S11.BONUS 6 | How to Break the Cycle of Negative Thoughts and Overwhelm: Olivia’s Testimony

Jan 5

In this bonus episode of Affirming Truths, Carla Arges interviews Rooted & Resilient graduate Olivia, who shares what it looked like to walk through a “pit of depression” while trying to keep functioning in everyday life. Olivia describes months-long dips in mood, relentless negative thoughts about herself, and a deep sense of hopelessness - even though she’d grown up in the church and knew, in her head, that God offers hope.

Searching for support that combined neuroscience and Christianity, Olivia found Carla’s podcast and joined Rooted & Resilient. She opens up about how overwhelm and executive dysfunction (including ADHD traits) fueled avoidance patterns like doomscrolling and made her feel like she just needed “more discipline.” But through the program, she learned the difference between willpower and executive dysfunction - and discovered a grace-filled, sustainable way forward.

By the end of the 12 weeks, Olivia’s life looked completely different: waking up earlier with intention, daily Bible time and journaling, movement and stretching, cooking meals regularly, and - most noticeably - doomscrolling “naturally” falling away as her nervous system and mind became more regulated. This conversation is a hopeful reminder that transformation often comes through small, consistent practices, not perfection.

Did you know that Carla is a Christian Mental Health coach?

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3 key takeaways

Hopelessness can exist even when you love God—but it doesn’t have to stay.
Olivia names the disconnect many women feel: knowing truth intellectually, but not experiencing it emotionally. Healing helped bring her life back into alignment with what she already believed.
Executive dysfunction isn’t a character flaw.
When ADHD/overwhelm is involved, “just try harder” often creates more shame. Understanding how the brain works changes the strategy—and breaks the failure narrative.
Freedom comes from practice, not perfection.
Olivia’s turning point was learning: “It’s what you practice that sticks, not what you perfect… just get 1% better.”Small steps (5 minutes, not an hour) built sustainable rhythms that led to real change.

🔗 Want to Go Deeper?

If you heard yourself in Olivia - stuck in a depressive fog, overwhelmed by life, battling negative thoughts, and coping through avoidance habits like doomscrolling—this is your invitation to take a next step that’s grounded in both truth and tools.

Rooted & Resilient (Cohort 2) is a 12-week Christ-centered healing immersion that blends biblical renewal with neuroscience-informed support—so you’re not just told to “pray more” or “try harder,” but you’re given practical strategies for your mind, body, and nervous system.

You’ll learn how to: