Strategies for Defending Your Mind Against Self-Critical Thoughts

Being and Becoming - Dealing with Self-Criticism.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891/fan_mail/new] Episode Notes: Being and Becoming - Dealing with Self-Criticism. Welcome to the latest episode of The Renewed Mind.. 'The Renewed Mind is a Podcast that offers a Christian Spiritual approach to overcoming depression and anxiety and helps to maintain good mental health.  We are stepping into a reflective shift with this theme of "Being and Becoming." We’re moving past the mechanics of simply trying to jump-start our emotional engines in a balanced way, and we are looking at the deeper identity crisis that happens when depression locks us in a room and appears to throw away the key. For a full list of references used in the production of this episode. Visit the Patreon version of this post. To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at: Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891/support] Follow and support me on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/JeremyMcCandless] To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at: Jeremy McCandless | Substack [https://substack.com/@jeremymccandless?] Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906 To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit: Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeremy-R-Mccandless/author/B0BZ9FZSDQ?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=6a807f3a-7997-40bd-b931-b3cdab597317]

Why Your "Mustabation" is Keeping You Stuck.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891/fan_mail/new] Self- Motivation - Why Your "Mustabation" is Keeping You Stuck. Welcome back to The Renewed Mind. I’m your host, Jeremy McCandless. We’ve spent the last few episodes rebuilding the foundation of your worth, but today we’re going to talk about the 'engine.' If you’re struggling with depression, you probably feel like you’re walking through waist-deep molasses. Every task, from answering an email to simply getting out of bed, feels like trying to summit Mount Everest in flip-flops. And usually, when we can’t move, we do the only thing we think will work we start whipping ourselves with ‘Musts and 'Shoulds’. Today, we’re going to look at why your system for self-motivation might actually be the thing keeping you stuck. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891/support] Follow and support me on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/JeremyMcCandless] To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at: Jeremy McCandless | Substack [https://substack.com/@jeremymccandless?] Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906 To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit: Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeremy-R-Mccandless/author/B0BZ9FZSDQ?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=6a807f3a-7997-40bd-b931-b3cdab597317]

Strategies for Defending Your Mind Against Self-Critical Thoughts

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891/fan_mail/new] 'THE RENEWED PODCAST' OFFERS A CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL APPROACH TO OVERCOMING DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AND TO MAINTAINING GOOD MENTAL HEALTH.  To buy the book that inspired this Podcast. (Paperback, Kindle, and Audible Audio Book: Visit. Amazon.co.uk: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update [https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Jeremy-R-Mccandless/author/B0BZ9FZSDQ?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1767369624&sr=1-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true] Episode Notes: The Call to Action from this episode is; 1: Get a Tactical Tracker:   2: Apply the Scriptural Defense:   3: Make a  Label Swap:   Change the negative accusation by applying these actions from tomorrow. References:  Scriptural References:  1 John 2:1 | The Paraclete | Christ as our legal Advocate (Defense Attorney) before the Father. Romans 8:1 | No Condemnation | The dismissal of all charges for those who are in Christ Jesus. Psalm 139:14 | Inherent Worth | The biological and spiritual fact of being "fearfully and wonderfully made." Romans 12:2 | Mental Renewal | The process of "re-wiring" the brain through the transformation of thought. Ephesians 4:29 | Internal Speech | Applying the rule against "unwholesome talk" to our internal dialogue. Galatians 3:28 | Primary Identity | Our status in Christ superseding earthly labels (Parent, Employee, etc.). Jeremiah 31:3 | Eternal Love | Evidence to counter the charge of being "unlovable." Philippians 1:6 | Work in Progress | Assurance that God is the one responsible for completing our growth. John 8:44 | The Source of Lies | Identifying the "Father of Lies" as the prosecutor behind self-criticism.  Theological & Literary Insights.  C.S. Lewis: "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." (Used as the closing anthem of hope). ·C.S. Lewis: "No amount of falls will really undo us if we keep on picking ourselves up." (Used to dismantle the "finality" of failure). ·Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "God does not love a person because they are good, but because He is good." (From Letters and Papers from Prison, used to shift focus from our performance to His character). ·Charles Spurgeon: The concept of the "Black Cloud" yielding to a "deluge of mercy" (Refining the purpose behind the struggle) Psychological.  Dr. David Braff & Dr. Aaron Beck: Research on "Logic Glitches" in depression. (Evidence that self-criticism is a result of impaired abstract reasoning/cognitive distortions rather than objective truth). Karen Horney: "The Tyranny of the Shoulds." (The psychological concept that perfectionistic "should" statements act as an internal dictator). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): The Three-Step Audit (Catch it, Check it, Change it) and the use of Frequency Tracking (Wrist Counters) to reduce intrusive negative thoughts. Global Labelling: The cognitive distortion of taking a specific event (a mistake) and turning it into a global identity (a "bad" person). ·Emotional Reasoning: The mental error of believing that because we feel a certain way (e.g., worthless), it must be an objective fact.  A Final Thought:  As you look over these references, remember that they aren't just ink on a page—they are the formal "brief" for your freedom. The next time the inner critic tries to reopen your case, point him to this list. The trial is over. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891/support] Follow and support me on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/JeremyMcCandless] To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at: Jeremy McCandless | Substack [https://substack.com/@jeremymccandless?] Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906 To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit: Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeremy-R-Mccandless/author/B0BZ9FZSDQ?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=6a807f3a-7997-40bd-b931-b3cdab597317]

