Apple Podcasts Title: Christ Strengthened My Mental Health | Jordan Jensen
Artist: Donald C. Kelly
Category: Religion
Tags/Keywords: Christian | Religion
Album: Changing | Boynton Beach Florida Stake | Donald C. Kelly
Album Artist: Donald C. Kelly | Stories of Everyday People Coming Unto Christ
Composer: Donald C. Kelly | Boynton Beach Florida Stake
Grouping: Changing | Christian | Saint | Donald C. Kelly
Nearly 2.2 million people in the United States are impacted by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While it might seem overpowering and debilitating, today’s guest Jordan Jensen relied on his strong relationship with Christ to make a change in his life, overcome his OCD, and grow closer to Christ.
Jordan began to display signs of OCD at 13 years of age.
- His father had bipolar disorder, so there were elements of mental illness in his family.
- After his dad received professional help, it dawned on Jordan that there might be mental illness affecting him.
- In 1996, he used the limited internet acess available to research his symptoms, and was diagnosed with OCD in 1997 by the same psychiatrist who saw his father.
- While Jordan’s family couldn’t relate to his OCD, his father’s illness meant his family was supportive and understanding of those with mental illnesses, which makes the situation dramatically better.
It was a long, difficult journey to gain control.
- At 19 years old, Jordan traveled to Canada on a mission with his church. The president over his mission was very supportive with helping him by finding professional counselors.
- While Jordan received professional support, the president also gave him spiritual support that was a crucial component in working through his demons.
- The president said his OCD might impact his marriage later in life. Jordan interpreted that to mean that it might prevent him from becoming a husband completely.
This realization made him determined to overcome his illness.
- At first, Jordan struggled after returning home. He hit rock bottom and realized he’d never have a family if he stays the way he is now.
- From that point on, he prayed, fasted, read scripture, visited professionals, and took medication to minimize his symptoms.
- Over time, he started to see the fruits from his labors. Christ magnified his efforts to help his heart and mind.
Jordan began to live the life he wanted.
- In 2001, he couldn’t even get a girlfriend. But as Jordan grew more confident and social, he eventually met his future wife in 2006 and they married in 2008.
- To this day Jordan takes medication and visits healthcare professionals every six months. But as long as he practices what he’s learned, Jordan functions on a plane that’s brought him personal and professional success.
- While he’s put in a lot of work to get where he is, Jordan knows it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Jesus Christ.
Jordan’s advice to people dealing with mental health issues:
- Some regions have a cultural perception that mental health issues can be shaken off and don’t need support.
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