Joey Svendsen: Finding Hope Amidst Depression and Strict Faith
A lot of my problems were that I trained my brain to mess me up. Quotes like garbage in, garbage out, or you are what you think ring true.
Have you ever felt trapped by the rigid rules of your upbringing? Joey Svendsen knows that feeling all too well. Growing up in a fundamentalist Christian church while battling OCD and depression, Joey's story is one of resilience and transformation. In this episode of 'The One You Feed', host Eric Zimmer dives into Joey's journey from a youth minister to a campus pastor, and his quest to find a form of Christianity that resonated with his personal struggles.
Joey opens up about his book 'Fundamentalist', where he shares his experiences of mental health challenges within a strict religious framework. He discusses the damaging effects of scrupulosity—an obsessive focus on moral or religious perfection—and how it can train your brain to be consumed with fear and self-loathing. But Joey's story is not just about struggle; it's also about finding grace and moving forward.
He talks about the importance of accepting our flaws as humans and how we can still lead fulfilling lives. Joey's candid reflections on mental illness stigma, spirituality, addiction, and recovery offer a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with similar issues. His insights encourage listeners to embrace vulnerability and seek meaningful connections. Tune in to hear how feeding your 'good wolf' can lead to profound personal growth and a more compassionate life.