In January, I went to my gynecologist mildly concerned about some itchiness and pain in my nether regions. I expected a simple diagnosis—some kind of weird bacterial infection or an allergic reaction. Instead, I learned that I have a chronic condition called lichen sclerosus (LS), which is believed to be an auto-immune disorder. Basically, my […]
Sisters in Mental Illness: Shaley Hoogendoorn Talks to Jessica Birak of Mint & Birch
by on June 26, 2019 Leave a Comment
[ Trigger Warning: Mention of abuse, as well as an eating disorder.] This month, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks to Jessica Birak, founder of the jewelry company Mint & Birch, who is also a vulnerable and honest advocate for mental health. They talk about topics related to anxiety, depression, postpartum, hypochondria, eating disorders and healing from childhood […]
The Worst Best Day
by on June 6, 2019 Leave a Comment
I groggily blink a few times while my phone alarm softly chimes. I stretch my arms and legs as far as I can muster and then lie very still. I am waiting. Waiting for the voices that have shown up each morning without fail. They tell me to throw the covers over my head. To […]
Sisters In Mental Illness: Ministry of Weakness
by on March 25, 2019 Leave a Comment
“My spiritual gift is weakness…. I show up weak. I’m always sick or I’m struggling. There’s always something that’s lacking. Maybe that’s my gift to the church—to show up and say that’s OK, and God is with us in this and He is good. Problems don’t all get fixed and I’m not healed. The bow […]
Sisters in Mental Illness: Mental Healing
by on January 21, 2019 1 Comment
“I believe women and men who are blessed with mental illness are going to be advocates who are going the change the world.” Sheli Massie has battled an eating disorder, postpartum psychosis and PTSD. But what defines her are not her mental illnesses, but her journey of mental healing. “Healing is not set in a […]
