Blessing LA By Having A Mental Health Conversation

“As We Dwell” is a multi-purpose collective workspace near the Arts District of Los Angeles. On a recent sunny Saturday afternoon the space played host to a multi-ethnic / multi-generational gathering of men and women who desire to see God bless the city. Events like these are the result of a collaborative relationship between Together LA and Revival LA.  Both of these organizations bear witness that there is a growing gospel-centered movement calling the Church to awaken to the unified impact God intended for it to have. 

The focus of this particular gathering was to have a Mental Health Conversation, honestly and compassionately addressing the issues of anxiety and depression. The topic couldn’t be more timely in light of the emotional wake left by the disruptive uncertainty of a global pandemic.

Those included in the program were as diverse as those who were in attendance.  Worship was led by John and Marina Stratton. John Stratton is a singer-songwriter and founder of Rivers Recording, a Los Angeles based music production studio with the stated goal of “releasing songs of hope and healing for the nations.”  Also performing was MJ aka "2 The Human", a rap artist who hopes his songs will help others move to wherever they need to be and serve as the soundtrack to their journey.

Providing insight and practical wisdom regarding anxiety and depression was Jaslyn Dixon, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the Gospel Care Director at Reality LA, and an Adjunct Professor for Talbot Seminary's Marriage and Family Therapist Program.  Through skillful and compassionate instruction, Ms. Dixon identified the core components of anxiety and depression, as well as providing practical suggestions for moving forward. She emphasized the hope filled truth that God is with us in the messiness and crazy storms of our lives, and that we are not alone.

“Community is the common denominator for any healing and health,” Dixon shared, “therefore sleep well, eat well, and connect well.”  She also gave three practical suggestions as we walk the journey of mental and emotional health.  1) Confession – be honest with yourself and others with the whole truth about areas of struggle.  2) Lament – give yourself the freedom to grieve losses, hurts and heartaches.  And 3) Community – ask yourself, “What haven’t I acknowledged or spoken out loud with others." 

Together LA and Revival LA share the desired goal of blessing Los Angeles by nurturing collaboration and unified partnerships that result in creating vital gospel-centered culture and communities. If the joyful spirit of collaboration on display at the “Mental Health Conversation” event is an indicator of future success, then Los Angeles has a hope filled future.

To see the full recording of A Mental Health Conversation, view it here.