People Pleasing & Developing Your Own Inner Compass: Thoughts on Depression, Mental Health & the Church, and Finding Hope in Dark Places
Episode Notes
Were you subtly conditioned to please others at the expense of yourself? I loved talking with my friend, Dr. Monique Gadson, on today's episode of the podcast. We met through an IG Live prayer session! She's since become the best sort of real-life friend-someone whose wisdom, empathy, and realness breathes life into weary souls.
If you've struggled with depression or felt overlooked-even as you constantly show up for others-please lean in close. Dr. Monique is candid about her own journey through depression and how she lost herself in all the voices around her. In a powerful turn of events, Monique began to bring mental health directly to the center of the church, where she's practiced as a counselor for decades.
We cover so much in today's episode, including:
1. A key moment from childhood when she learned to please others
2. Monique's experience as a PK3. The burden of always attuning to others when you're disconnected from your own self4. Monique's early experience with depression and how she got help5. Practical tips if you struggle with feeling "joy" at the holidays6. Finding your own way as a parent amidst all of the voices
7. Monique's call to bring mental health *into* the church
8. Jesus and people pleasing9. The power of friendship to bring hope in dark placesCheck out Dr. Monique's new book with Clarence Shuler, Finding Hope in A Dark Place: Facing Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety with the Power of Grace
Connect with Dr. Monique at drmoniquesmithgadson.com or on Instagram @drmoniquesmithgadson
If you are struggling with depression, find resources for support on my website.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Organifi -Go to www.organifi.com/bestofyou and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today!
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp -Go to www.betterhelp.com/bestofyou and use code BESTOFYOU for 10% off your first month!
Download Abide Sleep and Pray Meditation and text my promo code BESTOFYOU to 22433 today to get 25% off!
Music by Andy Luiten
Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik
While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.
[tboy_podcast_player]
Resources
- Finding Hope in A Dark Place: Facing Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety with the Power of Grace, by Clarence Shuler and Dr. Monique Gadson
- Learn more about The Cocktail of Codependency, Freeze/Fawn Response, and Spiritual Bypassing in The Best of You, by Dr. Alison Cook
- To learn more about Unburdening and the Internal Family Systems model, check out my book with Kimberly Miller, Boundaries for Your Soul
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Scriptures referenced:
- Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
- Ephesians 5:27 "and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."
- Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
- Mark 12:31 "The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these."
- Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
View TranscriptExpand [tboy_episode_transcript_text]