Faith, Science, and Mental Health: The Truth Behind “I’m Fine” | Praise Podcast

In response to the question “How are you?” have you ever answered with the automatic and socially acceptable “I'm fine” when really you weren't? Not to deceive, but because expending the energy to explain just exacerbates & magnifies the load? If this describes you or someone you know, tune in! 🎧

https://momo634.com/p/faking-fine-faith-science-mental-health

#bible #inspiration #motivation #motivational #inspirational #MentalHealth #faith #anxiety #faithoverfear #fear #science #therapy #neuroscience

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00:00:00 --> 00:00:03 In response to the question, how are you?

00:00:03 --> 00:00:07 Have you ever answered with the automatic and socially acceptable,

00:00:08 --> 00:00:08 I'm fine,

00:00:09 --> 00:00:10 when really you weren't?

00:00:11 --> 00:00:12 Not to deceive,

00:00:13 --> 00:00:18 but because expending the energy to explain just exacerbates

00:00:18 --> 00:00:20 and magnifies the

00:00:20 --> 00:00:20 load.

00:00:21 --> 00:00:25 If this describes you or someone you know, tune in.

00:00:28 --> 00:00:28 Hello,

00:00:29 --> 00:00:31 and welcome to Momo 634,

00:00:31 --> 00:00:35 a bite-sized podcast that's chock-full of inspiration,

00:00:36 --> 00:00:36 motivation,

00:00:37 --> 00:00:38 and positivity,

00:00:38 --> 00:00:41 straight from the intersection of faith and mental wellness.

00:00:42 --> 00:00:45 Please like, share, and subscribe.

00:00:46 --> 00:00:50 Momo 634, motivational moments just for today.

00:01:00 --> 00:01:02 If you've listened for any length of time,

00:01:03 --> 00:01:06 you know that I love a good meme.

00:01:07 --> 00:01:09 I'm most fond of humorous ones,

00:01:10 --> 00:01:14 but there are many thought-provoking memes that just seem to resonate,

00:01:15 --> 00:01:15 you know?

00:01:15 --> 00:01:19 I came across one such meme yesterday.

00:01:20 --> 00:01:25 It said, quote, Those with chronic illnesses aren't faking being sick.

00:01:26 --> 00:01:29 They're actually faking being well.

00:01:32 --> 00:01:33 That hit me hard,

00:01:34 --> 00:01:39 because so many of us know what it's like to smile through the pain,

00:01:39 --> 00:01:40 to say I'm fine,

00:01:41 --> 00:01:45 when really our bodies and minds are anything but.

00:01:46 --> 00:01:50 That was the thrust behind the episode earlier this year on masking,

00:01:50 --> 00:01:55 which I'm linking below this episode at momo634.com,

00:01:55 --> 00:01:58 along with some other related episodes.

00:02:00 --> 00:02:01 Shortly after I saw that meme,

00:02:02 --> 00:02:04 I saw one of the people I follow online,

00:02:05 --> 00:02:05 a therapist,

00:02:06 --> 00:02:09 had posted an excellent reel on masking.

00:02:10 --> 00:02:12 It, too, is linked below.

00:02:13 --> 00:02:17 Research shows that masking depression or chronic illness

00:02:17 --> 00:02:20 increases stress load and

00:02:20 --> 00:02:21 worsens outcomes.

00:02:22 --> 00:02:26 The video I mentioned by the therapist listed four signs.

00:02:27 --> 00:02:28 Fatigue,

00:02:28 --> 00:02:29 irritability,

00:02:29 --> 00:02:31 constant emotional strain,

00:02:32 --> 00:02:32 and the quiet,

00:02:33 --> 00:02:33 I'm fine.

00:02:35 --> 00:02:37 These aren't signs of weakness.

00:02:37 --> 00:02:42 They're signs of someone carrying more than others can see.

00:02:42 --> 00:02:48 Neuroscience tells us that chronic stress raises cortisol,

00:02:48 --> 00:02:52 disrupting sleep and emotional regulation.

00:02:53 --> 00:02:53 Yet,

00:02:53 --> 00:02:58 prayer and meditation on the word activate brain regions tied

00:02:58 --> 00:03:00 to peace and resilience.

00:03:02 --> 00:03:08 Faith practices literally reshape the brain, lowering stress hormones.

00:03:10 --> 00:03:10 Together,

00:03:10 --> 00:03:16 the word and the science God himself created remind us we are

00:03:17 --> 00:03:18 designed for endurance.

00:03:20 --> 00:03:23 Masking creates loneliness and identity conflict.

