Listen to podcast audio:
Deanne Ward and Kelly Wilkerson join Dr. Mark Mayfield to share their testimonies of loving and caring for a loved one struggling with addiction. With the insight of their own experiences, they offer practical advice to anyone who is supporting and caring for someone in their church, family or community.
Key Points from the Podcast
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Often pastors and church leaders don’t feel like they have anyone to go to when their family is struggling with addiction or mental health.
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Mental health is the next pandemic the world is facing.
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We are all uniquely made by God. Not everyone will navigate family struggles the same way, and that is okay.
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When you are going through struggles, or walking with loved ones through difficulties, it can seem like God isn’t hearing your prayers, like he has rejected you. Nothing could be further from the truth.
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Even amid your anguish and anger, God continues to extend his steadfast love to you.
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It can be challenging to rejoice with others who are seeing victory and breakthrough when you are still walking through your own season of hardship.
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We can and should pray for our struggling loved ones, but they too must cry out to God for help, healing, and freedom.
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No matter how dark your situation may seem, choose to trust God, and lean on his promises.
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If you have a loved one struggling with addiction or mental health issues, know that you didn’t cause it, you can’t control it, and you can’t cure it.
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Don’t agree with the accusations of the enemy against yourself or your loved ones.
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Healthy community is vital to successfully walking through seasons of struggle, pain, and suffering.
Bible Verses Referenced in the Podcast
Lamentations, Psalm 23; Psalm 61:2; Psalm 34:19
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
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MyHopeGlobal.com
*not all of the counselors are Christian
Episodes in this podcast series:
About Dr. Mark Mayfield
Dr. Mayfield is a former pastor, a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a board-certified counselor, and founder and CEO of Mayfield Counseling Centers.
He has more than 14 years of professional counseling experience in clinical, judicial, and faith-based counseling settings across a wide range of patient demographics. Mayfield has professional experience in treating and addressing anxiety, depression, and PTSD, substance abuse, domestic violence, self-injury, and suicide. He is passionate about the integration of faith and mental health.
Dr. Mayfield recently launched his book, titled “HELP! My Teen is Self-Injuring: A Crisis Manual for Parents” which addresses his own suicide survival story, self-injury, and how to help your child who might be going through this. His second book “The Path Out of Loneliness: Finding and Fostering Connection to God, Ourselves, and One Another”, published through NavPress/Tyndale House, released September 2021.
He has been featured in prominent media outlets including Woman’s Day, Hello Giggles, NBC, Reader’s Digest, Byrdie, and more. Dr. Mayfield is on a list of mental health professionals that was invited to the White House in December 2019 and has had periodic calls with the White House to discuss mental health in America.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
About Deanne Ward
Deanne Ward is the director of My Hope Global, which offers tools and solutions for mental health from a faith-based perspective. Her passion is to impact the lives of others for the cause of Christ. She has traveled to more than 50 countries with this purpose. She has worked with various churches, ministries, and non-profits, establishing and cultivating leadership teams.
Deanne has received more than 42 certifications and licenses with behavioral science and counseling focuses. She received her therapist license from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Along with her therapist license, she has received certifications in the following specialties: Crisis Management, Dealing with Difficult Women, Emotional Intelligence, How to Deal with Unacceptable Behavior, Leadership and Management, Life Coaching, Racial Reconciliation, and many more.
Deanne has been a member of the Association of Christian Counselors since 2002. She is also a member of American Counseling Association since 2014, and a member of Colorado Association of Counselors. She served as Operations Director for Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.
She has served on a number of non-profit boards, including Hope for the Heart, June Hunt’s ministry, the Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation, and many others. She has cultivated key partnerships with National Center for Healthy Vets, Remount Foundation, GUMI Camp, Shadow Warrior, and Operation Restore Warriors.
