Mental Health is one of the top issues in our society, and the Church, unfortunately, is not immune to depression and anxiety. My guest today is Dr. Ray Houk, an Army Chaplin for many years who currently teaches at the King’s University. His experience from a pastoral perspective encourages healthy habits and seeking help when appropriate. If you are suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts, please dial 988 (in the USA). Another great resource is the suicide crisis website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention .

Risk Factors

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Suicidal behavior is complex, and there is no single cause. The main risk factors for suicide are:

Depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorder

Chronic pain

A history of suicide attempts

Family history of a mental disorder or substance use

Family history of suicide

Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

Presence of guns or other firearms in the home

Having recently been released from prison or jail

Exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others’ suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities

Most people who have risk factors will not attempt suicide, and it is difficult to tell who will act on suicidal thoughts. Although risk factors for suicide are important to keep in mind, someone who is showing warning signs of suicide may be at higher risk for danger and need immediate attention.

https://pastor4people.com/do-you-have-depression-or-suffering-from-anxiety/

@Pastor4People

Human Trafficking – The dangerous and evil practice of selling young women and men to the highest bidder. This is modern slavery. Listen to Lena’s terrifying tale of betrayal, the underworld of drugs and sex, and salvation. Find how Lena escaped and found Jesus.

To help fight human trafficking, please support Lena Cebula or reach out to her if you know someone who is a victim of Human Trafficking. 

Lena's Website: https://lenacebula.ca

Lena's Loved and Beloved Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1583527
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/loveandbloved
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/LenaCebula

Read about her story in her latest book called Miraculous, found on Amazon:

In this episode, I interviewed Petra Wallenmeyer representing Heartbeat International. She is extremely bright and helps us uncover the truth about the clump of cells theory, zygote, and even what Plan B is supposed to do. She is an advocate for women’s rights, and she's well accomplished herself.

 Heartbeat International, which has the Option Line program. Option Line is a 24x7, 365 pregnancy helpline dedicated to answering pregnancy-related questions and connecting women to local pregnancy help centers.
CareNet, which has the Pregnancy Decision Line. It is not 24/7 but also focuses on education, listening care and support, and connecting women to a local pregnancy help center for free pregnancy-related services.

Support After Abortion provides care to men and women in a variety of ways after an abortion experience -- small groups, one-on-one counseling, virtual groups, etc. 

Pregnancy help centers provide free services such as: 

• pregnancy testing and verification (like for Medicaid applications) 
• ultrasounds 
• parenting classes and childbirth preparation classes
• material aid for maternity and baby items (clothes, baby food, formula, bottles, toys, diapers, wipes, etc.)
• connections to community resources for other needs (jobs, housing, food, utility assistance, ongoing prenatal care, etc)
• std info, testing, and treatment
• adoption information and connections to trusted adoption organizations 
• factual information on abortion procedures, health, and safety considerations, and state laws
• fertility information
• information on birth control, contraception, and emergency contraception
• support and a listening ear for someone experiencing a possibly really hard or really scary situation
• after-abortion support groups

 Some smaller organizations which help women directly, in a virtual manner (they are not physical locations):

Let Them Live, which focuses on helping women seeking abortion for financial reasons get the financial steadiness they need to choose life. A client advocate works with each woman individually to help her get connected to local resources for food, healthcare, etc. 

Human Defense Initiative, which focuses on helping women with material needs while pregnant by making a baby registry for them on Amazon, as well as offering peer counseling and help to find additional local resources for needs during and after pregnancy and for themselves and any other older children the woman may already have. 

For pregnancy help centers local to Columbus, OH specifically, you could include:

Stowe Pregnancy Resource Center (they also offer other health, vision, and dental care!)

Pregnancy Decision Health Centers

The Women's Clinic of Columbus