Postpartum Depression: The Soul Care Podcast
In this episode, we explore the challenges of postpartum motherhood, and the need for grace and understanding in the face of struggles. We also emphasize the significance of acknowledging both physical and spiritual aspects of mental health, the impact of societal expectations, and the necessity of lamenting and grieving.
God is Not Surprised by Your Postpartum Depression
When you feel overtaken by sorrow in motherhood, it’s good to remember that you are seen and surrounded by God. There are much-needed reminders about this reality in Psalm 139. As the writer marvels at God’s omniscience and omnipresence, at least three relevant applications to the experience of postpartum depression unfold.
Finding Hope in the Middle of Depression: Great Stories
"On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen talks with Christine Chappell. She’s an author, a biblical counselor, and a podcaster, and a mother. On this episode, Christine shares her story and what she learned about how Jesus draws near to those who are struggling with depression."
Depression and Motherhood: Parenting with Ginger Hubbard
"Are you a mom struggling with feelings of hopelessness and anxiety? Would you like biblical guidance and practical help for battling depression from someone who’s been there and understands? Join Ginger Hubbard and Katy Morgan, along with special guest Christine Chappell, as they discuss how we can abide in Christ and lean on him to sustain us through seasons of darkness."
When All You Want is “Better”
Do you know what it’s like to be depressed and want nothing more than to feel better again? Normal? Happy? Alive, even? Join Christine as she explores the painful reality of our present circumstances and the deferred hope that stems from changes we sorely want but don't yet have.
The Soul Care Podcast Interview
Recently I had the chance to talk with Dr. Warren Lamb, Jinda Reinig, and Kimberly Willess on their new show, The Soul Care Podcast.
You Lamented—Now What?
“There’s a lot of talk about how to lament these days, but what do we do after—what comes next?” My friend’s question was intriguing. He was right to identify the need for extended reflection. After all, the moments following lament are just as important as the pain-pressed prayers themselves. We must choose to do something next, so what will it be? Withdraw in self-pity? Lash out at loved ones? Self-medicate with creature comforts? Give ourselves over to the futility of restlessness or the fruitlessness of resignation? We need wisdom, lest the choices we make do more harm than good. Because all of life is lived before God, how we move forward from lament truly matters. So what wisdom does he offer to us in these fragile and frustrated moments?
Free Resources for Depressed Moms
This post contains articles, audios, videos, and downloads which were published during the launch of Midnight Mercies. All of these resources are free to access and available to freely share.
Mercy for Depressed Moms: How God Met Me in Crisis
Jesus wasn’t the one insisting that I pull myself out of the pit. He was the one calling me to take refuge in him as he walked me through the dark.
Postpartum Depression with Christina Fox
In this video recording from the 2023 Midnight Mercies Virtual Summit, Christina Fox reflects on her discouraging journey through postpartum depression and remembers how God mercifully met her in the midst of it.
4 Ways to Help a Depressed Mom
Surely somewhere in your close proximity, there’s a mother suffering from depression. As she attempts to beat back the darkness, you wonder how you can care for her. As featured at The Gospel Coalition.
Depression in Motherhood: Help & Hope Podcast Interview
In this conversation, Sharon Betters talks with Christine Chappell about the different emotional facets of the experience of depression, practical steps we can take in battling depression, and suggestions for how friends can come alongside a hurting friend.
Depression in Motherhood: Counsel for Life Interview
Christine offers compassion for mothers who are struggling with despair and sadness as she shares her own story and gives wisdom from Scripture for those who need encouragement and motivation to keep moving forward.
Special Preview: Introduction to Midnight Mercies
This post contains the full introduction of my new book, Midnight Mercies: Walking with God through Depression in Motherhood. As featured at the Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship.
Hope + Help for Fearing Others with Zach Schlegel
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Zach Schlegel about his book, Fearing Others: Putting God First.
Hope + Help for Hard Times with John Crotts
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews author and Pastor John Crotts about his book Hope: Living Confidently in God.
Biblical Counseling Coalition Podcast: Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder
In this episode of the 15:14 podcast, I speak with host Curtis Solomon about my minibook, Help! I've Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder. This interview originally aired on October 30, 2021.
All Things Podcast: Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder
In this episode of the All Things podcast, I speak with host Jen Oshman about my minibook, Help! I've Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder.
Hope + Help for Fearful Hearts with Christina Fox
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews author Christina Fox about her book, A Holy Fear: Trading Lesser Fears for the Fear of the Lord.
On Being Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder & Identity in Christ
During this recording, Christine offers insights as to how identity in Christ informs our perspective, purpose, and plans as we work through the hard questions that come with being diagnosed with a mental disorder.
Hope + Help for Depressed Christians with Zack Eswine
In this rebroadcast of the Hope + Help Podcast’s very first episode (originally aired April 2019), host Christine Chappell interviews author/Pastor Zack Eswine on the topic of depression.
Top 5 Friday: Christian Books on Depression
In this broadcast, I share my top 5 favorite books that approach the experience of depression from a biblical perspective, explaining HOW they've ministered to me in the past, WHY I think they're helpful, WHO to recommend them to, and WHEN (hint: wise timing is both compassionate and important!)
Hope + Help for Panic Attacks with Lucy Ann Moll
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Lucy Ann Moll about her mini-book, Help! I Get Panic Attacks.
To the Weary He Says, “Come and Be Carried”
God comes close to those crying tired tears and soothes: "Come here. I will carry you."
Free Download: Clinging to Hope Scripture Reference Handout
Gain instant access to a free .pdf download of my favorite Bible verses about hope. Print. Save. Share!
How Do I Talk to My Kids About Sorrow?
Forewarning our kids about the realities of sorrow can forearm them to face it by faith. Christ said these seasons would come, and that we would find comfort, hope, and peace by looking to him when they do.
Talking About Depression in Motherhood • Live Radio Interview
I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed on "The Ride Home with John & Kathy" radio show on the topic of depression in motherhood.
Hope + Help for Storms in Marriage with Jeff & Sarah Walton
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews authors Jeff & Sarah Walton about their book, Together Through the Storms: Biblical Encouragements for Your Marriage When Life Hurts. During the conversation, Jeff shares biblical truths that sustained him during sudden job loss, as well as practical wisdom for men striving to be leaders of their home in the midst of future uncertainties. Sarah reflects on the walking through periods of hopelessness, living with chronic illness, and the grief that comes when life doesn't look like we expected. Together, Jeff and Sarah offer gospel hope for marriages strained by circumstantial difficulties, showing couples how to cling to Jesus—and to each other—through the storms.
Hope + Help for Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Charles Hodges
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Dr. Charles Hodges about his book, Good Mood, Bad Mood: Help and Hope for Depression and Bipolar Disorder. During the conversation, Dr. Hodges summarizes the current diagnostic criteria for depression and bipolar disorder, and describes the differences between "normal" and "disordered" sadness. He also explains why recent scientific findings pertaining to brain plasticity offer hope to those labeled with mood disorders and suggests why over-identifying with a psychological diagnosis can stunt spiritual growth. Lastly, Dr. Hodges highlights the importance of setting God-oriented goals with counselees labeled with bipolar disorder, and offers words of encouragement for sufferers feeling hopeless for meaningful life change.
How Is God Working in My Teen’s Depression?
If you’ve found yourself caring for a depressed teen, maybe you’re wondering what God is up to in the midst of this heartbreaking time. While we cannot know all the ways that God intends to work in your teen’s despondency, the Scriptures do tell us what his goal is for you in this season.
Equipping You in Grace Podcast: Help! My Teen is Depressed
On this episiode of Equipping You in Grace, host Dave Jenkins and Christine Chappell discuss how to walk with a teenager through depression, how the local church can help teenagers who are depressed and minister to them, along with her mini-book, "Help! My Teen is Depressed" (Shepherd Press, 2020).
Video: Encouragements for Parents of Anxious & Depressed Teens with Joel Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson
Join me, Jessica Thompson, and Joel Fitzpatrick for a Facebook LIVE conversation aimed at encouraging parents and caregivers of anxious and/or depressed teens!
Help! My Teen is Depressed: Knowing the Truth Radio Live Interview
This interview originally aired live on March 12, 2020. Special thanks to host and Pastor Kevin Boling for inviting me to have a conversation about my new mini-book, "Help! My Teen is Depressed."
Depression Testimony at Trinity Point Church
My family and I were honored to have been invited by our Pastor, Tracy Turner, to share about our journey through depression over the last 20 years. During this pastoral interview, I share my history with depression how I resolved to fix myself by faith when I became a new believer in Christ. My husband shares some of his perspective on what the challenges were when trying to walk alongside me during my depressive seasons. We talk about the dangers of idolizing healing (both physical and spiritual), the problem with pursuing personal goals rather than God's goals, and how the Lord worked through nearly two decades of our suffering sorrows in order to act as ministers of comfort to our teenager, who unexpectedly endured an intense period of autoimmune disease and despair herself. Pastor Tracy, Brett, and I seek to illumine the importance of being willing to comfort others with the same comfort that we ourselves have been comforted by God.
8 Truths to Remember in the Midst of Sadness
The card references 8 common lies we may find ourselves listening to as we walk through seasons of sorrows, and pits them against eternal biblical truths. By providing a wealth of key Scripture references, Dr. Newheiser reminds the sorrowing to look to their identity in Christ and God's unchanging character as a means of sustaining grace.
