Vincent Van Gogh painted his now famous The Starry Night in Saint Rémy de Provence’s psychiatric facility in June 1889 at the height of his prolific output, probably during an experience of mania. Having visited Arles in Southern France, where Van Gogh…
Last Thursday, 170 people crowded into Fluevog Shoes in Gastown to celebrate the launch of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries’ new curriculum for small groups, which is designed similarly to Alpha. Eight themes are explored from a psychological, social, and theological perspective, and each session…
Accepting people with mental health issues has greatly improved in past years, especially in our churches. Organizations like Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries are doing much to help churches learn how they can show God’s love to such individuals. They are…
I welcome the British Columbia Government’s consultation on cannabis regulation and the opportunity to offer my concerns, and some suggestions, about the implementation of legalized marijuana in Canada. Let me also me commend the Government for taking seriously the opioid…
Having struggled herself with bipolar disorder for most of her life, Burnaby author Marja Bergen is committed to telling her fellow sufferers of the healing she has found in Jesus Christ. Over the past 20 years, she has written two books…
This is Mental Illness Awareness Week, but it looks as though related themes are being explored throughout the month. Two key events to look for are Understanding People, Mental Health & Trauma, hosted by Outreach Canada and sponsored by several groups…
Marja Bergen wrote this personal reflection to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week (October 2 – 6). Most of us who follow Christ want to help sick people, including those who live with mental illness. We would like to be…
Across the nation, Canadians are commemorating Mental Health Week, May 2 – 8. Here Marja Bergen describes the traumatic experience of being stigmatized, and encourages fellow Christians to welcome those – and they are in every church – who experience…
A few weeks ago, I got a call from a friend at 4 am. Actually, it was a call from an acquaintance, but now I consider him a friend. He had not been able to sleep and was feeling overwhelmingly…
Burnaby author and photographer Marja Bergen has written a new book that she believes is unique in offering comfort and hope to people – and especially Christians – struggling with mood disorders and other mental health challenges. “You can give…