The True Architecture of Self-Esteem

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891/fan_mail/new] Episode Notes: The True Architecture of Self-Esteem. Depression is a thief, and the first thing it steals is your sense of worth. It doesn’t just make you feel sad; it makes you feel wrong. It convinces you that you are lacking in every department—that you aren't smart enough, attractive enough, or strong enough. Today, we’re going to look at why we sometimes become our own worst critics and how we can start to rebuild a foundation that actually holds weight. Sources & References  To help you dive deeper into the research and theology discussed in this episode, I have provided this list of sources and resources used in the preparation of this episode.  Psychological Research.  Beck, Aaron T., et al. (1979). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. New York: Guilford Press. (Foundational research on the 80% self-dislike statistic).  Braff, David L., & Beck, Aaron T. Research on distorted thinking in depressed individuals. (Clinical studies regarding the interpretation of proverbs and abstract logic in depressive states).  Freud, Sigmund. (1917). Mourning and Melancholia. (The classic psychoanalytic treatise on the nature of depression and self-criticism).  Seligman, Martin E.P. (2006). Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life. (Research regarding agency and cognitive shifts).  Theological & Literary Works  Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Letters and Papers from Prison. (Insights on identity, failure, and the redemptive nature of grace).  Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity and The Weight of Glory. (Reflections on human dignity and the distinction between being and doing).  Nouwen, Henri. Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World. (Discussion on the 'three lies' of identity).  Spurgeon, Charles H. The Autobiography of Charles Spurgeon. (Reflections on the 'Black Dog' and the 'deluge of mercy').  Scriptural Foundations.  Psalm 139:14: The inherent value of being 'fearfully and wonderfully made.'  1 John 3:1: The 'lavish love' that defines our identity as children of God.  Romans 5:8: Value independent of performance ('while we were still sinners').  Galatians 3:26: Our anchored identity in Christ. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891/support] Follow and support me on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/JeremyMcCandless] To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at: Jeremy McCandless | Substack [https://substack.com/@jeremymccandless?] Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906 To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit: Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeremy-R-Mccandless/author/B0BZ9FZSDQ?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=6a807f3a-7997-40bd-b931-b3cdab597317]

Understanding and Measuring Your Mood.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891/fan_mail/new] Please remember, listening to a podcast is never a substitute for urgent care. There is no shame in needing immediate support. Reaching out is an act of courage — not failure. Today’s episode is a little different. Rather than simply listening to teaching or reflection, I’m going to invite you into something more personal — a guided, gentle self-assessment of your current mood. Scripture encourages us, in 2 Corinthians 13:5, to “examine ourselves.” Not in a harsh or condemning way — but in an honest, sober, hopeful way. Throughout the Psalms, we see David praying, “Search me, O God… and lead me in the way everlasting.” Self-examination, reflection, when done in the presence of grace, is not morbid introspection — it is the doorway to renewal. In my book The Renewed Mind, I adapted a well-known tool originally developed in 1984 by Dr. David Burns of Stanford University and based upon ideas first put forward by Dr. Aaron Beck a decade earlier. The Burns Depression Checklist is a simple and clinically respected questionnaire used worldwide to assess depressive symptoms. Today, I guide people through a version of that checklist in audio form. The Renewed Mind Depression Check For each statement, rate how much it has been true for you over the past few days. Use this scale: 0 – Not at all 1 – Slightly 2 – Moderately 3 – A lot 4 – Extremely  Try to answer honestly and quickly. Don’t overthink. Your first instinct is usually the most accurate. Record and carefully add up all 25 scores, your total score will fall somewhere between 0 and 100. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891/support] Follow and support me on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/JeremyMcCandless] To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at: Jeremy McCandless | Substack [https://substack.com/@jeremymccandless?] Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906 To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit: Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeremy-R-Mccandless/author/B0BZ9FZSDQ?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=6a807f3a-7997-40bd-b931-b3cdab597317]