Tag Archives: Mental Health

World Mental Health Day – October 10th

Mental Health is an issue near to the heart of Pastor Ed Boston. Coming from a family where issues with depression and anxiety have been inherited in at least 5 generations, he believes that the Christian community as a whole needs to learn more about this topic. The days where we told people to just pull their boots up and move on or that you wouldn’t have issues like this if you had faith in God need to be a thing of the past.

While he is normally not a big supporter of the WHO (World Health Organization), Pastor Ed says that not addressing this issue would be negligent on his part.

As part of the buildup to Sunday’s World Mental Health Day, each day Pastor Ed is posting a YouTube video he found relating to this topic. The first one is this.

Read more about World Mental Health Day below.

World Mental Health Day was celebrated for the first time on October 10, 1992, at the initiative of Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter. Up until 1994, the day had no specific theme other than general promoting mental health advocacy and educating the public.

In 1994 World Mental Health Day was celebrated with a theme for the first time at the suggestion of then Secretary General Eugene Brody. The theme was “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World”.

World Mental Health Day is supported by WHO through raising awareness on mental health issues using its strong relationships with the Ministries of health and civil society organizations across the globe. WHO also supports with developing technical and communication material.

MORE HISTORY ON WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

World Mental Health Day was first observed on October 10, 1992. It was created by then-Deputy Secretary-General of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), American psychiatrist Richard Hunter, as an annual activity of that NGO, consisting of professionals, paraprofessionals and interested individuals devoted to advocacy, education and prevention of mental disorders. Since then, the Day has been commemorated every year on October 10 by the UN, civil society groups and individuals around the world. The first three years of World Mental Health Day were a two-hour telecast broadcasted globally from the United States information agency satellite system in Tallahassee, Florida, with board members  able to participate from other countries, like Australia, Chile, England, Zambia, Geneva and Mexico City.  During the first broadcast, people from Swaziland called in, and viewed the program, unannounced and unanticipated, proving to WFMH leaders that their initiative was far-reaching and significant.

The aims of the celebration have always been to promote mental health advocacy and educate the public on relevant issues in mental health. The first theme was identified in 1994, called, “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.” Feedback reports came in from 27 countries, especially Australia and England, leading to more excitement about the project, that within the next three years became a valuable occasion for nations, NGOs, and all people around the world, to learn about and commit to improving, mental health care and access for everyone. 

Since 1994, the yearly themes have covered a wide range of topics, e.g.,  women, children, human rights, chronic physical illnesses and diversity. This year’s theme was “Mental Health for All Greater Investment – Greater Access.” (WFMH, 2020). The World Health Organization (WHO) has also sponsored the events every year, such as “Dignity in Mental Health” in 2015, “Psychological First Aid” in 2016 “Mental Health in the Workplace” in 2017, “Young People and Mental Health are Changing” in 2018 and “Focus on Suicide Prevention” in 2019.

New Podcast: Natasha Owens Releases “Stand”

The latest podcast feature Christian music artist Natasha Owens talking about her new album “Stand”. Natasha and Pastor Ed also discuss what’s keeping her busy, a women’s conference she’s hosting and a discussion on church lockdowns and it’s effect on mental health issue. Go here to listen: https://anchor.fm/edboston/episodes/Natasha-Owens-Releases-Stand-e163u34

Christian Music Powerhouse Natasha Owens Takes a “Stand” with New Album Produced by Ian Eskelin
Christian music powerhouse Natasha Owens returns August 6th with her latest studio album, Stand, a 12-track testament to perseverance and empowerment that finds her reconnecting with longtime label home Radiate Music and GRAMMY-nominated and multiple Dove Award-winning producer/songwriter/fellow artist Ian Eskelin. 

“Through the last year or so, there has been a lot of chaos going on in our world,” observes Owens. “It’s incredibly easy to look around us and instantly become anxious and fearful at all that we see. But there is a hope that I have found that is stronger than the enemy that tries to intimidate us; His name is Jesus.”

The album’s just-released lead single, “Lion,” takes the chaos of the past year head on, reminding us to move forward no matter how insurmountable one’s surrounding circumstances may seem.

