ in PMDD Sufferers
Scientific research recently discovered a link in PMDD to a ‘cell disorder’ revealing how cells process sex hormones in PMDD sufferers.
Student Testimonial – Pastor Geoff McCutcheon
A most blessed year and completion of the Diploma in Christian Counselling. Highlighted by personal growth in Christ and a much greater understanding of interpersonal relationships. Very supportive Tutorial staff and I encourage others to seriously consider enrolling with aifc. God will bless your efforts in order to help others who are mentally challenged. Pastor Geoff McCutcheon.
7 Ways To Free Yourself From Addiction
Addictions are tough to beat, but regardless of our feelings, they can be conquered. If you’ve ever tried changing one single habit like smoking, drinking, overeating or generally bad behaviours, to name a few, you’ll know that it’s not easy. One major key to successfully changing a habit is to keep trying regardless of how…
How To Talk to Your Child About Your Mental Illness
Parents who have a mental illness often wonder if they should talk to their children about it or if they should avoid the subject all together. Some of us are even terrified about discussing it with our kids. However, one important point to consider is that when we don’t explain things to children they begin to…
Photography Keeps Me Focused Outside Of Myself
A hobby such as photography, as Melinda Vanry has found, has helpd to keep the focus outside of herself with huge benefits to her mental health.
