Our Commitment

At Garden Road Seventh-day Adventist Church, we believe that mental health is a vital part of our overall well-being and spiritual walk. We are committed to creating a supportive, Christ-centred environment where mental health is acknowledged, understood, and compassionately addressed.

As a church family, we stand with those who are struggling, offering both spiritual encouragement and practical support. Our goal is to break the stigma surrounding mental health by opening conversations, pointing to biblical truth, and connecting members with trusted resources. In every step of the journey, we affirm this truth: you are not alone, and healing is possible with God’s help.

 

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The Bible & Mental Health

In today’s world, mental health is more important than ever—and as Christians, we are not exempt from the struggles of the mind. The Bible speaks often about the importance of our thoughts, our emotions, and the condition of our hearts. Scripture reminds us that our minds are the battleground where spiritual and emotional struggles often take place.

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Centre for Suicide Prevention

Suicide is preventable. Caring interventions save lives.

Learn More →

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Resources for Youth

Life as a young person today can feel overwhelming—with pressure, pain, and questions about identity and purpose. This space offers tools, support, and encouragement to help you find peace, build resilience, and grow into who God created you to be.

 

One Team Mental Health

oneteammentalhealth.org/

One Team Mental Health is a digital initiative by the North American Division of Seventh-Day Adventists designed to support youth and young adults with mental health challenges through personal stories, expert advice, spiritual resources, and directories for professional help.

 

@YouthAliveChannel

youtube.com/@youthalivechannel

Youth Alive is a program that helps teens and young adults build resilience and make healthy life choices. It offers resources to help them understand their gifts and purpose, while fostering strong relationships to resist addictions like drugs, alcohol, pornography, and media.

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Workshops

Life as a young person today can feel overwhelming—with pressure, pain, and questions about identity and purpose. This space offers tools, support, and encouragement to help you find peace, build resilience, and grow into who God created you to be.

 

Relationship Skills

Online via Zoom

Relationship Skills is a series of 4 free workshops designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills to support healthy relationships with self and others. Adults can register for any of the topics they would like to learn about.

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D-Stress

Online via Zoom

This online free 2-hour interactive workshop includes a basic discussion about stress, and how we can recognize personal stress signs. Several coping skills and strategies are explored, and participants will come away with a personal stress reduction action plan.

Wellness Exchange

Online via Zoom

This online series is designed to help increase our ability to cope with change, build resilience, and improve our overall well-being. Adults can register for any or all five topics.

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Articles

Helping yourself and others starts with accessing the right information and resources. Here, you'll find links to websites that provide valuable insights and tools for mental health support. While these resources are a great starting point, it's important to remember that professional help is crucial when facing more serious challenges. Reaching out to a therapist or counsellor can provide the guidance and care needed for long-term well-being.

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How to Conduct Effective, Helpful Conversations About Suicide and Mental Illness

nadadventist.org

Medical director, psychiatrist of the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center shares ways to address the topic with loved ones.

 

Learning About a Healthy Body Image

www.myhealth.alberta.ca

It can be hard to know what is an "ideal" body shape or body size when TV, movies, ads, and social media show unrealistic images of what it means to be attractive. Healthy bodies come in lots of shapes and sizes.

 

Self-Harm and Youth

www.myhealth.alberta.ca

Self-harm is when a person intentionally injures themselves without wanting to die. It’s common among youth and can be a way to cope with emotional pain. With support, healthier coping strategies can be found, leading to healing and a brighter future.

 

The language of suicide

www.myhealth.alberta.ca

It’s important for people to know about the language used with suicide and suicide prevention to help reduce stigma.

The Gospel and Mental Health

www.nadadventist.org

...However, the "Good News" (gospel) is that God predicted that a way of healing would come for a world wracked by mental disorders...

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Mental and Behavioural Health

www.myhealth.alberta.ca

Mental health issues like depression and panic disorders can be challenging, but you're not alone. Talking to others and seeking treatment can help you regain control.

 

Feeling Depressed?

www.myhealth.alberta.ca

Life brings many changes, and our reactions to events can impact our well-being. It's normal to feel sad or down after experiences like loss, divorce, or job struggles. These emotions are a natural response to stress or trauma, and they usually improve with time.

 

Suicidal Thoughts or Threats

www.myhealth.alberta.ca

Suicide is a leading cause of death, but those with suicidal thoughts often don't want to die—they just want to end their pain. These feelings can stem from mental health issues like depression, which can be treated. Seeking help is crucial, and with support, you can feel better.

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Books

Books have the power to inspire, challenge, and transform. In this section, you'll find recommended reads that offer wisdom, encouragement, and practical guidance for your mental, emotional, and spiritual growth.

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Power of Hope

Julián Melgosa and Michelson Borges

The Power of Hope will teach you how to experience a meaningful, successful life. Discover the answers that will lead to a path of peace, restoration, and healing.

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Modern Psychopathologies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal

Mark Yarhouse, et al.

Modern Psychopathologies is addressed to students and mental health professionals who want to sort through contemporary secular understandings of psychopathology in relation to a Christian worldview.

Hope for Troubled Times

Mark Finley

Fear, Worry, Stress. These emotions can overwhelm and consume us. They fill our minds with unanswerable questions. Discover how to focus and growth in faith

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Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are

Lysa TerKeurst

Relationships are wonderful . . . until they're not. Stop the dysfunction of unhealthy relationships and learn biblical ways to set boundaries--and, when necessary, say goodbye.

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