Mental Health

Psalm 139:14: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

Body image is the perception of, beliefs about, and attitudes toward one’s body. Many people struggle with their body image largely because of comparisons made between themselves and an ideal standard that may not be based in reality. The perception of one’s physical body is impacted by a variety of factors including self-worth, emotions, the culture’s standard of beauty, and friends and family. Inaccurate body image perceptions negatively impact physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. Appropriate attention to body image issues is important because of the impact it has on these areas of life. A fundamental component in the battle against negative body image issues is a shift to focusing on who we are in Christ rather than on how we look.

Presentations

In His Image Written from an explicitly Christian perspective.

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Details: Category: Mental Health

Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Eating disorders are a group of complicated problems, seen most frequently in women, which pose a serious threat to an individual’s health. Disordered eating habits thrive in a society where a woman’s value is closely equated with thinness. Eating Disorders impact the affected person’s physical body, thinking, emotions, relationships, and spirituality. The three main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa

Intense fear of gaining weight, even though underweight
Distorted body image
Weight loss below the minimal level for age and height (less than 85% of that expected)
In females, the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles due to weight loss
Severely restricts the intake of food or engages in periods of overeating followed by behaviors designed to undo the effects of food intake (ex. compulsive exercise)

Bulimia Nervosa

Episodes of overeating (i.e., binging) combined with a sense of lack of control
Repeated behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain (i.e., purging by self-induced vomiting, using laxatives, or excessive exercise)
Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight
These individuals often maintain an average or above-average weight

Binge Eating Disorder

Binging and compulsive overeating without purging or compensating behavior
May eat more rapidly than normal
May eat without regard to physical feelings of hunger or until feeling uncomfortably full
A sense of lack of control during the over-eating episode
Experiences distress and concern regarding the overeating and weight issues
These individuals often maintain an average or above-average weight

A large percentage of people do not develop a full-scale eating disorder but rather struggle with disordered eating symptoms and body image related issues. Emotional eating, compulsive over-eating, and chronic dieting are a few examples of related problems. See also Self-Worth.

Documents for Download

Emotional & Physical Danger Signs for Acting Out Written from an explicitly Christian perspective.

This document lists emotional and physical states that you may feel when you get the urge to act on unhealthy, sinful, and/or addictive impulses (e.g., desire to drink, binge or purge, allowing impure sexual fantasy to run, etc.). By becoming aware of these triggers, you can begin to use healthy, Christ-honoring coping skills to deal with them more effectively.

Eating-Related Struggles
Eating-related struggles, including sub-clinical eating disorders and emotional eating, are discussed in this set of PowerPoint handouts developed by ACCFS. Guidelines are given for how to manage these types of struggles.

Presentations

In His Image Written from an explicitly Christian perspective.

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Women's Seminar Written from an explicitly Christian perspective.

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Details: Category: Mental Health

Cutting

As the name suggests, "cutting" involves cutting, scratching, piercing, etc. the skin to the point of bleeding. Individuals who cut themselves often feel intense shame about it. It is often done repetitively; at times, to the point where some people describe the urge to cut as “addictive.” Most frequently individuals cut parts of the body that are not typically exposed. It is important to understand that the vast majority of people who “cut” are notsuicidal. Rather, they use it as a coping skill to relieve the intense emotional pressure/pain they are feeling. The relief occurs because these individuals feel a surge of adrenaline after they cut which numbs their emotional pain and shifts their focus elsewhere. While often done as a solitary activity when under stress, cutting also occurs in groups (particularly among adolescent/young adult women).

Helpful Links

Cutting
This helpful article provides information about what cutting is, what factors might lead someone to cut, and steps to take to get help. This article is good for both people struggling with cutting and those who want to help them.

Resisting the Urge to Cut
This helpful article provides practical suggestions for how to resist the urge to cut or self-harm. While helpful to friends and family members concerned for a loved one who cuts, this article is particularly helpful for people struggling with the urge to cut themselves.

How Can I Help a Friend Who Cuts?
This article provides instruction and guidance related to helping a friend who cuts. It can help you to better understand your friend or family member and give you suggestions about how to best support them.

Suicide Prevention

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
This hotline is for people experiencing a crisis who need to talk to someone. It is staffed by professional counselors 24/7/365. If you need help for yourself, a friend, or family member, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) right away.

The "Choking Game," "Passout Game," Etc.

In this high risk activity, an individual purposely cuts off the oxygen supply to his/her brain for a period of time. When done in groups, individuals do this to each other. Temporarily cutting off oxygen from the brain and then allowing blood to rush back to the brain creates a “rush” or “high” feeling. The majority of individuals who participate do not realize the seriousness of the activity and are naively involved because of the “fun” it provides or because of peer pressure. Unfortunately, those involved in this activity face great risk for brain damage, stroke, seizures, and even death. Risk of accidental strangulation is particularly high for individuals doing this activity alone while using ropes, cords, belts, etc. to induce the experience.

Helpful Links

The Choking Game Resource intended for family members or loved ones.
This website provides information and helpful links for concerned adults and teens to help raise awareness of the dangers of the "Choking Game," "Passout Game," etc.

Suicide Prevention

Details: Category: Mental Health

Presentations

Anxiety Disorders Written from an explicitly Christian perspective.

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Dealing with Stress, Worry, and Anxiety Written from an explicitly Christian perspective.

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Details: Category: Mental Health

Presentations

Documents for Download

Presentations

Cutting

The "Choking Game," "Passout Game," Etc.

Presentations

Subcategories

Child and Teen Mental Health

Anxiety Disorders

Abuse and Trauma

Depression and Mood Disorders