Welcome to episode #75!
This week, Matt and Braden chat with author and speaker, Brett Ullman, about mental health and mental illness, and what affect pornography can have on mental health.
Mental health is different than mental illness
We have more control over mental health than mental illness. We can control health by doing things like eating well, sleeping, praying, exercising, and a variety of other things. Illness, though, is when schizophrenia, chemical-based depression, and other properly diagnosed mental illnesses comes into play and you need a different approach to treatment depending on what is really going on.
Some helping words can hurt
People want to help those struggling with mental health so they'll say things like, "the answer is Jesus" without explaining what that might mean or being open to solutions that are less 'spiritual' and more practical, like going to a sleep clinic. To understand how to help somebody well, it's helpful to ask those struggling with mental health what they need and how they can be supported. Otherwise, well-meaning people who want to help might push the hurting person into deeper despair without even knowing.
The mental health connection to porn
Porn is an escape that people use when they feel so bad in life because of mental health struggles. They need to learn better ways to cope with struggles, whether that's meds or just implementing better coping strategies. If somebody is struggling with both porn and mental health, they should prioritize their focus on the mental health issue rather than just trying to quit porn, because doing that might take care of both. If it doesn't, then they can deal with porn from a better starting point if they've first improved in their health.
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Stay tuned
Next week, Matt and Braden talk again to Brett Ullman, this time about sex, porn, and addressing it in the church. It's full of great wisdom!
Resources
Brett Ullman's website
Suggested Readings
Brett Ullman's YouTube channel
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+
Pure Freedom Journey for men and women
Book a FREE call (men)
FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage
Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)
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Podcast Hosts
BRADEN HAFNER
Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He has been married for 12 years to his wife Kristen, and they live in Edmonton, Alberta. He is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com
MATT CLINE
Matt and his wife Louise raise their little guys, David and Oliver, in Edmonton, Alberta. He is honored to do what he can to tackle the epidemic of pornography and sexual perversion in every way possible. Seeing lives and marriages get free and experience the love of God in profound ways is what drives him every day. He leads Restored Ministries, is a certified speaker and coach for the John Maxwell Team, and formerly played hockey in the WHL and for Hockey Canada. You can visit www.restoredministries.ca.
