Introduction

Nexus has been my home church for close to three years. I have been awed by this group of people and their willingness to have tough conversations, to ask big questions, to share personal experiences – all in trying to get to the heart of things.

So really, conversations around mental health are not new to us. They have been happening at our Boomerang Groups, Pub Theology and bookclub. They are part of Brad’s talks. They radiate from much of the music played here – whether we’ve recognized it or not.

Something I’ve noticed though – not only at Nexus, but in every area of my life – is that these conversations remain tentative, sheltered and usually only shared with very few.

There are many real and valid reasons for this. I hope soon we’ll be having a conversation about that up front on the stage; but for right now, we’re taking our first step in discussing mental health as a community. This first step is focused on what we’re willing to share.

For the last month, I have been asking this community and my loved ones how mental health has touched your life. This is that collection. These are glimpses into what people were willing and able to share with us. I hope you’ll take sometime here and explore them.

I’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who reached out to me throughout this project. It was an absolute honour and privilege. The encouragement and endorsement were amazing. You have made it crystal clear that this conversation is very important to you and that you believe it is very important for our community to be having together.

I’m excited over the ideas that are being discussed and the passions this project has ignited. I can’t wait to see where they take us.

For now, let us take a look at how mental health touches our lives.

---- by Julie