Mental Health Meltdown

illuminating the voices of bipolar and other mental illnesses
by Paul and Arlene Samuels

THE MELTDOWN

Kathy Ireland, Executive Producer, Anxious Nation
OrderToday

The Hope

Leah Miles, Co-Founder Christian Women for Israel and Senior Director of Donor Ministries for Pulse Evangelism

THE FORWARD

Wanda Howard, CEO Entrepreneur

The Family

The CDC says that America is facing a mental health crisis
among young people, their friends, and families.  

Let’s join together and hold on to hope!

More Endorsements

Paul and Arlene Samuels’ beautiful, powerful book is timely and desperately needed. The Samuels brilliantly share the real-life stories, struggles and successes of others from every background and age who live with all forms of mental illness. They also share their own personal experiences with Paul having bipolar and Arlene as his loving support person. While millions of people live with mental illnesses, each person is unique. Mental Health Meltdown will help countless people, surfacing every emotion, then leaving us with hope, encouragement, and peace.
Kathy Ireland-Co-Founder, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, Executive Producer, Anxious Nation
Mental Health Meltdown is an incredibly important resource for those who feel as though they are lost, hopeless, or alone in their struggle. When we share our journey, we not only heal ourselves but others as well. I feel at peace knowing that there are others, like those in this book, who understand.
Jonny McCoy, Founder, WhiteFlag App
Insightful and moving, the Samuels have gathered first-person stories that challenge preconceptions while enlightening readers’ minds and changing hearts. As a professor, I observe that stigmas are a societal problem. Amplifying voices in this groundbreaking book will help to address what I call “inequitable compassion,” a sad reality that mental health illnesses are not understood or treated with the same degree of compassion as physical ailments. Academia must create a learning environment that welcomes students grappling with these issues. A ray of sunshine, Mental Health Meltdown encourages us to pay attention, gain knowledge, and make the world a better place for us all.
Dr. Ray A. Snyder, LHD, Business Professor Trident Technical College, Charleston, SC, AACC 2019 Educator of the Year for Southern United States
Paul Samuels’ writings are from the heart. He is a great example of how God never wastes a hurt. Paul took the thorn in his flesh (bipolar disorder) and turned it into a platform for ministry and healing. He and his wife, Arlene, have learned to practice gratitude and faith in their hard seasons, proclaiming the hope that is found in God and community. Their authentic stories come from experience and serve as a ray of light in the darkness that mental illness can bring
Barbara Jarratt, LPC, Ministry Assistant, CRM, Pastoral Care Ministry johnsonferry.org
Many families today are impacted by mental health challenges in the life of a loved one. Paul and Arlene Samuels have personally experienced the struggles of bipolar disorder. They have learned to not just survive but thrive! The transparency and vulnerability with which they share their challenges and victories are helpful to me—and will be to you!
Kirk Humphreys, Former Mayor of Oklahoma City ('98-'03), Board Chairman, PULSE Evangelism
As president and CEO of Concerned Women for America, my attention is on the well-being of women. CWA, the largest public policy group for women in America, gives me a front row seat, watching with alarm the growing trauma and mental health issues among women. My own childhood with a mom who struggled with clinical depression and suicidal ideation has left me with indelible scars but great hope in Jesus Christ. Co-authored by Arlene and Paul Samuels, their hearts respond to helping others. The book is an inspiring collection of first-person stories from those with mental illness in all walks of life. Help and encouragement fill the easy-to-read pages.
Penny Young Nance, CEO and President, Concerned Women for America
As a film producer and advocate for many years, I have often traveled to Israel. I have visited Israel twice since the October 7, 2023, war began. In many conversations with both Jewish and Christian citizens, their traumas are evident and will last a long time. This book’s first-person stories will give readers hope for the mental health challenges they face!
Rev. Mark Jenkins Former U.S. Representative, the Christian Desk of Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust
Arlene Bridges Samuels is a voice for the voiceless. From her passion and support for Israel to advocating for those suffering from mental illness, she always puts the interests of others first. Her wisdom and insight come from her love of others and desire to help.
Alan Keck-Mayor, Somerset, Kentucky
It is my honor to endorse this book by Paul Samuels, a veteran of the US Navy. As a chaplain for the Disabled American Veterans, I have ministered to veterans who are bipolar. A book defining the disorder has been much needed in the veteran community. I am so glad Paul has written it.
Rev. Robert J. Plowman, Chaplain, DAV
Many churches do not know how to help those suffering from mental illness. Your book will help change perceptions. Anne and I admire your courage, Paul, in not only managing your bipolar but sharing your memoir in Bipolar Missionary. We cannot think of a better team than you and Arlene to write this book to educate the public by sharing the stories of others.
