Mind Games: Winning the Battle for Your Mental and Emotional Health

by Paul Daugherty

In this important book, a megachurch pastor acknowledges the mental health crisis happening in our churches today and gives readers practical tools to fight back against depression, anxiety, and insecurity—and help them find victory.

Depression, anxiety, and emotional trauma are on the rise, even more so after the painful few years we’ve all been through. While the church has had an unfortunate track record of glossing over mental health issues, Paul Daugherty, pastor of the megachurch Victory, believes it’s time for the church to break its silence. You can’t just pray trauma away. Depression and anxiety can affect even the most devoted believer.  In this book, Paul Daugherty walks readers through some of the biggest mental and emotional health issues he has seen people in his life and his congregation facing, including depression, anxiety, insecurity, mood swings, and the scars of trauma. Daugherty dives into scripture and lays a framework for understanding the spiritual truths behind each mental battle. He also offers practical tips and strategies to help readers find lasting victory. The result is an invaluable handbook that will help Christians and non-believers alike.

Genres: Christian, Self Help

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 9, 2024

Reviews

[Linda O'Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend. Will help you for any mind / thought struggles. Depression, or insecurities, habits, negative thoughts.
Must read and share

[Isabella Baughman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs to read this book.

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Godsend this book was to me. I can claim victory in my life! You can claim victory in your life! Read this book.

Paul Daugherty's voice rings loud and true throughout this book. He wants his readers to overcome their struggles. Just like the Lord wants His children to overcome their struggles. Usually what we need to overcome is our mindset. This is what Paul explains to us in Mind Games.

"If you believe it, you can achieve it. Belief is the first step toward victory."

This book is great. It can touch lives. It can help change people's lives, help get them away from the mindset of depression, anxiety, burdens. We can achieve great things for God if we put our mind to it.

This may be the best book I've read all year! Would read again. It's so easy to read and relatable too. I read a chapter a day and was disappointed when I ran out of chapters. It's that good.

I would recommend this book mostly for adults, but some teens might like it too. One chapter dived a bit deeper into addictions and slightly more mature material, so you'll have to judge it for your own kids.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley, but was not required to leave a positive review.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming honesty and powerful vulnerability from the son of who some would call a megachurch pastor. To Paul, his father Billy Joe Daugherty was dad, but he was so much more than that to the city and many around the world. Sharing many personal stories from his life and family (including sickness, a house fire and melted contact lenses) gives us a holy peek and connection into the character of a Tulsa spiritual icon and the life lessons and legacy passed down to a son who now invites us all into the joy and struggles of a fellow man who can identify with us and our traumas. A must read for all Tulsans or those who thought they knew the person behind Victory church and the Dream center. Really, a must read in our current times of anxiety, fear and anger.

A good start to giving language to emotions that are a part of us. Brene Brown shares 87 of them in her Atlas of the Heart, but tethered to the Person, Presence, and Word of God, with the encouraging stories of struggling saints, real healing can begin past hurts into forgiveness, love and wholeness even for those journeying at the moment without a personal psychologist

[Dawn S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply moved while listening to Pastor Paul's book during my commute. His openness and vulnerability in sharing his story are truly inspiring. It's uplifting to see an influential pastor addressing mental health, a topic often overlooked in our Christian community. Growing up in the church, I've had moments of doubt and questioning because of how Christians treat each other. But, I've matured in my faith, shifting my focus to my relationship with Christ rather than the internal church dynamics. This book is revolutionary and a good reminder that, as children of God, we have everything we need - victory and purpose. It also reminds us that it's okay to be human and have emotional struggles, but we need to make choices to be better because we have Christ within us, who is the master key to overcoming those struggles. Also, the book provides numerous examples of people in the Bible who had emotional issues, which is pretty cool.

[Daniel Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have personally known Pastor Paul for 30 years now. We were in the same 2nd grade Sunday School class at Victory Church back in 1994. To hear him share such personal and vulnerable testimonies in this book is refreshing and encouraging. So many Pastors and Leaders are afraid to admit their personal struggles, especially in strong faith preaching, Bible-believing circles. Pastor Paul not only shares his personal struggles, but then explains how he has been able to overcome them and walk in victory himself. Like his father, Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty, Pastor Paul uses scripture throughout this book. The Word of God is our final authority and ultimate source of truth. Pastor Paul unpacks scriptural truth in regards to the real struggle that so many have with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, comparison and self-worth. Thank you for sharing your personal testimony through this book!

[Joshua Berntsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Review of *Mind Games* by Paul Daugherty**

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

I really enjoyed *Mind Games* by Paul Daugherty. It's a thought-provoking book that addresses a crucial issue often overlooked in Christian circles: mental health. Daugherty's approach to discussing mental health from a Christian perspective is refreshing and much needed.

Christians often don't acknowledge mental health issues as they should, treating them differently from physical health problems. Daugherty makes a compelling argument that mental health should be treated with the same seriousness and care as physical health. Just as you would go to a doctor for a broken arm, seeking help for a "broken mind" is equally important. The notion that you can't simply "pray away" mental health issues is a vital point that Daugherty addresses with sensitivity and insight.

I appreciated how Paul Daugherty emphasized the balance between faith and mental health. He reassures readers that seeking professional help is not a sign of weak faith but a necessary step toward healing. His perspective provides a bridge for Christians to understand that faith and therapy can coexist harmoniously.

**Verdict:** A well-written and essential read for Christians, *Mind Games* by Paul Daugherty opens up an important dialogue about mental health, faith, and the importance of seeking help. Highly recommended for anyone looking to understand this balance better.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was such a good reminder of how to claim victory over the battle of mind and reminded me that I have been created on purpose and for a purpose. I am ready to take hold of truth and fight for the battle of my mind.