292 How a Mother Helped Her Child Find Healing from Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Thoughts
Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Release Date: 11/14/2024
Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: Research suggests that girls as young as three years old prioritize beauty, and children in elementary school frequently exhibit body image issues. In this episode of Your Hope Filled Perspective, I chatted with Heather Creekmore of Compared to Who about the pain, wounds, and ultimately, sacred scars, she experienced as a result of body image issues starting in childhood. Together, we explore how God's healing can transform body image wounds into sacred scars, offering hope and freedom. Quotables from the episode: I really believed I had the perfect life, and yet, I...
info_outline 299 Faithfulness Over Resolutions: Embracing God’s Path for You Right NowYour Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: As a new year approaches, many of us feel pressured to make big changes and set ambitious resolutions. But what if God is calling us to be faithful in the work we’re already doing? In this episode, we explore how faithfulness in our current season can bring deeper fulfillment, peace, and a stronger sense of purpose than constantly striving for the next goal. Quotables from the episode: Today we're going to be talking about faithfulness over resolutions, embracing God's path for you right now. As we enter into this new year, many of us feel pressured to make big...
info_outline 298 Finding Hope While Grieving at Christmas: Practical Tips for Navigating the Holidays with HopeYour Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: For many, the holiday season is synonymous with joy, family, and celebration. But for others, it brings a heavy reminder of loss and sorrow. Grief can take many forms—the loss of a loved one, a relationship that ended, or even a dream that was never realized. Today, we will navigate this journey together and explore how, even in the midst of grief, we can find glimpses of hope. You are not alone in this, and we’ll spend time talking about practical strategies, share stories, and dig into Scripture to see what God says about our pain. Quotables from the episode: I...
info_outline 297 Word of the Year or Not? How to Reflect, Grow, and Plan Without the PressureYour Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: The end of the year often brings about a time of reflection over our growth and achievements from the past year, as well as dreaming and planning for the next year. A popular practice at the start of a new year is to choose “a word of the year” to guide our focus, goals, and resolutions for the next year. For some, this is a rewarding and encouraging practice. For others, it leads to guilt and shame when they don’t have a word of the year. In this episode, Dr. Michelle and Rev. Jessica share their experience with the practice, as well as several alternatives...
info_outline 296 How to Find Healing and Purpose After a Life-Threatening CrisisYour Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: Continuing in our “Sacred Scar Story Series,” in this episode I chatted with Veronica Sites, who shared about the pain and wounds she endured that culminated in her believing the lies that she would be better off dead. She attempted to eliminate her life, but God had other plans. Now she shares the sacred scar that God is using to educate the church and leaders about how to respond in such a mental health crisis. Quotables from the episode: If you have ever experienced depression or anxiety, or suffered the loss of a friend or loved one to death by suicide, then...
info_outline 295 How To Celebrate the Holidays with Hope, Even When Life Isn’t MerryYour Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel joins me as a co-host as we take on the challenge of how to celebrate the holidays with hope, even when life isn’t merry. They explore common struggles such as grief, unmet expectations, loneliness, and the pressures of maintaining traditions. Offering both spiritual and practical tips, they share how to hold joy and sorrow simultaneously, lean into God's presence, and embrace meaningful rest during this season. Whether you're personally struggling or know someone who is, this episode provides encouragement and tangible ways to navigate the season...
info_outline 294 How to Change Your Life with Gratitude and NeuroscienceYour Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: As the holidays approach and we’re inundated with messages about thankfulness, you may wonder: does gratitude actually change anything? Is there science behind the old advice to “count your blessings”? In this episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective, I’m diving into the connection between Gratitude and Neuroscience, showing how adopting a heart of gratitude impacts not just our spiritual lives but also our mental and physical health. Scripture reminds us that what God commands aligns beautifully with how He created us. I’ll share 25+ unique things to be grateful for...
info_outline 293 How to Heal and Trust God When Life Doesn’t Go as We HopedYour Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Sacred Scar Story Series on Your Hope-Filled Perspective, I had the opportunity to talk with Becky Beresford about a significant time in her life when things didn’t go as she hoped and meticulously planned. She experienced physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual pain. She shares how her first pregnancy was fraught with complications, leading to grief, loss, and deep wounds. Becky discusses how she learned to trust God through her struggles and how He brought healing, leaving her with beautiful sacred scars as a reminder of His...
info_outline 292 How a Mother Helped Her Child Find Healing from Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal ThoughtsYour Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: In this Sacred Scar Story, we hear from Lori Wildenberg who faced the unimaginable pain of nearly losing her daughter to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. She shares how her faith and God’s presence guided her through this dark journey, ultimately bringing healing to both her daughter and herself. This story of resilience and hope offers encouragement for anyone navigating similar struggles. Quotables from the episode: Wounds have to be uncovered and cleaned out before real healing can take place. With great pain often comes fear, which can paralyze us and...
info_outline 291 How to Find Freedom from Anger and Build Healthier Family Relationships Through FaithYour Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: Our guest on this episode, Kathy Collard Miller, was raised by a very angry mother. The more Kathy tried to suppress her anger, the more it surfaced. Over time, Kathy found herself expressing her anger toward her husband and her daughter, and in her own words, abusing her daughter. Kathy shares her painful wounds in this episode, as well as the story of redemption and the beautiful sacred scars God has given her. Quotables from the episode: Sometimes when we talk about pain or wounds, that pain comes at the hand of another. Sometimes we have no explanation for why it happens...
info_outlineEpisode Summary:
In this Sacred Scar Story, we hear from Lori Wildenberg who faced the unimaginable pain of nearly losing her daughter to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. She shares how her faith and God’s presence guided her through this dark journey, ultimately bringing healing to both her daughter and herself. This story of resilience and hope offers encouragement for anyone navigating similar struggles.
Quotables from the episode:
- Wounds have to be uncovered and cleaned out before real healing can take place.
- With great pain often comes fear, which can paralyze us and keep us from moving forward.
- Even when God healed my loved one, I had to come to the realization that I, too, had wounds that needed healing.
- It sounds counterintuitive but helping others helped heal me.
- God sets us up to have interdependent relationships.
- God is our helper.
- Even those parts of our lives that are messy and embarrassing can be used by God to help others.
- If you suspect your child is suffering from anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation, ask them if they are thinking of hurting themselves, so you don’t have to ask, ‘Why didn’t they tell me?’
Scripture References:
- Hebrews 6:19 (NIV) We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
- John 16:33 (NIV) I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Recommended Resources:
- Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation by Lori Wildenberg
- Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home by Lori Wildenberg
- Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms
- Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals
- YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day
- YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day
- Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
- Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
- Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
- Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
- Trusting God Through Cancer 1
- Trusting God Through Cancer 2
- Revive & Thrive Women's Conference
- Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.)
- Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
Social Media Links for Guest and Host:
Connect with Lori Wildenberg:
Website / Facebook / FB Community / FB Group / Instagram Lori / Instagram Moms / Podcast
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Guest:
Helping families create connections that last a lifetime is Lori Wildenberg’s passion. Lori, wife to Tom, mom of 4, and Mimi to 1, shares her stories of failures and successes, in her books and talks, to encourage and equip parents. As a licensed parent and family educator, she leads the Moms Together Facebook group and page and co-hosts the Moms Together Podcast. The Wildenberg home is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. www.loriwildenberg.com
Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson