WHAT YOU WILL HEAR
My guest for The Happy Hour #387 is Debra Fileta. Debra is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, relationship expert, and author of several books including Choosing Marriage, True Love Dates, and Are You Really OK? which comes out on the 18th! She’s also the host of the hotline style Love + Relationships Podcast, and has a popular relationship advice blog called TrueLoveDates.com! Debra has been married for almost 14 years and has four children – one of which is just 3 months old!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Debra is the perfect person to have this conversation with. In today’s show, Debra gets vulnerable about a traumatic loss she experienced and the grieving process she walked through. She also dives into the importance of mental health check-ups and how the church has often responded to topics surrounding mental and emotional wellness. We’re so thankful that these conversations are becoming more common, but there are definitely still stigmas attached to the struggle of mental illness and what it says about our faith. But Debra has a very true reminder for us. She says, “Just because we’re Christians, doesn’t mean we’re healthy.” In the same way that our bodies can fail us physically, our minds can do the same – it’s the reality of a broken world. BUT our pain can be a catalyst for our trust in God – sometimes it’s what makes us realize that He is truly all we have. Make sure you check out her Are You Really Ok? Podcast series that’s out now!
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This podcast was incredibly timely. Not just because May is Mental Health month but because I just had a 35 year old trauma, that was never dealt with, rear its ugly head unexpectedly during a self-defense class I participated in. Afterwards, I started reading “The Body Keeps Score” by Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk. To hear Debra reiterate all that I’ve been experiencing physically, emotionally, mentally is pure GOLD. Jamie, I can’t thank you enough. I’m a fairly new listener in the last year and I’ve gleaned so much incredible content from this podcast. After this episode, I finally had to come online and share my gratitude for this work you do. It means the world to me, thank you so much.
I really needed to hear this. My youngest son, 23 has been really struggling with depression. I would say for the last couple of years. Well, that’s when I really began to see a change in him. My heart hurts so for him. I have suggested counseling. I strongly suggested spiritual counseling. Please, pray him Drew. I’m holding back tears right now because I k ow he’s not in a good place this week. I try to encourage him, but feel like he needs more. Thank you I just saw Jamie speak at Austin Ridge Church. Jamie thank you for your heart for the Lord and sharing His Word.
Julia, I am so grateful to hear that! I hope this podcast has been a small vessel in leading you closer to your identity in Christ. Cheers!
Thank you for sharing, Kim! The Ivey Media team will keep Drew in our prayers!