“This song has driven me by the truth that our King is bold, fearless and courageous,” Owens explains. “Revelation 5:5 refers to Jesus as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who prevails. Instantly, I was then reminded of Proverbs 28:1 that promises us that the righteous are as bold as a lion. What a declaration! He is our defender and has given us the strength to stand in boldness without fear. This is our battle cry.”

Other standouts on Stand include the joyful sentiments of “Fly,” the praise-fueled acoustic tenderness of “Hallelujah,” a stunning tribute to a lost loved one, “Home,” and the optimistic closing anthem, simply titled “Yes.”  

“Even when every door seems closed, there’s no need to second guess. You know what’s best,” she confidently sings in the latter. “Every time you tell me ‘no,’ it means that there’s a better ‘yes.’”

There’s even a throwback to Owens’ previous project with the bonus track, “Warrior,” a brand new rendition of the modern classic recorded live in front of a roaring crowd. 

“I want to show people that they can make it, too,” Owens asserts. “Being a warrior means that my wounds have healed, but I still have the scars to prove it. The scars remind me that I don’t have to worry about the next battle because I know God will be standing with me.”

As Owens plans to return to touring and as host of the national Christian women’s conference known as the Warrior Event, she’s looking forward to sharing her courageous story as a means to inspire others, while always making sure to meet listeners exactly where they’re at.

“So many people are at different stages of their story,” she says. “In any crowd you have people ranging from being at the beginning of their grief all the way to being overcomers. I’m taking people on the full journey, making them feel all of these emotions, but leaving feeling hopeful.”

Owens’ path to a successful music career is unique, rooted in agonizing heartache and unbelievable tragedy. Seven years ago, her father died suddenly while cleaning his guns when one misfired, placing a bullet in his chest. The themes of grief, heartbreak, and redemption permeate throughout her music, which served as therapy for her along the way.

Today, she is intently focused on being a proactive and prayerful advocate for mental health awareness. She has been open about her battle with severe depression, and her season of extreme lows brought on by tragedy. But she’s quick to share how God showed up in the most magnificent way. “He said, ‘trust in Me that I’ve guided you this far and I’m not gonna let you down now.’”   Owens knows that God has kept that promise, and Stand brings it all full-circle.

Owens will hit the road this summer performing at multiple festivals, sharing the main stage with Michael W. Smith, Newsboys, Danny Gokey, Matthew West, Skillet, Mandisa, Colton Dixon and many more. Plans for a fall tour and a Christmas tour are also underway. To view her complete concert schedule, visit the official website at http://natashaowensmusic.com. 

About Natasha Owens: Owens exploded onto the Christian Music scene with her 2016 debut, No One But You. She suddenly found herself touring as the opening act for Christian Music’s most iconic artists, including Michael W. Smith and Jason Crabb. Her 2017 follow-up, We Will Rise, was named “Inspirational Album of the Year” at the 2018 We Love Christian Music Awards. And in 2019, Owens signed to Radiate Music and released her third album, Warrior, produced and co-written by award-winning producer Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets). During the downtime the pandemic provided, she recorded and released the jazzy holiday album, Christmas Memoriesin the fall of 2020.Instantly relatable, Owens has quickly resonated with listeners and has had extensive media coverage including appearances on Fox News, Newsmax and HLN, among others. She has toured with some of Christian Music’s bestselling artists, including Michael W. Smith, Kutless, JJ Weeks, Ryan Stevenson, Jason Crabb, Matthew West, 7eventh Time Down, Audio Adrenaline, Point of Grace and more.


About Radiate Music: Founded by Ian Eskelin, Radiate Music launched summer 2015. Eskelin’s 20-plus-year resume in the music business, ranging from being a recording artist to a record executive, gives him a unique perspective in partnering with artists who are passionate about impacting culture with music. Eskelin, who has recorded more than 50 Top 10 singles in the United States alone, including 20 No. 1 songs, and whose songs have been licensed for use by ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN and many feature films, is looking to break additional ground with Radiate. In addition to King, Radiate’s artist roster includes, Natasha Owens, JJ Weeks, About A Mile, Attaboy, John Waller, and Inspiration Worship.