I have known the pain of caring for a loved one who is mentally ill. Our daughter struggled with mental illness most of her life, and was diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. I have also experienced the impact of mental illness professionally. I worked as a school nurse/nurse practitioner for 36 years and watched as mental illness became rampant among students. I provided care for countless students who struggled with Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. I counseled grieving parents who were at a loss as to how to meet their child's needs. I have experienced the impact of mental illness both personally and professionally. When I retired I started praying for God to show me my next chapter. He revealed to me that He wanted me to start a support group for families who are caring for loved ones with mental illness. There are few support groups out there for families, especially faith-based ones. I also discovered that there were no published Study Guides for this type of support group. So, I stepped out in faith and asked God to guide me in not only starting a new ministry, but also in writing the Study Guide. The Support Group is called "Hope Keepers," and we are claiming Hebrews 10:23 NKJV, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." This study guide provides practical information, guidance, and most of all hope that comes from the promises of our Heavenly Father.
