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Welcome to Woman2Woman, a unique podcast where women come together to bridge the divides of age and our experiences allowing women to grow in unison and learn from the diverse wisdom each stage of life brings.
Engage in real talk, and expect real answers. Dive deep into conversations that are not only informative and inspirational but also introspective. Whether it's the challenges young women face today, the insights of our elder women, or the collective experiences that bind us together, Woman2Woman covers it all.
Drawing strength from scripture, our discussions also offer Bible-based solutions to modern-day problems, grounding our perspectives in timeless truths. Whether you're a young adult navigating the complexities of the modern world, a middle-aged woman seeking clarity, or an elder wishing to share and imbibe knowledge, Woman2Woman is your space. Join us and be a part of a community where women uplift each other across the ages.
Angela: [00:00:00] [00:00:15] [00:00:30] [00:00:45] [00:01:00] Hello, welcome to Woman To Woman. I'm Angela Smith, your host, and joining me remotely is [00:01:15] my lovely daughter and co-host, Lauren Smith. Kenyon. Hi made dear.
Lauren: Hello.
Angela: How are you doing today?
I.
Lauren: Wonderful. How are you?
Angela: am awesome. I'm awesome. You know, I'm so excited about this opportunity on today's podcast that [00:01:30] actually you in inspired during one of our small group sessions and many of our listeners may be aware of that.
June was Men's Mental Health Month. And so you enlightened us during the small group about [00:01:45] so much information that was so powerful that I felt. We just couldn't miss the opportunity so thank you. For inspiring this podcast and we thank all of those in the listening audience for taking time to, to listen.
[00:02:00] We are kind of veering a little off the beaten path with woman to woman. As you know, if you listen to our intro, you followed other podcasts, you know that primarily the vision behind woman to woman is to be able to bridge the gap between the [00:02:15] generations and dealing with pertinent information that's relevant to today.
Looking at solutions and using biblical principles to do so. So, it, it may seem a little interesting on a Woman's Pod [00:02:30] podcast to be talking about men's issues, but when we think about it. Women are the caregivers for their, you know, their fathers or their spouses, their. Children, siblings, or they may even assist friends with a [00:02:45] journey through through , mental health. And so for that reason, I believe it's very pertinent that we have , this discussion today to, hopefully provide greater enlightenment for those that may be experiencing some of the symptoms. [00:03:00] And also give some helpful hints to to women that may be caring for men in this capacity. We wanna start off when we just think about mental health and mental health awareness in general.
Probably next to politics and [00:03:15] religion. , it's right up there , as far as a topic that would cause an uneasiness and something that, you know, people typically would not want to engage in it. It tends to make people uncomfortable. And so hopefully after we, we talk today that we will be [00:03:30] able to increase not only the awareness, but also, bring to the forefront the. Necessity for having these candid conversations and being more at ease in, in doing so. So, [00:03:45] Lauren, anything that you want to open up with that you can think about as to why this is a matter that is near and dear to, to your heart
Lauren: yes. It has been laid on my heart because I just feel like it's not something that is well talked about. In society we [00:04:00] often talk about, you know, women's mental health issues and physical health issues, but we don't really. Touch on like men's mental health as much. So when I was aware that June is Men's Mental Health Month, I was like, what, you [00:04:15] know, greater, you know, time to talk about men's mental health and during men's mental health month.
So, I decided to do some research and just, um. Learn about men's mental health and like the struggles that men go through, what [00:04:30] statistics say on men's mental health and suicide and things like that. And I just wanted to bring awareness to women and men about this and to definitely just. Use this opportunity to uplift men, to let them know that although we live in a [00:04:45] society where we cater to like women's mental health, that your mental health is just as important.
So that's why it was laid on my heart to talk about this.
Angela: And there are some very alarming statistics that I [00:05:00] think we want to open up with. When you think about. Kind of the mark , of men's mental health and some of the statistics as you mentioned. I think because there has been , a focus on mental health more with women and [00:05:15] you know, with women primarily because it, mental illness tends to be more prevalent in women.
But we will find out that men suffering from mental illnesses are less likely to receive, you know, mental health treatment. Now, some of these [00:05:30] statistics that I found that I set was so alarming is that about one in, one in eight, one in eight men report symptoms of mental health problems compared to one in five women.
