Mission
Ensure That No One Faces A Mental Health Challenge Alone
Vision
When equipped with the tools to recognize and promote mental health churches become the best place for those affected by mental illness. Together, we can encourage, support, and inspire wholeness.
Our Beliefs
- Every one is created in the image and likeness of God. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. (Genesis 1:27)
- God cares for the whole person. Our body, soul, and spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
- The church is called to care for both the body and the spirit. (James 2:14-17; Matthew 25:43)
- Mental health affliction can be caused by a variety of issues including a physical ailment, adverse experiences, or environmental factors. We don’t assume it is a result of spiritual sin. (John 9:2-3)
- As Christians, it’s our duty to grow in curiosity and compassion for those who suffer. Mental health and substance abuse challenges are not an exception. Dismissing these issues as moral issues can heap burden and shame where healing is needed. (Galatians 6:2)
- Mental health conditions do not discriminate; anyone can be affected regardless of age, gender, denomination, or theological background. (Psalm 34:19)
Our Values
- Faith: Our mission, vision, and values are rooted in the Christian faith and the Bible. This foundation shapes and influences our programs, but we serve all people—no matter their worldview. We recognize that mental illness does not discriminate, and neither do we. We seek to network with, love, and serve faith communities across a wide range of denominations and doctrines.
- Care and Compassion: We believe every person has a meaningful story and is an honor to be invited into. This privilege calls us to listen attentively and non-judgmentally, always choosing empathy and curiosity.
- Commitment: We understand that facing mental health challenges while navigating the healthcare system can be frustrating and discouraging. Recovery is often a long journey with few quick fixes. Relationships can be messy, and healing takes time, patience, and perseverance. We are committed not only to walking alongside others but also to advocating for self-care and healthy boundaries.
- Whole Person Health: We believe that each person is born a whole being—spirit, mind, and body. Gaining and maintaining mental health requires us to consider, promote, and care for each of these aspects of our being.
- Courage: We will be vulnerable and share our stories when appropriate. Our aim is to help break the cycle of silence and shame surrounding mental health trials. We will practice moral and mental strength to do what is right, even when it’s difficult.
- Community: We believe that the Trinity is relational in itself and created us to be in relationship with God and one another. We grow into the best version of ourselves when we intentionally pursue connection with others. Creating spaces where people feel known and find belonging is the highest calling.
- Humor: Life can be hard and mental illness is complex and stressful. Sometimes, a good laugh is life saving. We embrace humor—including a little self-deprecating humor—as a way to relieve tension and lift our spirits.
Our Story
We’re Jared and Patricia Carter of Tucson, AZ—husband and wife for 20 years. We’re also parents to three growing boys, and we’re Christians who live with on going mental health challenges. Our experiences have taught us that living in isolation—feeling unknown and unseen, even while actively involved in a local church community—can add an unnecessary layer of burden and prolonged suffering. It took us decades from the onset of symptoms to receiving support.
Together we founded BLESS THIS BRAIN—because whether it’s through networking with mental health professionals, story-telling, peer-support groups, or Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training—our goal is to reduce shame and encourage people to understand and talk about their own mental health struggles. We are especially passionate about equipping the Church in trauma and mental health awareness in order to create a culture of compassion and real health.
Since recognizing and acknowledging Jared’s increasingly desperate symptoms in 2018, we began to pray about how we might help others address their own mental health challenges. We also desired to foster a stigma free culture in families and faith communities. It’s been a joy to turn our pain into purpose through BLESS THIS BRAIN —helping others step boldly into their own recovery journeys.
“We have received wonderful professional care individually as well as together as a family over the last several years. Getting here was so HARD. It took patience and perseverance to find professional support, courage to share the struggle transparently, and diligence to learn to tools to get our symptoms (mostly) into remission. Reflecting on our own experiences through the loneliness, fear, and pain of mental affliction motivated us to found BLESS THIS BRAIN. Because no one is immune to mental health affliction.”
Bless This Brain is a ministry of Uncharted Chapter LLC and a fiscally sponsored charity program of Fiscal Sponsorship Allies Inc.
Our services are free thanks to our generous donors!
I have lost track of how many people I’ve referred their (Bless This Brain’s) direction. The testimonies I’m hearing are utterly amazing and drop-to-your-knees-in-praise worthy!
The Body of Christ in Tucson needs this ministry to thrive, as I’m sure you would agree. Other cities need it, too… “
Parts of my own story have become more clear as I listen to the podcast and read updates. I initially engaged as a pastor/supporter, but quickly noticed the Lord shaping my own heart. Some members of my immediate and extended family are ministered to through the podcasts and cohorts, so the impact on me personally has been profound.”
What We Do
- Free Healthcare Navigation: We walk alongside help-seekers by listening with compassion, offering prayer, and helping scout accessible, professional mental health providers that align with their needs and values.
- Recovery Cohorts: Our free 12-week peer support groups provide a safe and welcoming space to grow in relationships, faith, and hope. Together, we walk the journey of healing and recovery in community.
- Speaking, Coaching and Training: We use our lived experiences, certifications, and calling to equip individuals and communities with trauma awareness, mental health language, and compassion. Whether through keynote speaking, personal coaching, or customized training, we aim to build a movement of understanding, compassion and support.
- BlESS THIS BRAIN Podcast: Through storytelling and reflection on biblical teaching the Bless This Brain Podcast explores faith and mental health with warmth, wisdom, and a bit of humor made into short easy to digest episodes. We invite listeners to find encouragement and connection as we break down stigma together.