Ep9 - How One Journey With Mental Illness Sparked Anxious Faith

What’s the story behind Anxious Faith? We’re so glad you asked.

This episode, things are looking a little different. We’re hearing from James today not as our podcast host, but as our interviewee; listening as he shares about his family’s journey through mental health struggles and how they led to starting Anxious Faith.

Several years ago, James was struggling–really struggling. His wife, who suffers from a lifelong anxiety disorder, was also experiencing perinatal anxiety and depression as a result of her pregnancy. Not only was James caring for her, but also their young son–all while facing opposition from his boss who wouldn’t allow flexible work arrangements. James was exhausted, strung out, and barely coping. 

Amidst it all, church friends who’d been there for him and his family announced they could no longer offer practical help; from their perspective, it was time for James and his wife to ‘do it on their own’. In what his friends thought was an act of tough love, James saw the truth: his friends just couldn’t grasp the reality of what living with a mental illness is like. 

From that time on, James grew passionate about helping people understand the nature and complexities of mental health, especially within the church. He didn’t want anyone else to feel alone in their journey, as he had; and that’s where the idea for Anxious Faith was born.

Through his story, James shares how God has never abandoned him, no matter what struggles he and his family have faced. His story reminds us of the wonderful truth that God is always with us, whether we realise it or not. 

But James’ story also teaches us something else: God is big enough to take our questions about suffering and mental illness. And in fact, God isn’t only big enough to take them; He’s kind enough to invite them, too. 

If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the midst of what you’re going through, James’ story is for you. And out of his story, God has built something beautiful: this community that we now call Anxious Faith.

James has also written a blog post based on this episode called ‘When Your Friends Don’t Get It: The Story Behind Anxious Faith’.