Mental Health & Faith: A Closer Look

78. Part 2 – Road to Recovery with Brian Mathrusse

PART 2 – BRIAN’S STORY CONTINUES In part two of this two part series, Brian Mathrusse shares how our creator God gave him assurance that there is hope and recovery is possible. This required turning away from the unhealthy habits Brian had lived with for many years, and making the decision to work through his addiction and mental health issues. Brian’s story reminds us that substance abuse and mental illness do not discriminate. Even individuals who come from well-respected families and enjoy educational success can find themselves making decisions that are not easily overcome. This episode includes encouragement for anyone wanting to improve their mental health and well-being. Brian Mathrusse can be reached at bmathrusse@gmail.com. MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH. For greater understanding of mental health, check out the following resources. SAMHSA [https://www.samhsa.gov] – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration NAMI [https://www.nami.org/] – National Alliance on Mental Illness MHA [https://mhanational.org/] – Mental Health America  NEED HELP? Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org [http://www.988lifeline.org]  JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program. CONTACT AND CONNECT WITH CAROLINE Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith! FOLLOW CAROLINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/ [https://www.carolinescooper.com/] YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith [https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith] Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/ [https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/] Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper [https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper] Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/ [https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/] Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/ [https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/] LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/] Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1758550593&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=77eb4edc-2abf-4e38-a7da-01b1938c87db]

77. Journey to Recovery with Brian Mathrusse (Part 1)

PART 1 – BRIAN’S STORY BEGINS In part one of a two part series, Brian Mathrusse begins his story of substance use and mental health challenges that, in part, were influenced by situations that occurred in his growing up years. Brian’s story reminds us that substance abuse and mental illness do not discriminate. Even individuals who come from well-respected families and enjoy educational success can find themselves making decisions that are not easily overcome. Part two will continue from where this episode ends and includes specific strategies and encouragement for anyone to improve their mental health and well-being. Brian Mathrusse can be reached at bmathrusse@gmail.com. MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH. For greater understanding of mental health, check out the following resources. SAMHSA [https://www.samhsa.gov] – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration NAMI [https://www.nami.org/] – National Alliance on Mental Illness MHA [https://mhanational.org/] – Mental Health America  NEED HELP? Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org [http://www.988lifeline.org]  JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program. CONTACT AND CONNECT WITH CAROLINE Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith! FOLLOW CAROLINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/ [https://www.carolinescooper.com/] YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith [https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith] Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/ [https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/] Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper [https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper] Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/ [https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/] Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/ [https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/] LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/] Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1758550593&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=77eb4edc-2abf-4e38-a7da-01b1938c87db]

