“When it comes to mental illness, it is an equal opportunity provider of pain, struggles, and difficulties. Those who have a mental illness and their loved ones are all subject to the layers of difficulties that mental illness brings into their relationships and life itself. There is no doubt in my mind that being the loved one of someone who has a mental illness can be as difficult as having the illness itself. I know because I am both one with a diagnosis and a loved one. In fact, it is even possible for those who love someone with a mental illness to suffer even more than their loved one who has the diagnosis. It is so very difficult to watch someone you love suffer so much, and even more difficult when they refuse to be compliant in their treatment, or they continually self-sabotage their recovery.” (Taken from the opening introduction paragraph of “Holding to Hope: Staying Sane While Loving Someone with a Mental Illness.”)
Yes, you read that correctly! Our newly published book for the loved ones of those who have a mental health issue will be released on August 1st! (To pre-order the book, go to: Holding to Hope)
“One of the most helpful jobs a book can do is give us words to validate and define our experience. In this book, you’ll receive those words, along with realistic encouragement and multilayered hope,” says Amy Simpson, author of Troubled Minds, Anxious, and Blessed Are the Unsatisfied
“Holding to Hope is refreshingly real and enormously useful. The Hoefs open a window to their lives, sharing the challenges of living with a mental health challenge as husband and wife, a pastor and a pastor’s wife, parents, and friends to others. Brad and Donna’s vulnerability and honesty are a testament to living a life of hope, learning how to lean into your circumstances, and coming out better. You won’t regret reading this book. In fact, you’ll give thanks for Brad and Donna’s lives that have now enriched thousands,” says Doug Beach, Chairman of the NAMI FaithNetNational Advisory Group, NAMI Instructor and Support Group Leader, NAMI San Antonio, Texas.
The entire first half of Holding to Hope is based upon the seven Fresh Hope principles of recovery for those who are loved ones of someone who has a mental health challenge. Each of these chapters include thought-provoking questions as well real-life stories and spiritual insights. The book’s first half lends itself towards even small groups of loved ones processing the content together. (You can download one of the chapters for free by clicking here.). One of the ways that the Hoefs hope that the book will be used is for groups of those who love someone with a mental health challenge to use the book as a 12-week study guide.
The second half of the book is made up of shorter chapters that deal with various other issues such as living well and relationships.
The release date of the book is August 1, 2021. You can pre-order a signed copy of the book today by clicking here at the introductory price of $21, which includes shipping! Xulon Press Elite is the publisher of the book. The book is also available on Amazon and at Barnes and Nobel Online Bookstore.
Evan Owens, the founder of Reboot Recovery, says, “If you are serious about wanting to overcome or help someone overcome mental health challenges, this is a must-have book. You’ll find yourself referencing it time and again. It is practical, insightful, and told by a couple that actually understands!”
This is the third book released by Fresh Hope for Mental Health. The title of the first book is, Fresh Hope for Mental Health: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Challenge in English. The second book released by Fresh Hope is the Spanish translation of the first book.
Pastor Brad Hoefs 