And about almost [00:05:45] 20% or fifth of the men that have been diagnosed with a specific mental health issue. But that means that there's still many men who suffer with conditions that have not been diagnosed. Another interesting fact that I [00:06:00] saw was that about 35.2% of men believe that they have had a diagnosable mental health condition at at some point in.
Their life. So we see here, if you [00:06:15] have like 35, over 35% of men that believe that they've had a diagnosable mental health illness, but only about 19 and a half percent have actually, you know, been di diagnosed. Not to mention the fact [00:06:30] that when you start looking at specific mental health, issues. We can see also a disparity in some of the numbers. And for instance, did you did you find any particular disorders [00:06:45] or issues that were, you know, more, more prevalent or there was kind of a divide in, in your research or some things that concerned you in that regard about the facts about men's mental health?
Lauren: I found that over 6 million [00:07:00] men in the US they do are, they do suffer from depression each year, but less than half of those men seek out treatment, which is very alarming.
Angela: E Exactly. So that means there are 3 million, 3 million men that are affected [00:07:15] by depression that have not have not sought, treatment. And then so that leads to an another alarming statistic. You know, with depression, you know, there tends to be suicide and depression go hand in hand.
And we see [00:07:30] that although women may attempt a suicide at a greater rate than men says, men will die by suicide, by a rape. Four times, four times higher than women. And one of the reasons for that is the methods [00:07:45] typically that they use such as firearms and things like that, that tend to allow greater success when it comes , to suicide.
Speaking of suicide, there was a study many years back that said in the developed world that [00:08:00] unfortunately America leads some of those numbers as far as in a study of people that have this, you know, suicidal ideation.
When you look at that among 17 countries, America unfortunately was in the lead. In that regard. [00:08:15] And so when we think about you know, being the leader with America being such a wonderful country and a country of opportunities, it's unfortunate that in this regard, that in the developed world and in a country such as America that there are so many [00:08:30] suicide attempts that have been noted.
And so the other thing with men and some of the, their mental health con conditions yes, depression and suicide will, will lead those things. Also, there's the matter of substance abuse, and [00:08:45] we see that men or two to three times more likely to misuse drugs than women and are more likely to.
You know, become dependent on alcohol. So while we have the, you know, depression, suicide, substance abuse as some, you know, [00:09:00] primary areas of struggles for men with their mental health, we know that there's still other other conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder schizophrenia A DHD, that type of thing.
And even, I think people would be surprised. There are [00:09:15] problems in men with eating disorders. Again, it is another mental health condition that is more often attributed to attributed to women. And women tend to get to get those, or have those display those symptoms, more [00:09:30] manifestations.
So, what did you find, Lorna, what do you think perhaps are some of the biggest issues now that we've kind of identified this problem with men's mental health and kind of the, you know, the stigma and how it's not talked about enough? How men don't seek [00:09:45] treatment. And we're gonna talk a little bit more about that, that later.
And. Even though anxiety, stress, depression, you know, may be the top, some of the top offenders where men will report that they have struggles. I thought it was also interesting about [00:10:00] the top three matters that lead to lead to with men's mental health. Did you find any, anything in that regard?
Lauren: Yes, 30, 32% were work-related pressure. 31% was financial [00:10:15] pressures and 23% are health concerns. And even though I would like to add a, another issue that I don't feel like research has found or something that men would maybe even, open up [00:10:30] about, but I think another issue is upbringing, you know, with how they grew up at home as well, like, things they experience with their parents or like, a broken father son relationship. I think that adds [00:10:45] into that too, that maybe a lot of men maybe don't even recognize, to be honest. So even though I didn't see that one in research, I do feel like that is also another area that impacts their mental health is also upbringing as well.[00:11:00]
Angela: Exactly. And you know, I think that even though it wasn't listed in maybe the top three issues that that men face concerning mental illness, I think definitely it is a contributor as far [00:11:15] as one of the reasons why. Why maybe men are reluctant to seek, to seek help because of, you know, the stereotype that still exist.
