Camishe Nunley, LMHC | "Health & Wellness In Focus" Episode #15 - "Mental Health For the Holidays" - Audio

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Episode #15 of "Health & Wellness In Focus" program and podcast for Tuesday, November 26 TOPIC: "Mental Health for the Holidays" Produced by Bryan Hudson, D.Min. New Covenant Church Vision Communications www.newcovenant.org www.visionmediaexperts.com Our special guest is Camishe Nunley LMHC, founder of Healing Your Hidden Hurts. www.healingyourhiddenhurts.com www.facebook.com/HealingYourHiddenHurts Summary of Conversation with Camishe Nunley by Bryan Hudson Episode #15 of Health and Wellness in Focus focuses on mental health during the holiday season, hosted by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. and featuring Camishe Nunley LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor. Nunley shares her expertise on navigating emotional challenges and fostering mental health through a combination of psychological expertise and faith. Key Highlights 1. Guest Introduction and Background: a. Camishe Nunley has dedicated her career to promoting mental health, empowerment, and emotional wholeness within the church community. b. Her journey was shaped by personal experiences with family mental health challenges, leading her to integrate spiritual concepts into psychological practices. c. She is currently pursuing a doctorate to deepen her impact in the field. 2. Mental Health Challenges During the Holidays: a. Common struggles include loneliness, grief, financial stress, and unrealistic expectations. b. Nunley emphasizes the importance of practicing "radical honesty," acknowledging emotions without guilt, and addressing them with grace. 3. Faith and Mental Health Integration: a. Nunley integrates spirituality with mental health practices through a method called Dialogical Hermeneutics, helping clients find meaning and healing. b. She encourages faith communities to embrace psychological expertise alongside spiritual practices for holistic well-being. 4. Practical Advice for the Holidays: a. Acknowledge emotions: Create space for grief or sadness while celebrating the memory and legacy of lost loved ones. b. Focus on connection: Foster meaningful relationships by being present, listening compassionately, and avoiding judgment. c. Gratitude and perspective: Shift focus from what’s lacking to what remains, balancing joy with struggles. 5. Encouragement for Mental Health Professionals: a. Nunley calls for more mental health professionals, particularly from underrepresented communities, to address growing needs. 6. Support for Pastors and Caregivers: a. Pastors and caregivers must prioritize their own mental health through transparency, spiritual intimacy, and professional support. b. The First Shepherd Pastoral Mental Health Task Force provides resources for pastors to maintain their well-being. 7. Encouragement to Seek Help: a. Nunley advises against merely “pushing through” challenges, advocating instead for seeking assistance, building resilience, and trusting God’s transformative work during difficult times. Closing Thoughts The conversation emphasizes the importance of mental health as an ongoing journey, particularly during emotionally charged seasons like the holidays. Listeners are encouraged to embrace both faith and expertise in addressing mental health challenges while fostering gratitude, connection, and resilience. Pastor Hudson expresses gratitude for Nunley’s contributions and highlights available resources for further support.