MARJA BERGEN is an award-winning photographer and freelance writer who
has lived with manic depression and psychosis for 30 years. Her articles
have appeared in The Vancouver Sun, and Fellowship magazine. In 1994/95, she served on the editorial committee of Moments, published by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Marja founded ""Living Room,"" a faith-based support group for
people with mood disorders. The program was such a success that she
created a set of manuals to help other groups start up. There are now
nine ""Living Rooms"" in Canada and more in the process of getting
started.
The benefits of Living Room are huge. It gives participants a
place where they can talk about both, their faith AND their mental
health challenges, something not usually comfortably done in secular
support groups or church groups. At Living Room people can be
authentic and not fear judgment or lack of acceptance. We create a
loving environment for everyone, no matter where they are spiritually or
emotionally.