12 Steps to Mental Health Management
By: Pastor Daniel Baker
Professionally Reviewed: Dr. Rick, Tom Sprague,
Use NAMI. Celebrate Recovery and Recovery Programs Worldwide
Step 1: We come to a profound realization that we are powerless over things we should control. This transformative recognition, guided by God, is the cornerstone of our journey. It liberates us from the burden of control and empowers us to embrace His healing and guidance. Our lives, once unmanageable, find a deep sense of relief in this acknowledgment. We understand that it is God and God alone who can heal us and guide us to the right path. This acknowledgment empowers us, knowing that he is the author and creator of our lives.
Step 2
Step 2: I am ready to let go of my usual ways, such as negative thinking patterns (like self-criticism or catastrophizing) or harmful coping mechanisms (like substance abuse or avoidance), understanding that this act of release is not a sign of weakness but a step toward growth. I am beginning to renew my mind, body, and spirit, embracing the freedom from shedding my learned behaviors and seeing things from a broader perspective.
Step 3
Step 3: I have shifted my focus from being fixated on my problems to seeking wholeness and contentment. This shift, guided by God, brings me a profound sense of peace, knowing I am moving towards a more complete and fulfilling life.
Step 4
I examine the effects of my actions on myself and others, examining my actions and the hurt I have caused others in my Ministry, professional life, and personal life through my thoughts, words, and actions.
Step 5
I admit where I went wrong, accept emotional responsibility for those I hurt and abused, acknowledge and take responsibility where I am accountable, and use exposure, talk therapy, and prayer to confess my sins in private and public. This transformation process of becoming the person I need to be by renewing my mind, body, and spirit fills me with hope and inspiration. I desire to become a better version of myself.
Step 6
My knee-jerk reactions involve being in the grip of more or less conscious fears. I begin to live in faith, not fear.
Step 7
I strive to find my motivation in a more profound sense of who I am rather than fear and defensiveness. I begin self-discovery by writing, reading, watching, and empowering myself to understand the negative and conclude what I need to do to become the best version of myself.
Step 8
I stopped blaming and feeling blamed for the wounds. I realized I was responsible for my own. I picked up my bootstraps and sought counsel. I have become accountable for the fact that self-love is not selfish.
Step 9
Step 9: This step is about transformation. It’s about swallowing our pride and sincerely apologizing to those we’ve hurt. It’s about becoming humble and turning negative thoughts into positive actions by serving the Community. This step is a powerful testament to the potential for change within us and the importance of accountability in our journey. It reminds us of our responsibility in our healing process.
Step 10: Living mindfully is the key to this step. It’s about paying attention to our motives and the effects of our actions. It’s about realizing that our behavior directly reflects on our Ministry, Business, and Personal life. It is about being accountable for our decisions and actions. This step underscores the importance of our role in our healing process.
Step 11
I stay tuned inside and in touch with a broader sense of who I am and a more profound sense of what I want. I have an action plan for my Ministry, Business, and Personal life. I have accepted where I am wrong and put my thoughts into action in goal-centered programs.
Step 12
I feel better about myself. I reach out to others who feel stuck. I am ready to help others. I am committed to helping others. I am committed to being the student, teacher, and mentor I need to be to others. I am reflecting on all 12 steps and consistently improving myself.
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