In this week’s episode of I’ll Start, Adam shares his honest story of anxiety, depression, loss, and the pressure to “hold it together” when life comes apart. What began as childhood fear became a quiet companion in adulthood, and a miscarriage brought every unspoken worry to the surface. As a pastor, Adam felt the weight of being strong for everyone else while silently unraveling inside.

After his story, Heather unpacks how fear and grief live in the body—and why naming our experience is a crucial step toward relief. Morgan reflects on the “why, God?” moments of faith and reminds us that God meets us in our honesty, not in our performance.

Key Takeaways

• Childhood fear often resurfaces in adulthood when life hits hard • Grief that goes unspoken can turn into anxiety, shame, or withdrawal • Naming your experience is a powerful first step toward healing • Anger, confusion, and “why” questions do not disqualify your faith

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going!

Follow @illstartpodcast on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes moments, listener reflections, and episode updates.

Together, we share, listen, and connect.

X: @illstartpodcast Instagram: @illstartpodcast Facebook: I’ll Start Tag us and share your thoughts using #IllStartPodcast

One of the most difficult parts of mental health struggle is feeling alone. Shame, fear, and stigma keep us isolated and reinforce the belief I am the only one who struggles with mental health. When someone shares their struggle with us, suddenly we have hope. Even when pain is present, there is something so healing about being in community. How do we build a community in the middle of our struggle?

Someone needs to start the conversation.

Most of the time we are hoping someone else will be the one to do it. What if we stopped waiting on others and told our story. What if we said, “I’ll start.” “I’ll Start” is a podcast where individuals bravely share their stories, listen with compassion, and connect through their faith and mental health experiences.

Each episode of “I’ll Start” highlights a personal story of mental health challenge, endurance, and hope. At the end of each episode, you will receive mental health tools and theological truth from our Co-hosts, Morgan Arseneau and Heather Kaloupek.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 9-8-8 to speak to a professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are not alone.