Anxiety feels like the enemy. But what if it’s actually a messenger trying to get your attention?

Episode Summary:
In this first official episode of Mental Health Monday, Luke explores a new way to understand anxiety. Rather than seeing it as weakness or failure, anxiety can be understood as part of the brain’s protective design. You’ll learn how anxiety functions as an alarm system, how your brain can change the way it responds, and why experiencing anxiety is a normal part of being human. This episode offers practical insight, hope, and a more compassionate way to relate to anxious thoughts and feelings.

Verse Anchor:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
— Philippians 4:6

In this episode, we explore:
• Anxiety as the brain’s built-in alarm system
• The role of the amygdala in detecting threat
• Why anxiety doesn’t mean you’re weak or broken
• How the prefrontal cortex helps regulate anxious responses
• The brain’s ability to grow, adapt, and form new patterns
• Why anxiety is a normal human experience, including for people of faith

Big Idea:
God designed our brains to feel anxiety — and to learn how to navigate it.

Key Takeaways:
• Anxiety is information, not the enemy
• Understanding anxiety reduces shame
• You are not stuck with anxious reactions
• The goal is wisdom, not anxiety-free living

Reflection Exercise:
Name one worry you have today.
Now name one small thing you can control.

Small steps matter.

Closing Encouragement:
Anxiety isn’t the enemy. When you understand it, you can work with your brain instead of fighting it.

Connect:
Website: lukemerrill.me

New episodes every Monday.

Mental health isn’t a trend. It’s part of being human. And faith has something meaningful to say about it.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Mental Health Monday, Luke explores why the conversation around mental health and faith matters more than ever. Mental health is not separate from our humanity or our spirituality. It includes our emotions, stress, trauma, personality, and the way we’re wired. Faith doesn’t erase struggle, but it can reframe it, give it meaning, and offer support along the way. When faith and mental health work together, healing becomes more holistic and growth becomes sustainable.

In this episode, we explore:
• Mental health as a core part of being human
• How emotions, stress, trauma, and personality shape our inner world
• Why faith doesn’t remove struggle, but helps us understand it
• What happens when faith and mental health work together
• How this integration reduces shame and supports long-term growth

Why this conversation matters:
When faith and mental health are seen as partners rather than opponents, healing becomes holistic, shame loses its power, and growth becomes more sustainable.

Reflection Question:
Where have you noticed a connection between your faith and your mental health?

Closing Encouragement:
God cares deeply about your inner world. Seeking help, support, or growth is not a lack of faith.

Close:
Thanks for listening to Mental Health Monday — helping you step into your week with confidence.

Connect:
Website: lukemerrill.me

New episodes every Monday.

There’s a lot of noise online about mental health. This podcast is meant to be a calm, steady voice in the middle of it.

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Luke explains the heart behind the Mental Health Monday Podcast. You’ll hear what this space is designed to be, what it isn’t, and how to use each episode in a simple, sustainable way. This podcast isn’t about intensity or quick fixes. It’s about steady growth, practical tools, and showing up for your mental and emotional health one week at a time.

In this episode, we explore:
• What Mental Health Monday is: faith-informed, practical, and grounded in real life
• What this podcast is not: a replacement for therapy, shallow positivity, or a debate between faith and psychology
• How to use this podcast in your daily life
• Why consistency matters more than intensity when it comes to growth

How to use this podcast:
Each week, focus on:
• One idea
• One simple practice
• One small step forward

Who this podcast is for:
Anyone who wants a thoughtful, balanced approach to mental health and faith. If you’re looking for encouragement, practical skills, and a steady rhythm for emotional growth, this space is for you.

Reflection Question:
What is one small emotional habit you want to grow this season?

Closing Encouragement:
Growth doesn’t happen through intensity. It happens through consistency. Think of this podcast as a weekly check-in for your mind, heart, and faith.

Connect:
Website: lukemerrill.me

New episodes every Monday.