As I said, you know, one of the things we want to do in Woman to Woman is try [00:11:30] to bridge the gap between, you know, obvious differences that, that come along with the generational divide that we see, you know, through the different generations. But unfortunately, one of the things as far as the. In the culture, in our culture in [00:11:45] America that has really not changed over the generations is the stereotype of the strong male figure.
And and that emotion or showing emotion actually is a sign of. Of, of weakness. [00:12:00] And so that, that's something that we will talk a bit about shortly as far as some of the things that discourage, that can discourage men as well from seeking seeking care. And one of the things in my research when I was looking, in addition to those [00:12:15] three that you had mentioned was also there is seasonal pressure.
There's seasonal pressure around the holidays that, that comes especially, you know, because of the economics that are off often, you know, involved, especially if you have larger [00:12:30] families and the man because of the stereotype, you know, he's trying to provide for his family, for his kids. And so, being concerned about debt or not having the resources to provide for the family during that time is it has been also noted to, to [00:12:45] be a factor or an issue that contributes as an underlying factor to men's men's mental health health issues. So I think now is gonna be a good time for us to to transition.
Let's talk about maybe kind [00:13:00] of the manifestation if you will, with mental health issues. Now granted, there are some things that are not really that dramatically different between men men and women. You know, for instance some of [00:13:15] the things, or manifestation of mental illness or the signs may be something like a persistent sense of worrying or just overwhelmingly feeling sad withdrawing from friends or family.
There may be problems with difficulty in [00:13:30] concentrating or feeling tired and. Fatigued. There may be even manifestations of physical symptoms like shortness of breath or headaches. Now granted, all of those symptoms can definitely, they could be related to something else as, as well.
But these [00:13:45] are often times symptoms that are displayed in both men and women. When it comes to, discovering or seeing the manifestation prior to diagnosis of certain mental health issues. What about some of the signs [00:14:00] Lauren with that maybe are more common in, in men than women?
Did you have anything in particular there?,
Lauren: I feel like what's more common in men than women is men typically. Are more prone to withdraw from friends and family [00:14:15] and to isolate
themselves.
Angela: Yes
Lauren: And then the difficulty of like, concentrating and mood swings, like just being more irritable and angry. While I feel like with women we're more like emotional, so we may [00:14:30] cry more and we may talk more about like our feelings per se.
Angela: Right. And so where there may be more withdrawal, as you, you mentioned, there may be evidence of more substance abuse and or working [00:14:45] obsessively, as I said, because of some of the stress that tends to come from you know, from economic concerns.
Lauren: Themselves busy to keep their mind, to keep their mind
busy. Yeah.
Angela: It also may manifest in reckless, you know, reckless [00:15:00] behavior. You know, taking chances, taking risks, or, you know, sleeping problems. And those are some of the things that tend to manifest more when we look at men and their. In their mental health. As I said, there can be some crossover and, you know, or some overlap [00:15:15] with other conditions.
But it is important to recognize if we start seeing new manifestations of these type of symptoms, it may be in, you know, whether it's in with the men in our sphere of influence, the, those that we love, we will definitely want [00:15:30] to want to be prayerful and take note of that.
So again, let's talk Lauren a little bit about some of the barriers. You hit on one of the barriers about how men are less likely to access. Access [00:15:45] therapies than women. And so many of them will choose to suffer in silence. And not admit that they are struggling.
And some of that is, is because of this the stereotype of in order to, you know, to be strong that's [00:16:00] still that's still very prevalent in our society. Today. In fact I found it interesting that too one of the, in, in polling, you know, men about their mental health concerns and maybe if they had been diagnosed or [00:16:15] they've experienced some of the symptoms and when they are asked perhaps why they have not sought treatment, about 40% of men responded that they have learned to deal with it. So again, I think along with that, you know, the male [00:16:30] stereotype, it's you know, just suck it up and, you know, be a man, you know, man up and just deal with it. And it's unfortunate that you know, the culture, you know, promotes or it, they seem to feel that, that pressure that [00:16:45] they.
They must just, you know, deal with it. Or the other part of that is because of their responsibility. And I think the hardwiring, the way God hardwired men as far as, you know, you know, care caregivers and caring for their families they don't want to be, [00:17:00] they don't wanna be a burden, you know, to, to anyone.
