Hungry for Hope: A Conversation with Sarah Brock Iverson on Mental Health

In this episode of the 787 Collective Podcast, Rev. Phil Dieke engages with Sarah Iverson, a physician assistant and co-author of the chapter 'Health and Wholeness: Trauma, Anxiety, and Our Call to Mental Health' from the book 'Hungry for Hope.' They discuss the intersection of mental health and spirituality, the importance of community, and the role of the church in addressing mental health issues. Sarah shares her personal experiences with anxiety, the significance of medication, and holistic approaches to mental well-being. The conversation also touches on trauma, the institutional responses to mental health, and the hopes for the church and young adults in navigating these challenges together. Links from this episode:Hungry for Hope: Letters to the Church from Young AdultsRiverside Innovation Hub at Augsburg UniversityEdina Community Lutheran ChurchIf you are experiencing a mental health crisis dial 988Chapters00:00 Introduction to Health and Wholeness02:30 Connecting Health and Ministry04:34 The Riverside Innovation Hub Experience06:39 Gratitude and Community in the Church09:50 Writing the Chapter on Mental Health12:08 Understanding Anxiety in the Church15:21 The Ecosystem of Mental Health19:55 Medication and Holistic Approaches20:39 Spiritual Practices for Mental Health24:48 The Lens of Gratitude and Meaning Making25:53 Understanding Mental Health and Spirituality26:32 Trauma's Impact on Mental Health29:00 Institutional Responses to Mental Health31:11 Creating Resilient Communities35:38 Hopes for the Church and Young Adults42:41 Finding Beauty and Connection in Everyday Life