William J Elenchin

Stress is a concept that has become both increasingly popularized and misunderstood in society. Today we often think about how ""stressed"" we are, many on a daily basis. This is especially interesting when we consider that as life has become easier, at least from a materialistic standpoint, rates of depression and anxiety in our culture have risen. It is true that living with too many demands in life can be harmful to our physical and emotional health. But it is equally true that when we believe difficult circumstances are an unnatural part of life, we only set ourselves up for increased fear and sorrow. Hans Selye, the scientist who discovered how stress operates in the mind and body nearly a century ago, never intended for it morph into the now common idea that all stress is ""bad"" for us. Yet that's precisely what has occurred, driven by three particular social changes in the last half-century. This little guide is a ""back to the basics"" kind of field manual written for students, but is generally for all ages. By rethinking the proper role that stress plays in our lives, we will be better positioned not only to deal with life's challenges, but to embrace all seasons as a part of our journey while on earth. ""As a longtime clinician and professor of mental health counseling, I have observed college students avoid, escape, and retreat when confronted with overpowering stress. Dr. Elenchin's postmodern, solution-focused guidebook will teach students to confront their stressors directly and with purpose "" --Christopher Siuta, Associate Professor, St. Bonaventure University ""As a former student of Dr. Elenchin now preparing for graduate studies, this guide to viewing andovercoming stress in a positive light was a must read Dr. Elenchinhas a great deal of information to offer the world from the health-related field. This book is empowering--read it and learn from the best "" --Emily Sacco, St. Bonaventure University Graduate William J. Elenchin is an Associate Professor and the chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology at St. Bonaventure University, New York. He is the author of Hidden Courage (2009) and Happy Without the Meal (2013).

Most consumers of mental health services assume that psychology developed as a bias-free social science, with research data driving theory and practice. This view is greatly flawed, as virtually all of the key theorists advanced their views based primarily on observations, personal insights, and ""beliefs."" These thinkers held a hostile view of faith, dismissing religious values as a sign of mental illness. While psychotherapy literally means ""care of the soul,"" mental health treatment largely excludes matters of the heart such as moral fiber and spirit. Lost has been the idea that virtues such as courage and hope play an intensely vital role in mental wellness. More troubling is the fact that most recipients of psychological services assume that mental health professionals, because of their training, possess sophisticated insights only they can dispense to relieve mental distress. Because the majority of mental health treatment has historically functioned from an illness model, both treatment providers and consumers have deemed faith beliefs and character strengths irrelevant to good mental health. Fortunately, the last twenty years of scientific research has reestablished the positive relationship between faith beliefs, character traits, and behavioral health that has been held sacrosanct throughout virtually all of human history. Through a distillation of these findings, Hidden Courage seeks to empower nonprofessionals with accessible, timeless principles that guide a good life. ""Exciting new research in positive psychology is documenting the natural integration of body and mind. . . . In this book William Elenchin surveys the history of the unnecessary battle between faith and psychology and shows how faith and religion must be added to current dialogues on mental health. Professor Elenchin compels us to conclude that if we are truly compassionate about those who suffer from mental illness or those who have troubles in living, we must help them become healthier in body, mind, and soul."" --Chuck Walker, Professor of Psychology, St. Bonaventure University ""Finally, a book that validates the real association between faith and mental wellness, offering proof of our human need for connectivity with God. It is a must read for all of us on life's beautiful journey. Hidden Courage is Visible Truth."" --Bradley F. Giannotti, MD, F. A. C. S. ""Informative, educational, exciting, and down to earth, William Elenchin answers the essence of healing the whole and complete person: physically, mentally, and spiritually. A must read "" --Fr. Joseph Czarkowski William J. Elenchin is visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology at St. Bonaventure University, New York.