And so that, you know, that is right up there with learning to deal with it about, probably about 36% in that regard. And then we creep into a, another area that where we get into pride, which [00:17:15] can be a problem for all of us. But, you know, we start feeling, you know, embarrassed. As I said, you know, it's not a.
A, a round table discussion that most people say, you know, well, you know, how's your head space today? You know, how are things? How are things going? You know? And for [00:17:30] people to really say, I'm really, you know, I'm ready to give up. I'm just done. People don't really feel comfortable in unfortunately, you know, communicating their heart concerns and I think this was definitely exacerbated during the time.
Of Covid [00:17:45] where people were so is isolated and we were told that people should be, they should be isolated when actually there should be, you know, physical isolation when actually, or social isolation and it caused people to [00:18:00] detach and not have their support structures that they were accustomed to having.
And I don't think we've quite gotten back. To that. I think people, there's still a detachment, there's still a distancing. People have not resumed maybe that comfort level [00:18:15] in, in being able to em embrace or to reach out to others or feel that there's a safe, you know, a safe place to to reach out in that regard. And sometimes whether it's with, you know, mental illness or just life in general, some [00:18:30] people find it easier to just kind of suppress it or almost, you know, everybody else can see the elephant in the room, right? But, you know, sometimes, to kind of ignore it as if, well, if I if I don't if I don't place any [00:18:45] credence or take notice that the elephant is there, maybe the elephant will, will leave the room.
But this is not one of those situations we really need to deal with the elephants in the room when it comes to to mental health because it's a matter of life [00:19:00] life and death and, as I said, I don't think that the isolation that occurred from Covid helped any.
But even we find as far as the statistics show with men who are in care for other health [00:19:15] conditions, say with their general practitioners, about a fourth of those men still don't feel comfortable even, you know, talking about mental health issues even with their medical providers.
And that's really disheartening as well. [00:19:30] And so it almost any day say if someone has high blood pressure. Or diabetes, you know, people are open to say, well, you know, I need to take my insulin, or you know, I need to go pick up my blood pressure medication. [00:19:45] But because of the stigma that's attached, you know, people don't say, well, you know, I've gotta pick up my medicine for my anxiety.
Or I'm even, you know, acknowledging that they're taking, you know, medication for, you know, for an anxiety. And unfortunately, I think [00:20:00] in. In faith-based circles, it's also problematic because of trying to find the balance. Some people believe that if they acknowledge there is you know, a mental health matter, that maybe [00:20:15] they are viewed as not having the faith that you know, that they should have, that they are not, you know, trusting God as they should.
And I just want to say having practiced medicine for over 33 years, that the two can coexist. [00:20:30] That God can use medicine as a mediator for disease. He's sovereign. You know, if he chooses to heal divinely, he can, but he can also choose to use, you know, medical professionals he can use medicine.
And so it's just important. It's important [00:20:45] then that that we be open and not closed off. And. Appear to even be judgemental, if you will in the faith community. Because we definitely want to, we want to change these numbers, as you said, as we started off some [00:21:00] three, there's some 3 million men out there who could benefit from from medical treatment.
Perhaps.
So, let's transition there. To talk about, you know, some help and how then, how do we manage, how do we [00:21:15] manage you know, mental health? And so that's the thing that, that I en enjoyed, as I said, for 33 years in, in practicing medicine and also in being a Bible teacher for over 25 years.
I'm thankful that. We don't just [00:21:30] get to identify problems, but that there are solutions. And so, let's spend some time as we prepare to close to today on this topic. Let's talk about some ways to manage with it. Men can manage their [00:21:45] mental health. So, what did you, find Lauren as far as some helpful strategies that men could use concerning the management of their mental
health.
Lauren: Well, I feel like before [00:22:00] a man can manage or figure out how to manage. His mental health, he has to first recognize that he has to balance his life out better and understand that balance is very an important [00:22:15] factor for anyone. But I think oftentimes men, they get so caught up, oh, I gotta work. I gotta work.
I gotta stay busy. And it's like they forget about the balance piece. So. You have 24 hours in the day, you have to stop for a second and recognize, okay, I need to bring [00:22:30] balance back into my life. I need to spend some time with God. Like one thing said meditation, breathing exercises, using some time. Spiritually to connect with God and to talk with God is really great to calm their mind. So I think giving [00:22:45] God your first of your day, that's a start there. Getting out, being ex doing, being active, doing exercises going for a brisk walk, cutting down on like alcohol, maybe modifying your [00:23:00] diet.
