“Slaying Giants with Faith: Jesslyn McCutcheon on Bipolar Disorder, Courage, and the God Who Fights Beside Us”

By Dr. Brittney Clinton | Monday, September 29, 2025 | BookTalk

David didn't have any armor or regular weaponry when he faced Goliath. He just had a sling, five smooth stones, and an unwavering confidence in God. Jesslyn McCutcheon's book Fighting Goliath: Slaying the Giant of Bipolar Disorder is based on the same narrative of bravery. It shows how faith, strength, and openness can help people deal with one of the most frightening monsters in life: mental illness. McCutcheon's story of living with bipolar illness welcomes readers into an honest dialog that connects clinical facts with spiritual truths. It breaks down stigma and points to the hope found in Christ. She talks about bravery, grief, and the strength of a God who never allows His children to battle alone in this interview.

Dr. Brittney Clinton: Your book title draws from the biblical story of David and Goliath. In what ways do you see your personal battle with bipolar disorder mirroring that story of courage and faith?

Jesslyn McCutcheon: “David didn’t wear Saul’s armor or fight with traditional weapons. He used what he knew: a sling and five stones. In the same way, confronting bipolar disorder head-on takes courage. It means facing a giant that looms over you every single day. But David’s confidence wasn’t in his own strength—it came from knowing the Creator of the world. His faith was evident long before the stone ever sunk into Goliath’s forehead. In your own battle, you must choose to put on Christ daily, trusting that victory is possible because you’re not fighting alone. God is in the fight with you.”

Dr. Brittney Clinton: Many books discuss mental health clinically, but yours takes a faith-driven approach. What made you decide to weave theology and personal experience together in this narrative? 

Jesslyn McCutcheon: Each of our mental health toolkits will look uniquely different. While I do all the necessary things to support myself medically and emotionally, my most essential treatment is suiting up each day in the armor of God. Through every personal experience, I’ve discovered that the one "medication" that has never failed me is knowing Christ as my Savior. He was a friend to me when no one else was—and to say the least, He is my everything. It is only by His power that I’m still here today. As it says in Scripture: “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV)

Dr. Brittney Clinton: What was the most difficult “giant” you had to face while writing this book—was it reliving painful moments, overcoming fear of judgment, or something else entirely? 

Jesslyn McCutcheon: Chapter 10: Do Not Let Me Go, I experienced a devastating relapse. As my mental health spiraled downward, the warning signs became impossible to ignore—I knew something had to change. One of those changes involved adjusting my medication. But after taking the first dose of a new prescription, layered on top of what I was already using, my body couldn’t handle the amount of serotonin. That night, I suffered a near-fatal serotonin syndrome overdose.

The trauma of that experience left deep scars, eventually leading to a diagnosis of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). I was plagued by recurring nightmares and flashbacks, forced to relive that terrifying night again and again.

As I wrote this chapter, I can still see it all unfold vividly in my mind—but this time, something was different. I’m no longer the one holding the pen. I am being held. Covered by the grace of God.

Dr. Brittney Clinton: You describe “slaying” bipolar disorder not as a one-time victory but as an ongoing journey. How do you personally define victory in this battle

Jesslyn McCutcheon: Living with bipolar disorder is a lifelong journey that requires a deep, ongoing commitment—both medically and spiritually for treatment. When David faced Goliath, he didn’t win because he believed in his own strength; he won because he knew the Spirit of God lived within him. In the same way, medication, therapy, and community are essential tools in managing bipolar disorder. But for me, true and lasting victory has always come from knowing Abba God. That relationship has never failed me. Because of it, I don’t fear the battles—I face them knowing He is with me in the fight.

Dr. Brittney Clinton: How do you hope your book will shift the conversation around mental health, particularly within faith communities that may struggle to address it openly? 

Jesslyn McCutcheon: Chapter 9: Great Is Thy Faithfulness speaks directly to the intersection of the church and mental health. One of the greatest stigmas we face within faith communities is the lack of understanding about what bipolar disorder truly is. Living with bipolar disorder is not just a “spiritual issue”—it is a real medical condition, just like cancer or diabetes. It must be normalized in our conversations so that those who are struggling feel safe enough to seek the help they need, rather than fighting the battle alone and in silence. While prayer and faith are vital components of healing, there is also a medical side to this disorder—one that many are unaware of and that carries deep complexity.

Dr. Brittney Clinton: If readers could walk away with one truth, one weapon to put in their own hands when facing giants—whether bipolar disorder or another struggle—what would you want that to be? 

Jesslyn McCutcheon: Readers will walk away with the powerful reminder that they are not alone in their battle. Fighting Goliath offers hope, healing, and truth for anyone facing the overwhelming giant of bipolar disorder—or any mental health struggle. Through raw honesty, spiritual insight, and personal testimony, the book shows that faith and mental illness are not mutually exclusive.

The core message is this: God is present in the fight. The book encourages readers to seek both spiritual and medical help without shame, and to embrace the truth that healing is not always instant, but it is always possible. Ultimately, Fighting Goliath is a message of hope, a message of believing in a God who is bigger than the illness that you are forced to live with. Do you believe your giant can fall?

Jesslyn McCutcheon's story shows us that winning doesn't mean there are no problems; it means God is with us through them. Fighting Goliath is more than just a memoir. It shows that religion and mental health can coexist without shame, and that recovery is both a physical and spiritual journey. Her comments ring true for anybody facing their own "giant": you are not alone in this fight. God is on your side, and with Him, any Goliath can be brought down. Feel free to contact the author at jesslynrm@gmail.com . 

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Dr. Brittney Clinton is a content educational practitioner currently serving as an Associate Professor at Westcliff University, Dissertation Committee Member, independent published author, and compassionate leader that attract other professionals, scholars, and individuals in the community with a devoted purpose to empower, educate, and support others. Previously, Dr. Clinton served various leadership roles in Winston-Salem, NC with the following organizations: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc and The Order of the Eastern Star PHA 30th District. Dr. Clinton currently serves as a board member for the city of Winston-Salem, NC Appearance and Commission Board.

Dr. Clinton graduated from the following prestigious institutions: Winston-Salem State University, B.A. Sociology/Elementary Education 2009, Strayer University, MA Education Leadership and Management 2012, and Capella University, Ed. D Education Leadership and Management 2015. Dr. Clinton founded the motto “Continue to be a beacon of light”; which is implemented daily while effectively illuminating a successful path for others.

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