As the nurse wheeled me down the long and lonely corridor and through the locked doors of that ward, I felt hopeless and humiliated. But after coming to the end of myself, I see how the church and the psych ward have several similarities and benefits. Read more
I'm honored to have my book reviewed on Good Men Project this week! Juana Garcia wrote a very honest, thoughtful review of my book. Check it out! Read more
Knott's Berry Farm in California has launched a psychiatric hospital-themed Halloween attraction at their theme park. Earlier this week, I was interviewed for an article by The Mighty and I will expand my response here. Keep reading to see why I think this is ignorant, hurtful, and just plain stupid. #NoToKnottsBerry Read more
My faith matters to me. I read the Bible. I attend church. I pray when something is weighing heavily on me. But while I used to find my identity only in the label of “Christian” or in the name recognition of my local church, I’ve realized people care much more about whether I am kind than whether I have faith. Read more
Mental health and faith can feel like two separate worlds. For many people, they look at life as either spiritual or physical/mental. Mixing the two is like trying to mix steak and Kraft Dinner. They just don't seem to fit. But this is not healthy, because a healthy mind is a healthy soul. Check out this post for 7 ways faith can help you with the weight of living. Read more
I am Steve Austin, author of the Amazon best-seller, From Pastor to a Psych Ward. My book covers my recovery from abuse, addiction, and a suicide attempt. It also discusses the damaging effects of bad theology. I'd like to get my book into the hands of anyone who has been affected by the suicide or suicide attempt of someone they care about. I would like to send them an autographed copy of my book, plus a personal note of encouragement. Will you help me? Read more
Four years ago today, I woke up in a fog like I've never experienced before. Everything seemed so bright and I was desperate for something to drink. My throat was raw and I couldn't feel my legs. It had been nearly a full day since I tried to kill myself and as I slowly started piecing things together, I was flooded with humiliation, dread, and anger. Read more
Four years ago, I would have never believed I would be a pastor again, or even do me the courtesy of reading my blog again. And I definitely would have never even considered publishing e-books, creating online courses, hosting a mastermind group, and having my blog hosted on the largest religion and spirituality website in the world. But it is all happening, friends. Read more
My friend Tanner Gers is a blind paralympian, an entrepreneur, and an extreme motivator. He's incredibly creative and one super successful dude. His podcast, "The Creative Success Show" is #1 on iTunes for a reason. I sat down with Tanner recently for a two-part interview on suicide prevention. Read more
Have you ever been cut off by a friend? I don’t mean moving away and slowly disconnecting. I am talking about a sharp, intentional separation, from friendship to...not. I've experienced it three times in the past year. And it never gets any easier. Read more
Grace is Messy
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