S13.02 | Your Mental Health Struggle Isn't a Moral Failure
When a popular Christian commentator claimed online that postpartum depression is really just selfishness in disguise, Carla couldn't stay quiet — and this episode is her response.
Using the stories of two fleeing prophets, Jonah and Elijah, Carla unpacks the real difference between willful disobedience and nervous-system dysregulation, and why God meets each one so differently. If you've ever wondered whether your anxiety, your snapping, your isolating, or your depression means you're being disobedient to God, this episode is for you.
You'll also hear a bit about Rooted & Regulated, Carla's 4-week program on physiology, nervous system regulation, and spiritual formation — with a reminder that finances should never be the reason someone can't get support..
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3 key takeaways
In this episode, Carla addresses:
A viral post claiming maternal mental health struggles are rooted in selfishness (in connection with the Lindsay Clancy case) - and why that theology is harmful
The story of Jonah, who flees Nineveh out of a defiant heart, and how God meets willful disobedience with correction
The story of Elijah, who flees Jezebel in a state of physiological depletion, and how God meets dysregulation with rest, food, and a still small voice
Why confusing the two — calling dysregulation "sin" or excusing disobedience as "just dysregulation" — does real harm
A short update on Rooted & Regulated, Carla's 4-week program
Struggling with your mental health is not automatically a moral failure. Shame-based messaging pushes people away from God, not toward Him.
Disobedience and dysregulation are not the same thing. Jonah's flight came from a heart that didn't want to obey; Elijah's came from a nervous system doing exactly what it was designed to do under threat. God responds to each differently — and so should we.
Nervous system regulation isn't in competition with spiritual formation — it's often the doorway to it. God meets our physiological needs so we can be equipped for deeper formation, not despite it.
🔗 Want to Go Deeper?
If today's episode stirred something in you — if you're tired of mistaking your nervous system for a moral failure — Rooted & Regulated is a 4-week space to go further into it. We'll look at what your physiology actually is, why God cares about it, and how regulating your body can become a doorway into deeper spiritual formation, not a detour from it.
It's $199, with a payment plan available. And if finances are a barrier, email me — no one gets left behind.
REGISTER NOW - CLOSES SEPTEMBER 6th.
Connect With Carla:
Foundations to Healing—-> https://www.carlaarges.com/foundations-of-healing
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Resources:
5 Steps to Building Resiliency
Affirming Truths Facebook Community
5 Tips for Overcoming a Negative Body Image
Who You Say I Am Biblical Affirmation Cards
Quick recap
Carla discussed the harm caused by a Christian commentator's statement that linked parental depression to selfishness, emphasizing that mental health struggles are not a moral failure. She contrasted the stories of Jonah and Elijah to illustrate the difference between willful disobedience and physiological dysregulation. Carla argued that God meets people in their physiological needs to lead them into deeper spiritual formation, and that shame from such messaging pushes people away from God. She announced her 4-week program, Rooted and Regulated, which focuses on how God cares about physiology and its role in spiritual growth, offering it with financial assistance for those in need. Carla concluded by affirming that dysregulation is not a sin and that individuals are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Christian Platform Harm Discussion
Carla discussed a real-life example of harm caused by a Christian individual with a platform, specifically mentioning a comment written in connection to the Lindsay Clancy case in the United States. She noted that the case involves maternal mental health and postpartum psychosis, though she did not share specific details about the incident. Carla indicated she would continue reading the comment but did not complete the reading in the provided transcript segment.
Postpartum Depression Commentary Debate
Carla discussed a controversial post by a conservative commentator suggesting that postpartum depression is primarily caused by parental selfishness rather than hormonal factors. She expressed strong disagreement with this perspective, arguing that it incorrectly frames mental health struggles as moral failures and is not theologically sound. Carla criticized the message for potentially harming people's relationship with God.
Shame and Mental Health Messaging
Carla discussed how messaging that causes shame leads people away from God rather than towards him, as it makes people isolate and perform to earn worth and love. She explained that God is not looking to punish those struggling with mental health issues, but rather to meet them in their wounds and help them heal. Carla mentioned she had written a Substack article on this topic, emphasizing that God cares about physiology and becoming dysregulated is not disobedience.
Biblical Prophets' Fleeing Situations
Carla discussed two fleeing prophets from the Bible: Jonah and Elijah. She explained that Jonah's disobedience stemmed from a heart posture that didn't want to follow God's plan for Nineveh, while Elijah's flight was due to physiological stress and depletion after witnessing God's power on Mount Carmel. Carla distinguished between the two cases, noting that Jonah's disobedience was a deliberate heart posture, while Elijah's was a result of temporary dysregulation.
Elijah's Spiritual and Physical Renewal
Carla discussed how God met Elijah during a moment of dysregulation by providing rest and nourishment, emphasizing that God cares about physiology to equip people for continued spiritual formation. She explained that when Elijah felt alone and depleted, God corrected his perspective by revealing that 7,000 others had not bowed down to Baal, and then renewed his mission to anoint and appoint successors. Carla concluded that physiological regulation and spiritual formation are not competitors but rather interconnected processes, with God using our physical state as a doorway to deeper spiritual development.
Distinguishing Spiritual vs Physical Distress
Carla discussed the importance of distinguishing between spiritual rebellion and physical or emotional distress, using Jonah and Elijah as examples. She emphasized that calling emotional dysregulation "sin" or "disobedience" can lead to unnecessary shame and prevent proper repentance or healing. Carla warned against confusing physical or nervous system reactions with true spiritual disobedience, noting that God understands the difference between the two.
Willful Disobedience and Spiritual Obedience
Carla discussed how people who ask about willful disobedience are often dysregulated and typically aware of their actions when willing to self-reflect. She used biblical examples of Jonah and Peter to illustrate how individuals recognize their sins and the importance of obedience, noting that God's approach is patient and not shame-based.
Faith-Based Mind-Body Wellness Program
Carla discussed the importance of addressing mind, body, and spirit in faith-based contexts, noting that while churches focus on the spiritual aspect, people often need support beyond just spiritual guidance. She announced a 4-week program called "Rooted and Regulated" that will explore how God cares about physiology and how nervous system regulation connects to spiritual formation. Carla shared that she is emerging from sabbatical with a mission mindset rather than a business mindset, emphasizing her role as a ministry leader.
Program Pricing and Payment Options
Carla announced a program priced at $199 US with a payment plan option available. She emphasized that while payment is preferred, she will work with individuals who cannot afford the full price due to financial barriers, aligning with her "no one left behind" approach. Carla shared affirming truths about God's knowledge of hearts and His desire to meet people where they are, referencing Psalm 139:13-14 as an anchoring verse about being fearfully and wonderfully made.