00:03:24 --> 00:03:28 Studies show that trying to hide a mental or physical illness

00:03:28 --> 00:03:30 increases risk of

00:03:30 --> 00:03:31 depression and anxiety.

00:03:32 --> 00:03:35 Yet, faith communities can be lifelines.

00:03:36 --> 00:03:41 Regular participation in worship is linked to lower rates of

00:03:41 --> 00:03:42 depression and

00:03:42 --> 00:03:44 stronger social support.

00:03:45 --> 00:03:47 When we show up authentically,

00:03:47 --> 00:03:53 Even in weakness, we invite others to carry the burden with us.

00:03:54 --> 00:03:57 Scripture commends this in a number of verses.

00:03:58 --> 00:04:00 Carry one another's burdens,

00:04:00 --> 00:04:04 and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

00:04:04 --> 00:04:09 Galatians 6.2 Rejoice with those who rejoice.

00:04:09 --> 00:04:11 Weep with those who weep.

00:04:12 --> 00:04:12 Romans 12.15

00:04:15 --> 00:04:16 So, in Christ, we who are many,

00:04:27 --> 00:04:32 are one body, and each member belongs to one another .

00:04:35 --> 00:04:39 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.

00:04:40 --> 00:04:44 For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up.

00:04:45 --> 00:04:48 But pity the one who falls without another to help him up.

00:04:49 --> 00:04:53 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

00:04:54 --> 00:04:56 But how can one keep warm alone?

00:04:57 --> 00:05:01 And though one may be overpowered, two can resist.

00:05:02 --> 00:05:07 Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

00:05:08 --> 00:05:10 Ecclesiastes 4,

00:05:10 --> 00:05:15 9-12 Instead of faking wellness or fake it till you make it,

00:05:16 --> 00:05:19 let's extend and receive grace,

00:05:20 --> 00:05:22 including self-grace.

00:05:23 --> 00:05:26 We can acknowledge our own limitations,

00:05:27 --> 00:05:28 lean on community,

00:05:28 --> 00:05:32 and trust that God sees the hidden struggle.

00:05:32 --> 00:05:36 2 Corinthians 12.9 speaks to this.

00:05:37 --> 00:05:38 But he said to me,

00:05:38 --> 00:05:41 My grace is sufficient for you,

00:05:42 --> 00:05:44 for my power is perfected in weakness.

00:05:45 --> 00:05:50 Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses,

00:05:50 --> 00:05:54 so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

00:05:55 --> 00:05:56 That is why,

00:05:56 --> 00:05:57 for the sake of Christ,

00:05:58 --> 00:05:59 I delight in weaknesses,

00:06:00 --> 00:06:01 in insults,

00:06:01 --> 00:06:02 in hardships,

00:06:02 --> 00:06:03 in persecutions,

00:06:04 --> 00:06:05 in difficulties.

00:06:06 --> 00:06:11 For when I am weak, then I am strong.

00:06:12 --> 00:06:12 So,

00:06:12 --> 00:06:14 the next time you're asked,

00:06:14 --> 00:06:15 how are you,

00:06:16 --> 00:06:17 you can legitimately say,

00:06:17 --> 00:06:19 I'm blessed.

00:06:19 --> 00:06:20 Because,

00:06:20 --> 00:06:21 like the Apostle Paul,

00:06:22 --> 00:06:24 in every circumstance,

00:06:24 --> 00:06:27 we can focus on spiritual contentment.

00:06:28 --> 00:06:30 rather than outward circumstances.

00:06:31 --> 00:06:35 If you have been hiding your struggles and exhaustion behind a mask,

00:06:36 --> 00:06:40 I invite you to trust your tribe and let them help bear your

00:06:41 --> 00:06:43 burdens and or reach

00:06:43 --> 00:06:48 out to a clinician if these struggles are interfering with daily life.

00:06:49 --> 00:06:54 Most of all, if you are a child of God, use the avenue of prayer.

00:06:55 --> 00:06:58 God is more than capable of the heavy lifting.

00:07:00 --> 00:07:03 Given everything discussed in this episode,

00:07:03 --> 00:07:06 what are you ready to lay down?

00:07:07 --> 00:07:09 Share it in the comments below.

00:07:09 --> 00:07:12 Thanks for listening.

00:07:13 --> 00:07:16 To have episodes and or the daily Bible verse emailed,

00:07:17 --> 00:07:18 subscribe at momo634.com.

00:07:20 --> 00:07:23 To receive bonus perks and support this podcast,

00:07:23 --> 00:07:26 please become a premium Substack subscriber.

00:07:27 --> 00:07:27 Additionally,

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00:07:35 --> 00:07:35 Have a blessed day.