In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Mark Turman sits down with author Chris Morris for an honest and deeply hopeful conversation about mental health and faith. Chris shares his personal story of walking through mental illness—and how God met him in the midst of despair after a suicide attempt. Together, they unpack common misconceptions Christians often have about mental health, the value of therapy and medication, and practical ways to quiet anxious thoughts. They also reflect on the gift of humor, community, and long-term relationships rooted in grace and truth. Whether you’re navigating your own struggles or supporting someone you love, this conversation offers gentle wisdom and a reminder that God’s presence meets us even in the darkest places.

Topics

• (01:27 ): Introducing Chris Morris
• (04:58 ): Understanding mental health myths
• (06:56 ): Holistic approach to mental health
• (10:22 ): The role of medication
• (17:16 ): Chris Morris' faith journey
• (23:08 ): Taking every thought captive
• (30:40 ): Self-reflection and preparation
• (31:42 ): The role of humor in mental health
• (34:53 ): Mental health and sin: Untangling the connection
• (35:58 ): Understanding anxiety in biblical context
• (44:08 ): Finding the right counselor
• (50:27 ): Supporting long-term mental health struggles
• (55:23 ): Encouragement for those struggling

Resources

• Ask Us Anything: info@denisonforum.org
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Chris Morris Speaks
• Chris Morris (@chrismorriswrites) • Instagram photos and videos
• Chris Morris Writes
• Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward
• Trekking Toward Tenacity: Your Family’s Roadmap to Stronger Mental Health
• By Faith: Strength and Hope for Life’s Challenges
• Perfectly Abnormal: Uncovering the Image of God in Chronic Illness
• Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Health Illness in the Church

About Chris Morris

In 2020, Chris Morris experienced a life-changing encounter with God that transformed his struggle with mental health. After a suicide attempt, Chris heard God’s radical message: “I still love you,” which gave him the strength to rebuild his life. Today, Chris is a passionate author, speaker, and ministry leader, helping others navigate mental health challenges through faith and therapeutic tools. He leads a mental health ministry at his church, which launched with 70 attendees on its first night— reflecting the deep need for safe spaces to discuss mental health and spirituality. Chris has authored three books on the intersection of faith and mental health, sharing his personal journey and spiritual insights. 

As a graduate of Northern Seminary, Chris is able to process deep theological concerns with creativity and faith. A sought-after speaker, he regularly presents at national conferences, including the Disability and the Church conference. With humor and authenticity, Chris makes tough conversations easier, encouraging others on their own paths to healing and hope. One thing Chris has learned along the way? It’s important to laugh at yourself. He’s a six-foot-seven guy who’s terrified of heights (ridiculous, right?), so he doesn't take himself too seriously. Life’s tough enough as it is, and bringing humor and authenticity to hard conversations always makes them a little bit easier to navigate.

About Dr. Mark Turman

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.