What it is, and what it looks like in stressful circumstances
Who am I, who are you, what are we doing here together?Dr Jonathan Andrews MAPS. Clinical Psychologist.
Work at Christian Wholeness in Upper Mt Gravatt, where I treat people for depression, anxiety and stress.
A husband of but one wife, a father, a friend, a follower of Jesus.
Who are you? You are concerned either for yourself or someone you know.
What are we doing here together? “What is a good way for a Christian to respond to stress and anxiety?”Keep your heart in mind: Control, direction, connection.
Stressed out
Big Brother and Big expectationsWhat is the good thing about having a big
brother?What might be the tough thing about having
a big brother?If the big brother has reasonable expectations
does this make the situation better or worse?If the big brother has ‘extravagant
expectations’, does this make the situation better or worse?
Extravagant ExpectationsDaniel Boorstin (1961). The Image…. We
have extravagant expectations of lifeJono Andrews (2012). We have extravagant
expectations of each other. Expectations that go “beyond the limits of reason or moderation”. PhysicalMentalHeart related
Stress and the impact on the whole person
Heart – “Leb” or “Lebab”Losing that relationship…broke my heartLosing that job….broke my heartHeart: Motivation, direction, value.
The Quadrants
Check your position!
I know something you don’t know
Check your position!• While still a long
way off…• The Father saw him
and was filled with compassion….
• He ran to him, threw his arms around….
• QUICK – Celebrate!• His Child
An answer to longing
You were not the same after that
So what?Lev Vygotsky “An interpersonal process
becomes an intrapersonal one”You have intrinsic value, and your value is born
out of your treatment. Christ died for you. Self esteem protects you from stress and helps
you habituate (Jens Prisner McGill University)Status independent of achievement leads us to
take more risks
Engage
Your Heart in MindControl
Boundaries with others: ClarityAchievable goals from realistic expectations
DirectionSeparationRole: obey or honour or both
Value and Connection: Horizontally and vertically developing and maintaining safe attachments.