CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of mental illness, OCD, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation and hospitalisation. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, Lifeline is available in Australia 24/7 on 13 11 14, or reach out to Uniting Heart and Soul for counselling support.

What do you hold onto when your own mind is the hardest place to live?

0:00 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.

3:56 – Broken pieces and divine glue

7:08 – Growing up with mental illness

10:19 – Beyond the "neatness" OCD myth

14:55 – TW: self-harm & suicidal ideation

17:40 – A "grippy sock" vacation

20:57 – Bipolar & the dangerous charm of mania

23:38 – Relearning the definition of joy

25:43 – Bible-bashing myself

31:41 – The God who doesn't change

In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries sit down with Sara Wienand, a museum educator, pastoral ministry leader and ancient languages scholar, to explore the complex intersection of mental health and faith. Sarah shares her journey, from growing up with OCD, eventually leading to a psychiatric ward stay and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She speaks candidly about the reality of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and the essential role of medication in her spiritual and daily life.

With honesty and warmth, Sara describes what it is like to live inside a mind that never fully quiets: the exhausting logic of OCD, the seductive pull of hypomanic highs, and the devastating weight of depressive lows. And through it all, a God she describes as the glue holding her broken pieces together.

#FilthyHope #MentalHealth #BipolarDisorder #OCD #FaithAndMentalHealth #ChristianPodcast #MedicationAndFaith #GritWithGrace #HopeInTheDark #FaithNoFilter