The New Evangelicals Podcast 379. The Day My Brain Broke: Mental Health and Deconstructing My Faith
May 19, 2025
Tim opens up about his struggles with mental health, revealing how a conservative evangelical upbringing stifled support for issues like anxiety and panic attacks. He shares his journey of acceptance, illustrating the importance of acknowledging feelings beyond just prayer. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and community among those deconstructing their faith while navigating personal mental health challenges. His insights encourage listeners to seek help and embrace healing as they reshape their belief systems.
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Anxiety Over First Kiss
- Tim Whitaker experienced extreme anxiety about a first kiss at 17, causing him to vomit twice.
- His anxiety was deeply tied to his conservative evangelical upbringing and fear of doing wrong.
First Panic Attack Experience
- While watching a movie, Tim Whitaker had his first panic attack, feeling like he might die.
- He initially did not know what it was and only realized later it was a panic attack.
Years of Debilitating Anxiety
- Tim faced several years of severe panic attacks, anxiety, and physical symptoms like stomach knots and weight loss.
- He felt like he was in hell and desperately prayed for relief while struggling with disassociation.