Faith-based leaders are often the first notified when a member is struggling with mental illness. They are in a unique position to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide hope to those in their congregation and their communities. Many individuals struggling with suicidal ideation are in a spiritual crisis. They may question their existence, God’s plan for them, and are trying to find some hope amidst their pain. Pastors and other religious leaders can reach millions of people and provide the life raft that so many desperately need. Here are 7 ways the faith-based community can help:
- Educate your congregation. Unfortunately, many in the community either ignore the issue, refer the individual to outside help and never follow up, or treat the issue as entirely spiritual. Yes, prayer and faith can be helpful, but it often takes more than just prayer. Picture a person with cancer coming to their pastor or other religious leader; do you believe that leader would tell them to pray more and not seek help? A good one wouldn’t, it should be no different for someone struggling with mental illness. Education is critical to removing the stigma of mental illness. Only when people feel safe to talk of their illness, will they feel comfortable coming forward.
- Listen without judgment. People fear what others think. If their church community is not open to mental illness, individuals and families will most likely not come forward.
- Partner with mental health and suicide prevention agencies in the community.
- Offer rooms and or resources
- Raise funds for a mental health and or suicide awareness charity.
- Create peer-led groups where people feel comfortable sharing their story.
- Train your staff in suicide awareness and prevention. Many agencies offer classes like Mental Health First Aid and QPR free of charge. Make sure the Pastor on Call has this training so they know what to do in a crisis situation.
- Know community resources. Have resource guides available and point your congregants to these resources. Develop relationships with good therapists to help those in crisis.
- Recognize the entire family is affected by mental illness. Not only the individual struggles. Pray for the individual along with the family and just as you provide resources for the individual, offer resources to the family as well. Look for charities and other organizations that have family and parent support groups.
- Be careful with language. Don’t say that there was something wrong with someone who died by suicide or that they were nuts or psycho, or words like that. Such language only lessens the person suffering from mental illness, and makes it harder for them to be accepted.
- Self-care for pastors and church leaders is critical. Being a pastor can be stressful and overwhelming. A recent study found that 1 in 4 pastors have struggled with mental illness. (Zylstra 2014). If church leaders are struggling, the ministries will suffer also. Church leaders need support, rest, and hobbies outside of the church. Meditation can be a great tool for stress relief. Pastors may find that speaking to someone can help alleviate stress and worry. Pastors are human, it is important we remember that.
Churches and religious leaders are often the first place that people suffering from mental illness go when they realize that they need help. The word of God and a good pastor or church member could be the difference between a person getting the healing they need or feeling that they are alone in the world. By using these seven suggestions, the church could not only give their congregations and visitors the help they need but can help to remove the stigma of mental illness from our community. Thank You.
Bibliography
Zylstra, Sarah Eekhoff. 2014. 1 in 4 Pastors Have Struggled with Mental Illness, Finds LifeWay and Focus on the Family. September 22. Accessed November 20, 2018. https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2014/september/1-in-4-pastors-have-mental-illness-lifeway-focus-on-family.html.
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