Staying social. I know oftentimes, like it's hard sometimes for men to wanna stay social 'cause they want to isolate and like that goes back to what we were talking about earlier, about one of the reasons why they don't [00:23:15] talk about their mental health. Like one thing said oh, I don't wanna be a burden.
Angela: Right.
Lauren: It's actually, I feel like more burdensome to people who love you and care for you when you're not talking, when you're isolating, when you're distant, it actually puts more strain on the people who actually do care and want to be [00:23:30] there. So, finding some time to stay social, go play basketball with your friends or go see a movie.
I don't know, just, I think finding people that you can trust and staying connected to them is really important.
Angela: Yes.
Lauren: As [00:23:45] well, you have to be able to talk to someone. I mean, I'm not saying you gotta share your business with just anyone, but even if it's just one person just being willing to communicate and stay connected, you know, and being okay with reaching out to that person and saying, [00:24:00] Hey, I'm struggling today.
Can you pray for me? And as a man. That is okay. Like that is an okay thing, and that is a start there to healing and to improving your mental health. It's just being honest sometimes that's okay.
Angela: Yes. You made some very good [00:24:15] points. Let me interject right here. I know one of the things that we had talked about, and this is woman. This is woman to woman, and so we want woman to woman. Let's share, there were some things that were on your heart as well about how we as women, how we can, [00:24:30] things that we can do.
Yes. If we happen to be that person that we are hoping that someone will trust to engage us, what are things that, that we can do to help in that regard to perhaps make make the men in our life feel more comfortable if they are struggling
in [00:24:45] areas with mental health?
Lauren: I will say as women, we can do better with just, listening. I know sometimes it's easy for us to like vent and talk about how stressful our day was and like, you know, all the kids and, you know, work [00:25:00] and da, you know, women, like, it's easy for us to just like vent sometimes and we don't stop for a second to just say, Hey, like, how was work today?
Did anything happen? Anything on your mind? So I think just being a little bit more [00:25:15] selfless and just asking the question of, as something as simple as like, how was your day? How did work go? Is there anything that you want to talk about today? I think that's a start for us as women is just being a [00:25:30] little, like stepping out of ourselves sometimes and our emotions and just maybe tapping into maybe how their day was.
Angela: Exactly. And I think if we're transparent for individuals perhaps that may have personalities like, like ours who who were called, who love to [00:25:45] talk and love people, it can be very painful. It can be painful for us
Lauren: be hard.
Angela: who is, you know, reserved and they're kind of holding on and we're like, you know, spill it.
Spill it. You know, let us help you. Let us help you. It's all right. And so we have to also be respectful [00:26:00] in that timing. Have, having the timing of Esther you know, we can have well intentions, but sometimes the timing, our timing is off. So we have to be willing to, you know, respect, you know, respect.
The timing. And sometimes when we want to engage or have the [00:26:15] discussion, they're not, you know, a person may not be ready. And so I think it's important to give the person the time. And sometimes it's just the presence, you know, it's just having a presence and just, you know, maybe taking their hand or giving a hug and not really saying [00:26:30] anything or trying to force the issue.
I know something's wrong. I know something's wrong. Why don't you just talk to me? Why don't you talk to me? You know, and so kind of get out of ourself and just, sometimes our best way to support can be maybe in the silence, but just in, in our actions in [00:26:45] trying to show
concern
Lauren: I think back to something you've said at church where you were like, if you wanna know how to be a blessing to somebody, don't just assume that how you think you would be a blessing to them is actually gonna be a blessing. Ask them, you know, just ask like, [00:27:00] how can I. How can I be there for you today?
How can I be a blessing to you? What can I do for you? I think even just asking a simple question is really good too. So I was reminded of that when you've said that at church before. It's like, you know, if you wanna be a blessing to somebody, [00:27:15] ask them, you know, what would bless your heart today.
