Overcoming Mindset Struggles with Brooke Tilghman

Raising Mentally Healthy Kids with Michelle Nietert

In the last two episodes, I’ve been joined by Todd and Brooke Tilghman who have shared about their journey with their son who has battled with depression and anxiety, but this episode is a bit different. In this conversation, Brooke gets candid about her mental health struggles with post-partum depression and anxiety, as well as the tension she’s felt as a Christian who has found medication effective in treating her symptoms. She also offers hope to struggling parents that the situation is temporary and you don’t have to be driven by your feelings or fear.

Key points from our conversation:

✨ It might feel as though things will never change, but that’s a lie. It requires intentionality, but we can have hope through bad feelings.

💜 Your diagnosis is not your destiny, it’s a snapshot of your life. We’re bigger than our worst moments. The struggle doesn’t change who you are as a person.

💊 It’s difficult to experience God when you’re depressed. Taking medication helped balance Brooke neurochemically so she could fight spiritually.

👎 You may not recognize when you’re stepping into depression. Be on the lookout for feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.

🧠 People want to feel a certain way, but you have to learn how to think a different way and that takes time. Give yourself grace. Just because you don’t feel happy doesn’t mean you’re not doing the work.

🤝Accept feelings and stop judging them. Don’t let them drive.

✝️ Learn to recognize when symptoms are coming and use the tools you have. Remember that the worst-case scenario is getting depressed again, but the Lord brought you out last time and He can bring you out again. Don’t let fear drive you.

Resources mentioned:

Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life

Connect with Brooke: Instagram | Facebook