Shalem Digest

Leaders today feel the weight of expectations that they should never reveal vulnerability or hesitation. It’s a trap.

For many people, holidays like Christmas are a time of joy, connection and celebration. But let’s face it, not everyone likes Christmas. Whether it is your friend, your loved one, your neighbour, or even you yourself, there are some who are finding Christmas hard this year.

For the last couple of years, in conversations with men, I have found occasion to say, “I think men are in trouble today.” To my amazement, every man I have trotted out this statement to has immediately agreed.

Some youth today are trying to cope with hardship or difficulties by choosing to intentionally injure themselves, seeking a way to cope with deep emotional pain.

Tragically, suicide has touched numerous communities in 2013. Despite the discomfort, at Shalem we want to broach the topic. Let’s start the conversation. One of the most harmful aspects of suicide is the silence within which we cloak it. This issue speaks to bringing light to the conversation and to the darkness.

Working from Dr. Michael Ungar’s research, Michelle DeBoer talks about how we can prepare our children to succeed and experience risk.

June Zwier talks about how anxiety can leave you feeling paralyzed, powerless and overwhelmed. June offers hope and some coping strategies.

Jennifer Bowen writes about how we all want to belong, it’s an innate part of our make up. She talks about how communities and faith communities can offer belonging.

Cathy Kalverda writes about how it is necessary to wear our many hats attentively.

In this case study, Michelle DeBoer addresses some problem behaviour of a child in the family home through art therapy.

In this Digest, four new pilot projects are described: Congregational Assistance Plan, Restorative Justice, WrapAround and Attachment Treatment.

One of the hardest things to deal with in families and friendships is addiction. It seems such a bewilderingly powerful thing, and so destructive.

Why would I want to talk about sadness or grief? Talking about it can make me feel so helpless. And yet, we need to talk about it and understand that the feelings and emotions associated with the grieving process are normal and natural.

It is almost inevitable that we will run into some type of difficulties in our intimate relationships despite our best efforts and intentions. Read more about intimate relationships and how we can feel connected again.

The research is clear that people are at an increased risk of depression as they become elderly.

Refreshing Hearts in Christ (Philemon 1:20) is our theme for our 50th Anniversary year. Please take a moments to read the enclosed stories. We invite you to join us as we reach for the future …. together!

In this issue, Anne Martin and Mark Vander Vennen look at how to create an environment in churches where tough conversations can happen, supported by restorative congregations and practices.

Irene Oudyk-Suk writes about attachment in our relationships and how couples can refocus on that attachment.

There are many different types of depression. Marg Smit-VandeZande discusses these different types and also gives some ways to live with hope.

This Digest is the first edition with our new name: Shalem Mental Health Network. The new programs are introduced. There are descriptions of tools that are available for your congregation to reach in and reach out to your community.

Judy Cook discusses the roles of angels and demons in our lives.

Judy Cook writes about the importance of God’s timing, and how at the right time He will heal us.