Description
She couldn't believe it. There she was with her medical qualifications sitting on the floor of a mental hospital. She'd been baptized, offered her life to God, wanted to serve him anywhere, but surely not this... Sharon Hastings is absolutely passionate about helping people with 'severe and enduring mental illness' (SEMI): schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. She wants the church to know all about these illnesses: how they affect ordinary individuals and how they can be treated. By telling her story, warts and all, showing her own tortuous, painful journey, she equips us to come alongside loved ones, fellow church members, friends, understanding the social and spiritual ramifications of their illnesses, including them in our activities and encouraging their spiritual growth. Contents 1 Surrender - crisis moment 2 Suffering 3 Focus 5 Identity 6 Healing 7 Peace 8 Hope Appendix 1: Some 'do's' and 'don'ts' Appendix 2 Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder Appendix 3 Psychiatry and spiritual guidance: a biblical approach to the Mental Health Services The author, a natural storyteller, is deeply passionate about reaching out to sufferers. With wisdom, kindness and the heart of a bruised survivor, she shares deeply, interweaving her story with vital teaching which cannot be ignored by anyone within the church today.