It may be the 21^st century and we may have come a long way with so many issues, but there remains a lot of stigma around the issue of mental illness.  Stigma keeps mental health chained by fear, the fear of others finding out.  And for those of us who have a mental health challenge we are not exempt from this stigma even within ourselves. 

In this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health Jason Petersen (www.JasonPetersen.com) and host, Pastor Brad Hoefs discuss issues such as overcoming the internal-stigma that those of us who have a diagnosis find within ourselves about our mental health challenges.… Read More

In this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, Pastor Brad interviews Jason Petersen an avid video blogger who has bipolar disorder and blogs about it.  Jason talks about how he began to tell his story of recovery from bipolar disorder through blogging which was healing for him and gave him a sense of freedom.  Truth is, that every time you share your story with someone, it empowers both you and the one hearing it!

You’ll hear many insights than just the power of telling your story as Brad and Jason talk together.  Jason is an Christian son, husband and father.… Read More

Many times the holiday season brings with it a lot of additional stress to an already stress-filled daily life. In this episode of Fresh Hope Today Pastor Brad talks about how to enjoy the holiday season inspire of having a mental health diagnosis or mental illness.  

Several years ago Brad decided to not just survive the holidays but, he determined he was going to start enjoying them instead of just trying to endure them without a bipolar episode.  Prior to being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Christmas time was always a time of escalation of mood with a period of depression through the rest of winter.… Read More

This is a MUST listen to interview!

He is a business owner, husband and daddy and living a very full and rich life in spite of having bipolar disorder, ADHD and anxiety!  Jason gives so many insights into how to live a full and rich life in spite of having a mental health issue.

Jason also shares insights as to how faith plays a role in one’s recovery.  He focuses on understanding that ontop of any mental health issues, everyone’s mind is a battlfiled and how to win the battle for your mind.

You won’t want to miss this interview!

Pastor Brad Hoefs, host of Fresh Hope Today, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones.… Read More

It is estimated that nearly 70% of the homeless population in the United States have a mental health issue.  Troy’s story is one of hope in spite of the fact that he has both a mental health diagnosis and addictions which lead to his homelessness.  You’ll be surprised at how hopefilled Troy is even though he found himself homeless! 

This edition of Fresh Hope Today is called, Troy’s Story!  Troy is part of a pilate Fresh Hope group that Pastor Brad is leading at the Open Door Mission, a Christian mission for those have become homeless. 

This is a powerful interview you won’t want to miss!… Read More

If you are a parent who is hoping and praying for your young adult to come to a point of wellness in spite of a mental health issue and various addictions, then this podcast is for you!  And if you are someone who is struggling with a co-occuring diagnosis, this podcast is filled with hope just for you!  

Alycia’s story is quite compelling and definitely a story of hope! Suffering from bipolar disorder and an alcohol and drug addiction Alycia has come a long ways to today and living well in spite of the challenges.  Hear her story on the edition of Fresh Hope Today- empowering people to live well in spite of a mental health challenge from a Christian Mental Health perspective.… Read More

In this edition of Fresh Hope Today, Pastor Brad interviews a husband and wife who both have bipolar disorder.   Not only do John and Ellen have bipolar, but three of their daughters also have bipolar!  Imagine the drama that would be created in the household.  Well, Ellen and John don’t have to imagine; they can tell you what it’s like.  While it might sound more like a potential reality TV show, it is very real life for them.  While they have had their challenges along the way, interestingly enough, they have come to a place of real healing and recovery and have a good relationship with their children.… Read More

Overcoming Schizpohrenia- really?  Well, for Randy, yes!  This is his story of hope.

Often the diagnosis of schizophrenia can be so devastating and most difficult to manage;  in this edition of Fresh Hope Today Randy share’s his journey which has led to living a full and rich life in spite of having schizophrenia.  This is truly a story of HOPE and encouragement!

Pastor Brad Hoefs, host of Fresh Hope Today, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group.… Read More

Sarah is a wife, mommy and has bipolar disorder; finding a place of sustained recovery was extremely important. And Sarah journey has led her to a place of sustained recovery (she got off of the bipolar roller coaster).  She has bipolar II and was initially diagnosed with depression; as bipolar II disorder is many times missed by care providers. 

Sarah’s story reminds us that it is important if you have been diagnosed with depression and you continue to struggle with depression even after being treated for it; you might want to ask your caregiver about the possibility of bipolar II disorder.… Read More

Depression, when not treated, can easily  take you to depths of despair and hopelessness that you never even knew existed.  Cindy certainly knows this all too well in her journey to wholeness and hope.  She shares with Pastor Brad her journey.  

Even in the midst of her deepest moments of hopelessness Cindy would cry out to the Lord minute by minute.… Read More