Angela: Because it innately, what we tend to do is that we try to to reach people in the manner that we would like to be reached or touched. And so people have different love languages and different, [00:27:30] strategies may work better for one individual than another, but we, our go-to tends to be how we would want to be addressed if we were going through, but that may not be what really touches the heart of the person that we're dealing with.
And so we have to really be [00:27:45] prayerful to be able to kind of touch their heart, meet them where they are. And you also shared something else that was so important I think when you started off. And the ways that we can help and some of the strategies that men can use. You made a [00:28:00] comment about balance and when you said that I was reminded in scripture in one Peter five it talks about five and eight In the amplified version, it actually says, be sober, well balanced and [00:28:15] self-discipline.
Be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, p prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. So when we are not well balanced, it opens us up. For attacks of the enemy. So it's important for those that [00:28:30] are experiencing that are experiencing the signs of of depression to be well balanced.
It's also important for those that are trying to administer care to be balanced. Balanced as well. Thank you also [00:28:45] for mentioning about the importance of exercising. You know, we're not saying you have to run a marathon sometimes just get moving. And if there are certain health, if there are limitations, if you have health limitations, you know, chair exercises, just, you know.
Just start where you are. You know, just get moving. You know, you [00:29:00] don't have to run marathons, but just get moving moving and doing some practical things. Just, you know, deep breathing, you know, deep breathing and relaxing. What I like to think about too is what I often tell my patients that struggled with, you know, high blood pressure and white [00:29:15] coat syndrome.
I'd say go to your happy place. You know, I, you usually tell your kids too when you were little and you would get upset. Okay, let's go to our happy place. Let's go to our happy place. And that may be different for for everyone, you know, but where there's a place that you visited where it was you felt serene [00:29:30] and you enjoyed being there, you know, go to that place in our minds.
And, you know, because it where the mind goes, our actions will follow. So it is important also, that we make an earnest effort and [00:29:45] choose. We have to be intentional about our thoughts. We can control our thoughts and where our thoughts go and say, you know, thoughts what's pure, what's lovely, what's trustworthy, noble good report.
Those are the thoughts. That's what I'm gonna choose [00:30:00] to think on, to go to that positive place. We do have control of that. Also. I think you mentioned previously as well. It's important cutting down on like alcohol consumption. And unfortunately during times of [00:30:15] of stress many people may turn to substances with alcohol or the control substances.
But one thing about alcohol it actually exacerbates the, you know, the depression. And so that's not something that during those times you want [00:30:30] to, partake up with the alcohol. You want to minimize the alcohol consumption during those times. And as you said, you know, be social, connect with someone, a trusting brand.
And if you are of the belief that, well, there's just. Those people don't [00:30:45] exist. I would say that there may be more people that exist in that regard than you are a aware of. And so we will pray that if there's that erroneous thinking that there are people that are ready and waiting to [00:31:00] assist that you'd be able to identify that.
But sometimes in the midst of our midst of mental health struggles, you know, we can be blinded. To, to seeing the reality. It's like we're unable to see the forest for the trees when we're sitting right in [00:31:15] the, you know, in the middle of the situ of the situation. So definitely reaching out for a trusted friend or if you know your healthcare provider also as you said, you know, seek pastoral counseling comfort through the [00:31:30] word of God.
And so, as I said, not only have I had the experience of treating people from a medical standpoint in dealing with their physical wellbeing, but also in being a Bible teacher. Oh I understand just the power through. God's [00:31:45] word that brings comfort. And I remember even before, before I was trained as a physician assistant I took a course when I was in high school and during our definitions it was health occupations [00:32:00] and we were introduced to the World Health Organization's definition of health.
And that definition basically says that, health is the complete physical, mental, emotional state of [00:32:15] wellbeing. And I like to add to that spiritual, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. And so I, I took that, I. That theory, if you will, with me into my [00:32:30] practice and understood that to be a, the whole person that God created us to be, it's beyond just our physical wellbeing that we clearly have to deal with our emotional wellbeing.
We have to deal with our mental, [00:32:45] our spiritual wellbeing. Oftentimes, I think God allows us to experience physical manifestation 'cause it gets our attention. We are tangible people, but sometimes the root is of a mental nature or emotional or [00:33:00] spiritual. And so I want to definitely close close with that and remind our audience for those that may have identified perhaps some of the symptoms that they may be experiencing that could benefit from [00:33:15] treatment.