Hope + Help for Depression & Grief: 9 Episodes You Don’t Want to Miss
There have been a number of guest on the show whose books (or interview topics) have revolved around offering gospel hope and help in depression/grief contexts. If you are someone walking through a season of grief/depression, or have been called to care for someone who is, these podcast episodes are sure to offer helpful biblical insights, gospel-centered comforts, and practical applications for taking next steps by faith.
When Depression Feels Safe
It's possible to grow so accustomed to living in melancholia that it becomes a default countenance—a cave to retreat to when the pains of life feel too heavy to bear. While this reflex doesn't necessarily encumber all experiences of despondency, the solemn truth is that those who suffer from chronic sorrow run the risk of turning shadows into a refuge.
Hope + Help for Grief Care with Nancy Guthrie
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author and bible teacher Nancy Guthrie. They discuss Nancy's book, "What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts)" to better understand the raw emotions people face as they experience grief, and to learn how to compassionately and confidently interact with those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. Nancy shares about walking through the deaths of her two infant babies, and how grief can become a hurdle in everyday relationships. She offers some cautions about what not to say to someone who is grieving, and also suggests possible conversation starters that demonstrate a proper esteem of the loss. Additionally, Nancy observes the misguided assumptions supporters can sometimes make about grieving people, and shines a light on the pain that is felt when friends and family keep their distance. Lastly, Nancy steers listeners back to the hope of heaven through Jesus Christ, and examines why spiritual sentimentality is too flimsy to offer real hope in the midst of unbearable pain.
Making Church a Safe Place for Sorrow
While Revelation 21 specifically lists death, mourning, crying, and pain as fundamental grievances believers will face, there's a shocking lack of corporate preparation to meet with such sorrows. Removing the stigma of deeply painful sadness requires the local church’s unhurried commitment to making room for it on Sunday mornings and a desire to equip leaders in one-another care.
Live Radio Interview: How to Talk to Your Depressed Child
I had the pleasure of being interviewed on The Ride Home with John & Kathy radio show regarding my article at The Gospel Coalition, "How to Talk to Your Depressed Child." For fifteen minutes, we spoke about some of the challenges and necessities of caring for a child who is walking through depression. While I would have loved to have been able to expand on certain points (and of course, I neglected to say a few things I wish I would have), I hope the interview offers some helpful insights into the incredible difficulty of the situation, and stresses the need for compassion, grace, and God's truth in the midst of a disorienting season.
How to Talk to Your Depressed Child
As parents, we can’t take the place of medical professionals, licensed counselors, or pastoral care. A child’s depressed feelings can indicate ordinary sadness or a more serious disorder, and we’ll typically need outside help to identify the nature of our child’s struggle. But parents do have something valuable to offer: love and encouragement.
When We Hit Rock Bottom: Waiting on God in Sad Seasons
Psalm 126 is a song of hope for those held captive by present sorrows and dire affliction. It encourages those who walk with weighted steps to wait expectantly for their God. There is a special promise for those who shed tears in desperate places—the sorrow will not endure forever. God will restore us once more, and our joy will be made all the greater for having endured the tribulation by faith. When rock bottom feels like the end of us, we can trust that Christ will hold us fast—for “with him is plentiful redemption” (Psalm 130:7).
13 Reasons Why Depression Needs Discipleship • Part II
It’s imperative to remember that there are specific wellsprings of consolation and healing that God has set in place for his people which cannot be received apart from discipleship. If we continue to promote the segregation of care for despondent persons in the church, we restrict access to the promised sustaining and transforming graces God specifically supplies in the midst of their pain and suffering (1 Peter 5:10, Psalm 119:50).
Hope + Help for Anxious Hearts with Paul Tautges
In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews Pastor and author Paul Tautges. They discuss Paul's brand new book, Anxiety: Knowing God’s Peace to explore how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers meaningful resources for the fight against crippling worries and fears. Paul addresses the spiritual and physical components of our anxiety, explains how it can help us reorient our hearts toward God, and offers listeners biblically-based comforts and wisdom for fighting anxiety on the spiritual battlefield. He also suggest passages of Scripture which help us to engage our anxiety, gently inviting listeners into a deeper understanding of and reliance upon God's peace.
13 Reasons Why Depression Needs Discipleship • Part I
Depression is not something new. God’s people have grappled by faith with deep pain and darkness for generations. Yet, we have become so used to seeing despondency through world-colored glasses, that we are tempted to neglect one of the most helpful resources available to sufferers: Spirit-led, one-another care. Discipleship is not some optional flabby excess in the realm of treatment options. For the follower of Jesus, discipleship is a critical lifeline of sustaining grace meant to facilitate conformity to Christ for the glory of God and the perseverance of his saints.