Rev. Jim and Anne Bevis, President, CSR Ministries WGBT Radio “What on Earth Is God Doing?”
My personal friends, Paul and Arlene Samuels, have written a valuable book for our culture. As a senior pastor to thousands from North Carolina to Southern California and internationally in social media, I recommend reading and sharing their book with your family and friends! They will be glad you did, and you will be blessed. The stories in Mental Health Meltdown echo Proverbs 25:11 (NKJV): “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Dr. Tony Crisp, PhD, Corporate Pastor, 5 Stones Intelligence and Co-Founder, Warriors-Walk
For years, I have watched this couple’s firm determination with a bipolar diagnosis in their path. They have borne their book as a team, embracing obstacles as steppingstones. Desiring to help others led them to gather stories of others—and theirs—to find strength and solace in our struggles
Doris Mintz, Chairman and Founding Member, Maasay Yahdav
Paul and Arlene Samuels’ book, Mental Health Meltdown, is a must-read to gain a deeper understanding of mental illness and learn how to support those living with it. I was deeply touched by the bravery and resilience of the storytellers themselves. The stories of friends and families were equally powerful. Their insights will lift the shadow of stigmas and offer glimmers of hope for a brighter future.
Arlette Revells, CEO, Great Works Creation Co.
Paul’s memoir, Bipolar Missionary, written in 2020, was his first step in educating others about mental illness. I’m excited that Arlene, an accomplished writer, is co-authoring Mental Health Meltdown. Its collection of powerful stories from those struggling with mental illnesses is an education and inspiration for communities across America where mental illness is increasing.
Wanda Howard, CEO Entrepreneur
The reality of mental illness is never sufficiently discussed, and its impact can never sufficiently be measured. It is a sad reality that needs to be explored and exposed. In Mental Health Meltdown, Paul and Arlene Bridges Samuels share their important voices and those of others on a topic that must be discussed openly and can never be explored and exposed enough.
Jonathan Feldstein, President, Genesis 123 Foundation
As a professional who understands the importance of advancing mental health awareness and destigmatization, I’m thrilled to endorse Mental Health Meltdown. Understanding these conditions is crucial in fostering empathy, support, and effective treatment strategies. I applaud the authors’ dedication to shedding light on these important issues and believe their book will be instrumental in fostering greater understanding and compassion.
Dr. Steve Lako, D.C.
With empathy and grace, Mental Health Meltdown delves into the unique struggles and triumphs experienced in mental illnesses. Paul and Arlene shed light on the often-overlooked complexities of mental illness for believers trying to pursue a Christian life and those of other faiths. They provide hard-earned lessons for those with or without mental illness to cultivate resilience matched with understanding. Their book is a gift of encouragement to all who walk similar paths as Paul, with bipolar, and Arlene, his devoted wife. These stories prompt radical empathy for those fighting mental health battles.
Shelley Neese, President, the Jerusalem Connection, Author of Bible Fiber
Mental Health Meltdown connects my passion for Israel and Gen Z as a Christ-follower and advocate. I am deeply concerned for our Jewish sisters and brothers in their terrible traumas since October 7, 2023, and about Gen Z, a promising generation facing a rise in depression and anxiety disorders. The Samuels’ book, written with hearts of love, is inspiring and easy to read, a tool to help others navigate mental health meltdowns.
Leah Miles, Co-Founder, Christian Women for Israel and Senior Director, Donor Ministries for Pulse Evangelism
I highly recommend Paul and Arlene’s inspiring book to anyone and their families dealing with mental illness difficulties. My older brother fought paranoid schizophrenia for more than fifty years. The journey was full of ups and downs … mostly downs. Thankfully, our family knew the Lord stood beside us. I cherish the Samuels’ friendship. As overcomers, with Paul’s bipolar disorder and Arlene by his side, they are role models in daily battles. I am confident the first-person stories will heal many.
Pastor Chris Edmonds, CEO Roddie’s Code Author of No Surrender
We take great joy as part of the prayer support team for our dear friends, Paul and Arlene, in their creative project, which will bless many. Their journey through the years dealing with the effects of bipolar gives them the authority and compassion to compile Mental Health Meltdown.
Jeff and Jean Nease, Member Care with Youth With A Mission since 1998
Arlene and Paul Samuels speak up about mental illnesses in their co-authored book. Indubitably, their resilience through the years has blessed many with words of hope for those of us who have similar challenges. Their words move us away from dwelling on the past and redirect us to a promising future.
The Reverend Dr. B. Mike Alexander, Jr., Retired South Carolina United Methodist clergy
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