Fresh Hope Blog
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A network of Christian peer support groups for those who have mental illnesses & their loved ones; empowering all to live well in spite of a diagnosis
Fresh Hope Blog
1y ago
Celebrating Our BipolarBrave Mental Health & Faith Award for Organization of 2023!
We are thrilled to announce that Fresh Hope for Mental Health has been awarded the BipolarBrave Mental Health & Faith Award for Organization of 2023! This award is a significant honor and recognizes our organization’s ongoing efforts to support individuals and families affected by mental illness through our faith-based resources, support groups, and various mental health initiatives.
The BipolarBrave awards were founded by Katie Dale, the founder of BipolarBrave blog, who felt the need to honor menta ..read more
Fresh Hope Blog
1y ago
I Need a Hope Coach!
By (Author)
I know I’ve felt it. A feeling of being unable to move forward in my decisions. Of ruminating. What to do? What to do? How do I decide? I can’t see how to move next. Is there even a “next”? Will this ever change?
I’ve felt trapped in a situation, and I can’t even think about the future, only the bleak present. I just can’t get past the circumstances – they weigh me down, keep me up at night. Over and over, I play through the scenarios. And the light all around me is dull, dark even. I can’t see anything but the sucky situation.
Maybe my friends are sick ..read more
Fresh Hope Blog
1y ago
A Virtual Mental Health Conference
Led by Those Who Have Lived Experience
Hosted by
On February 11, 2023, Fresh Hope for Mental Health will be hosting its first Virtual Mental Health Conference Led by Those Who Have Lived the Experience called “Voices of Hope”.
Voices of Hope has been created thinking about anyone who is either experiencing a mental health challenge or has a loved one who does or needing to heal trauma and grief, those experiencing Post Pandemic Distress who are searching to improve their emotional health, and Churches and Ministry leaders who are looking to increase t ..read more
Fresh Hope Blog
1y ago
Surviving Versus Enjoying the Holidays
by Pastor Brad Hoefs
Several years ago, it dawned on me that my attitude towards the holiday season was only one of ‘survival.’ Before being treated for bipolar disorder, the Christmas season had been a time of ‘escalating mood’ with a ‘downward spiral’ in January. When my journey of recovery started, I began to view the holiday season as a time to ‘simply survive’ while closely managing my mood.
My list for survival included things such as:
don’t overspend
don’t over plan
don’t overeat
don’t “people” yourself out
It was a list of don’ts. For man ..read more
Fresh Hope Blog
1y ago
God’s Eternal Principles – Part 2
Last week we talked about asking God the “Why?” questions. Part of the answer was to keep our eyes focused on the eternal goal – being made into kings and priests who will rule and reign with Him in His ever-increasing, eternal Kingdom. Wow! What a goal!
This week I want to take a quick look at four eternal principles that never change. They are woven throughout everything that God allows to come into our lives – both good and challenging! God never does anything randomly. He has a very specific plan for each of us, and according to Ephesians 2:10 He has alre ..read more
Fresh Hope Blog
1y ago
‘Fresh Hope for Mental Health’ Receives Prestigious Global Health & Pharma Award
International Nonprofit is Formally Honored for Commitment to
Peer-Led Mental Support
Fresh Hope
Most Dedicated International Mental Health Peer Support Organization 2022
OMAHA, Neb., October 13, 2022 — In the announcement of the 2022 Global Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Awards, faith-based organization Fresh Hope for Mental Health was presented with the esteemed award of “Most Dedicated International Mental Health Peer Support Organization 2022.”
Consistent with this distingui ..read more
Fresh Hope Blog
1y ago
God’s Eternal Principles – Part 1
Asking the “Why?” question seems to come as naturally to us as breathing. I may be wrong in this assumption, but I don’t really think so! Is it possible that no widow has ever asked this question of God? I’m quite sure I have, and I’m fairly certain that you have too.
Have you ever really listened to a small child who is just beginning to talk enough to ask questions! As they explore the big new world around them, the questions begin to flow one on top of the other. My children were two, three, and four so you can imagine the number of questions I answ ..read more
Fresh Hope Blog
1y ago
Principle #10: Unprocessed grief can lead to despair, causing me to believe I will never again experience joy in my life. Recognizing that grief will never be “gone”, I choose to seek God’s perspective and to refocus my energy on the future. I choose to embrace the loss and intentionally seek to discover my new purpose and calling, knowing that God has a plan to redeem my pain.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
I probably should begin this blog post by asking ..read more
Fresh Hope Blog
1y ago
Principle #9: Grief can cause debilitating loneliness. When I focus only on myself and my needs, I believe the lie that no one cares about me. Because focusing on others will help me process the grief, I choose to seek community, and to share my story with others, thereby helping them to grow and live well.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” – Hebrews 6:10
Have you thought much about the difference between loneliness and simply being alone? There is a significant difference! One impl ..read more
Fresh Hope Blog
1y ago
Principle #8: Grief has launched me into an unfamiliar world of finances, home maintenance, vehicles, and dozens of daily decisions. To help me negotiate this maze, I choose to identify resources and networks that can help me manage daily life.
“So, continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.” – I Thessalonians 5:11
I woke at 6:30 one morning to the intermittent screeching of my smoke detector. That in and of itself wouldn’t have been so bad, but who installs a smoke detector on a 10 ft. ceiling over a stairwell? Apparently, the b ..read more