Breaking the Silence: Navigating Mental Health in Ministry

I thought I could never tell anyone about this. So I remained silent about my reality until the isolation and shame became suffocating.

Most common mental illnesses:

Depression 41%

Anxiety 15%

Drug abuse 11%

Alcohol abuse 10%

Schizophrenia 7%

Bipolar disorder 7%

Behavior problems 4%

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

1) Receive Grace

Extend the same grace to yourself that you extend to others. Jesus never required leaders to pretend everything is fine. On the contrary, the Lord said,

2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you.”

Don’t try or stop trying to hide behind work or a fake smile.

Admit that you need help.

2) Open up

Honesty increases ministry effectiveness.

I believe authenticity makes the leader more credible and relatable.

Being myself has allowed me the chance to demonstrate daily dependence on God. Not only has transparency been liberating for me but it also gives people a window into my life. They can see the highs and the lows as well as the faith that sustains me. They also see the benefits of leaning on the Holy Spirit going to counseling and doing what’s necessary to maintain good mental health. Getting up every day and doing the hard work.

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Lean into it. You will gain trust because of your vulnerability.

3) Be Still

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

Jesus modeled what it looked like to be still. He regularly took time to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate. The son spent time with the father praying and worshiping how much more should you and I?

I have learned that without self-care and soul care, I have less capacity to love and care for the community to which God has called me. In other words, my mental and spiritual health must be ministry priorities!

4) Practice Gratitude

Mental illness and ministry can coexist. What we are taught is it is a disqualifier It will keep us from our dreams and purpose is so opposite the way that the kingdom truly works.

God does not revoke his calling on your life. (Romans 11:29)

Before the pandemic in 2019, an estimated one in five adults and one in six children had a diagnosable mental illness, but only an estimated one in five of those received any mental health treatment.

Today, the amenities and financial support offered for mental health are still insufficient. The United States is insufficiently staffed with enough mental health

professionals to treat everyone with a mental illness. Estimates show that more than 150 million people live in areas with federally designated mental health professional deficits. In rural areas, the gap increases, as more than half of U.S. counties are without even one psychiatrist.

5) Don’t walk alone

I want to be available to you as Pastors and available to the people in your church so that I can help you!

1) You are not crazy.

2) You are not alone.

3) You are in a season.