76. Empowered to Fight Anxiety with Deb and Annie

EMPOWER THE WARRIOR WITHIN This episode features an interview with the authors of  Empower the Warrior Within: Using God’s Word to Win the War. Debra Schwietert and Annie Bifulco had a providential meeting through their mutual therapist’s anxiety group. The original author, Rex Briggs, MSW, developed the secular anxiety program many years ago. The principles in his program are also found in the Bible. Before retiring, Rex recruited Annie and Debra to create a Christ-centered program using his original materials. The resulting book and accompanying field journal are available on Amazon. Link to Empower the Warrior Within (Amazon) [https://www.amazon.com/Empower-Warrior-Within-Using-Anxiety/dp/B0BVT3JVGL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YU9T3KRBEJN7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QgVonT7z2eGXfrDAwoWLBv2DuXLTSCJpo11y69bYhBKiHd1jB30Y8cfpdX4VWUBpX4uSt6NIuHBqzNvIsUc3jZ7qYVD1uKYyM8ShJy2WStxkWTpZdByG1InoL6WAT4jTnWTTPVJUVb_5AQ_BpLEsnx0IwwhJ9u3m5YEhjyruxYHCC0DvmU7Z5EnxIXgHcIDHlPNda7toA38qa3Xy-laWrThcGgn8OZlvqXYS9bosESI.oU0ZWVYeWsYSEDLTlTrPkwGy0ueyoJYG-wRCicAVByg&dib_tag=se&keywords=empower+the+warrior+within&qid=1778552761&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C139&sr=1-1] Link to Empower the Warrior Within Field Journal (Amazon) [https://www.amazon.com/Field-Journal-Accompaniment-Empower-Warrior/dp/B0BVT7HHYV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13A8AMXU8A6M8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1fNO09O4oxFt7HIlmsTPFBHZ64g44OeGbRk4BXA8cPh0EUZjlMySpWQcAJXuPpRed3flep1d3aKiMA8eycrRkb2MbvTmVyOqoBSQ7HIKi73ziD1zkiJSSt1k9lgwMdecIajKSDyedj0dPldAmNqPAF7ROGMW3Qli1nFkVMrL9Kax5OgAh29fCW_fNX5HyhlQ9dL0ZxF4Hutw2MqeyZwm7o3WzssG_ALXN9lZh2YlMiM.TK3zNyUUtOdScsUFUB2T6oii_fEGVm3dhQwT1wjyHPo&dib_tag=se&keywords=empower+the+warrior+within+field+journal&qid=1778552849&s=books&sprefix=empower+the+warrior+within+field+journal%2Cstripbooks%2C142&sr=1-1] DEBRA SCHWIETERT Dr. Debra Schwietert is a co-author of Empowering the Warrior Within: Using the Word to Win the War on Anxiety, written along with Annette Bifulco. Deb has experienced and recovered from anxiety and depression. This journey is how she met Annie and took up the task to update and re-write the manual of Rex Briggs, who authored Transforming Anxiety and Shame (1999) & From Anxiety to Empowerment (2016). Deb graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (2008), Reading Specialist (2013), Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Technology (2002), and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (1997). Dr. Schwietert resides in Colorado, where she lives with her English Springer Spaniel. Deb is also a mother to two adult children and two grandchildren. Her life is a testimony of Romans 8:28, God truly makes all things work together for good. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WarriorWithinMinistries [https://www.facebook.com/WarriorWithinMinistries] ANNIE BIFULCO Annie Bifulco spent years working to overcome crippling anxiety through intensive individual, group, and advanced group therapy with Rex Briggs, MSW, and other counselors. After working alongside Rex for almost a decade, he approached her about rewriting the program he had used for 40 years in clinical practice, for more tailored use in the Church. As he prepared to retire from his life’s work, Annie agreed to pursue this calling, partnering with Dr. Debra Schwietert, an expert in curriculum and a fellow program graduate. Annie has served in various ministry roles for over 25 years. Together, Annie and her husband (Coy) have over two decades of combined experience in the fields of mental health and residential treatment. She has given thousands of hours to reading, researching, working, and receiving multiple trainings and certificates in the fields of coaching, psychology, neuropsychology, and theology. Annie and her husband, Coy, live in Rapid City, SD. Together, they have four children. NEED HELP? Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org [http://www.988lifeline.org]  JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program. CONTACT AND CONNECT WITH CAROLINE Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith! FOLLOW CAROLINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/ [https://www.carolinescooper.com/] YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith [https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith] Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/ [https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/] Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper [https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper] Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/ [https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/] Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/ [https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/] LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/] Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1758550593&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=77eb4edc-2abf-4e38-a7da-01b1938c87db]

75. Disabilities & Mental Health in the Church.

Based on personal experience and with information provided at the Disability and the Church Conference, hosted by Key Ministry, Caroline S. Cooper encourages churches to explore establishing disability and mental health ministries. PLEASE POST OR SEND ME COMMENTS! We are in this together, and Caroline would love to receive your comments on how the church is doing to provide for the needs of the disability community and individuals experiencing mental health challenges. For more information about Key Ministry, please visit their website. www.keyministry.org. [http://www.keyministry.org] Contact Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com [caroline@carolinescooper.com] or visit her website. www.carolinescooper.com [http://www.carolinescooper.com]. IF YOU ARE IN A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS Please call or text 988. Or, visit their website to chat with a trained operator. www.988lifeline.org [http://www.988lifeline.org].

74. Pain in the Presence of God

PAINFUL PANCREATITIS On March 12, 2026, I had a sudden onset of pancreatitis. This condition produced excruciating pain, greater than any other pain I’ve experienced. While I at first felt abandoned by the Lord, I knew his promise to never leave me nor forsake me. About halfway through my 6-day hospital stay, I began to experience the comfort of God as he presented four important lessons I could learn to help me persevere. In this podcast, I share my story and present the four ways God taught me to deal with pain. These lessons can be applied to physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational pain. I pray that God will use the lessons he taught me to draw you closer into his presence and prepare to face any pain that comes into your life. Caroline Cooper NEED HELP? Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org [http://www.988lifeline.org]  JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program. CONTACT AND CONNECT WITH CAROLINE Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith! FOLLOW CAROLINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/ [https://www.carolinescooper.com/] YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith [https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith] Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/ [https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/] Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper [https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper] Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/ [https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/] Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/ [https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/] LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/] Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1758550593&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=77eb4edc-2abf-4e38-a7da-01b1938c87db]