Category: Mental Health
Episode 20: Mental Health & Faith – A Conversation with Catholic Therapist Tommy Tighe

Episode 20: Mental Health & Faith – A Conversation with Catholic Therapist Tommy Tighe

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Meet Tommy! In this episode, Jacque and Megan talk with Tommy Tighe, host of Saint Dymphna’s Playbook, a podcast about finding mental well-being as a Catholic with the help of community and the saints. Tommy is a marriage and family therapist, husband, and father. In each episode Tommy addresses different mental health issues, introduces listeners to a saint who is relevant to mental health and wellness, and responds to questions from Twitter followers. He talks about topics such as fasting and eating disorders, scrupulosity, and vocations and mental illness. 

This episode discusses misconceptions about mental illness, especially in church communities, practical advice for people who are struggling, and answers questions such as whether a Christian should seek out a Christian therapist. 

Resources:

Follow Tommy on Twitter

Tommy’s Podcast: St. Dymphna’s Playbook

Books written by Tommy

History of St. Dymphna

Mental Health Work in Geel, Belgium

 

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Episode 19: Redemption in a Broken Engagement

Episode 19: Redemption in a Broken Engagement

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Meet Michaela! We are thrilled to have Michaela come on and talk about her experience with a broken engagement and God’s healing in her life. Michaela describes her story as, “the most unexpected and unimaginable blessing in my life” and hopes that the truth of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection may be seen in the midst of it.

Resources:

Follow Michaela on Instagram

Read Michaela’s story HERE

Check out Michaela’s work: thrifted & threaded, Litany NYC

Podcast mentioned: The Place We Find Ourselves

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Episode 18: Dealing with Rejection

Episode 18: Dealing with Rejection

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We’ve all experienced rejection, and more than likely there are a few particular rejections in your life that sting longer than others. Whether it is a job we really wanted, a relationship we loved, or a family member we wanted in our life, the pain of rejection hits deeply. Why does rejection hurt so much? What are practical and spiritual steps we can take towards healing? In this episode, Jacque and Megan reflect on the effects of rejection and how to deal with it.

Resources:

Source on MRI Studies

Psalm 139

Lyrics to “The Never Haves” by artist Foreknown

Life of the Beloved by Henri Nowen

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Episode 13: I’m 24 and I’ve Never Had a Boyfriend – Reflections on Singleness

Episode 13: I’m 24 and I’ve Never Had a Boyfriend – Reflections on Singleness

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There is this idea embedded in our culture, and specifically our Christian culture, that something is wrong with you if you aren’t dating, in a relationship, or being pursued by guys. Most women have a deep desire to be united to another. In this episode, Jacque and Megan both reflect on the struggles (and the beauty) of singleness. 

Resources:

“My Sisters the Saints” by Colleen Carol Campbell

ARRR

 

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Episode 12: Becoming One – Reflections on Marriage

Episode 12: Becoming One – Reflections on Marriage

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Everyone says the first year of marriage is the “hardest”, but is that true? What is that first year like? What is some practical advice for young couples preparing for marriage? In this episode, Megan reflects on her first year and what she has personally learned through the experience.

Some GREAT books recommendations from Megan on marriage:

The Meaning of Marriage by Tim and Kathy Keller

The Marriage Builder by Dr. Larry Crabb

Tying the Knot by Rob Green

 

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Episode 11: Is Sex Work Empowering?

Episode 11: Is Sex Work Empowering?

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Meet Rachel! In this episode, Jacque and Megan discuss Rachel’s perspective on the effects of sex work. Rachel graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Ministry to Victims of Sexual Exploitation and has worked in several organizations serving women leaving this lifestyle. Jacque also discusses her experience working for an organization which served men in survival prostitution.

Some of the issues covered in this episode:

  1. What is the definition of sex work?
  2. Is sex work connected to trafficking/abuse/rape? 
  3. Is sex work “real work” in the sense that it should be considered a job?
  4. Does sex work encourage men to view women as commodities?
  5. What are some dangers of glorifying sex work?
  6. What is the definition of exploitation? In what ways does sex work exploit women?
  7. Why do people enter this lifestyle?

Sources:

WHO Definition of Sexual Exploitation

 

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Episode 8: Battling Depression and Anxiety – A Story of Healing & Perseverance

Episode 8: Battling Depression and Anxiety – A Story of Healing & Perseverance

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In this episode, Jacque discusses her life-long battle with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. She discusses her experience with therapy and medication and the healing she has undergone.

Warning: This episode discusses suicide and suicide ideations.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

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Episode 7: My Journey with Anxiety

Episode 7: My Journey with Anxiety

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Everyone’s experience with anxiety is different, but in this episode, Megan details how anxiety has affected her throughout her life. Although she still struggles, Megan outlines areas in her life where she has seen healing, how mental illness has affected her spiritual life, and her feelings towards medication. Your story may be different, but we hope you are encouraged in knowing that you are not alone.

Warning: This episode discusses mental illness, specifically anxiety disorders, suicidal ideation, and vague mentions of self-harm. 

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

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Episode 4: Living with an Eating Disorder

Episode 4: Living with an Eating Disorder

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Eating disorders and disordered eating run rampant in our society today. In this episode, Jacque discusses her own struggles with an eating disorder and how she found healing, both physically and spiritually.

Warning: This episode discusses disordered eating, body image issues, and eating disorders.

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Episode 2: Anxiety – Stigma and Struggles

Episode 2: Anxiety – Stigma and Struggles

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What is anxiety? Should you take medication? Can Christians struggle with anxiety? In this episode, Jacque and Megan dive into these questions and more while discussing their personal struggles with anxiety and the stigmas they have faced.

BOOK MENTIONED: I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux by Jean C. J. d’Elbée
Buy it here

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