Know that, scripture. There is encouragement in the word of God. You know, some of my favorite scriptures, I think about Proverbs three, five and six, that tells us that we can trust in the Lord with all of our heart and lean not to our own, understanding that in all [00:33:30] in all of our ways when we submit to him that he will make our path straight.
Also in Matthew. Matthew 1128 through 30 reminds us of the words of Jesus. It says, come to me all who are weary and burdened, [00:33:45] and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. I am gentle and humble and heart. You will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden. Light.
[00:34:00] So that always reminds me, I know that during times and we all experience situations in our life where maybe it makes us feel heavy, but I love this scripture because it reminds me sometimes when I'm feeling heavy, perhaps I have something on me that is a [00:34:15] yoke that I've taken on, that God is not placed on me because his yoke is easy and his burden is light.
And so as I thought about that I thought about another scripture as well that reminded me, that reminds me of your brother. He [00:34:30] loves, you know, he loves to fish, you know, and one Peter five and seven talks about casting all your cares or casting your anxiety on him being God because he cares for you.
And so I thought about fishing. [00:34:45] Typically when those that enjoy fishing, you fish because you cast your line because you're hoping to catch something, right? And you want to reel that in. But when it comes to our anxieties, it comes to our cares. God wants [00:35:00] us to cast. That's to release.
It's kind of like for the, you may go fishing in some places. They have signs posted. It says catch release. So I want to encourage anyone today who feels that maybe you've caught some anxiety, you've caught [00:35:15] some depression. I. You have been experiencing some struggles that frankly just got on this line of life and you don't know what to do.
I encourage you today that you may have caught it, but you can [00:35:30] release it because God has said that you can cast all your cares on him because he cares for you. So we don't go fishing to bring our cares to us, but we cast them. God because he is able and more than enough [00:35:45] to take care of whatever we may be experiencing.
So, as we close today I just want to, I want to pray for those that may be listening, I want you to be encouraged that there is help available. There is hope if you [00:36:00] recognize some of these symptoms. That we discussed in today's podcast, I want you to know that there is hope, there is help.
And I wanna pray with you right now. Heavenly Father, we just come and we thank you. We thank you that you are God alone. [00:36:15] We thank you that you are sovereign, that you sit high, you look low, and that nothing escapes you and that nothing is too hard for you. Oh God. God, we thank you for those that are listening on right now.
God, some may feel hopeless ready to give up. [00:36:30] But God, I thank you that you will embrace them and saturate them with your love. Let them know how much you love them. Let them know that there's nothing that they have done or thought that can separate them from your love. [00:36:45] God. So, Lord, I thank you that every every erroneous thought be banished.
The name of Jesus Lord, that your truth will prevail because it's your truth that makes us free. And Lord, we thank you [00:37:00] because of the power of your spirit, God, that we can be free in indeed, Lord, that you sent your son that we didn't have to stay in the states that we're in and the status quos and the messes of our life.
But you have afforded [00:37:15] a way for us to have life and life in. In abundance and so, Lord, I thank you right now. That you will restore your joy to those right now, that perhaps feel disheartened because Lord, we know it's the joy of [00:37:30] you Lord, that gives us strength. And so I thank you. I thank you that for those that are listening because of the greater one, I.
Is available to us just for the asking. God, I thank you. I thank you that you will strengthen. I thank you that you will encourage. I thank you that [00:37:45] you will give peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for this opportunity, Lord, to cast every care on you because you care for us, and I bless you and I give you praise in Jesus' name.
Amen. [00:38:00] Amen. So friends, thank you. Thank you for joining us. Joining us to today know that. Know that there is hope, that there is help. If you found that in today's teaching that there are manifestations of some of the [00:38:15] signs of mental health concerns, know that you can reach help at your local DHHS through your general practitioners, through pastoral care even calling 9 1 1 or texting, or calling 9 8 8 for the suicide [00:38:30] and crisis.
Lifeline, thank you again for joining us. We hope that you have been blessed and until next time when we meet again on Woman to Woman.
God bless you.
Lauren: God bless you. Thank you guys.
Angela: Thank, you, [00:38:45] Lauren.
Lauren: thank you,