Pastors may struggle with suicidal thoughts.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and provide support to individuals who may be struggling with their mental health. While it might come as a surprise to some, it’s important to acknowledge that even individuals in high-stress and emotionally demanding professions can experience suicidal ideation. Yes, even pastors.
If you are a pastor who is having suicidal thoughts, know that you are not alone. We invite you to step out of the shadow of shame and connect with others who can walk alongside you. Sharing burdens lightens the load, and creates an entry point for more resources to follow.
If you are a friend, congregant, or family of a pastor, know that it can be extra hard for pastors to reach out for help. The public position in their community can be a barrier to sharing, especially in communities that view pastors as the helpers and not the helped, or communities that have low tolerance for doubt or for conversations on mental health. We invite you to understand the unique stress and isolation that pastors experience and to be proactive in providing support.
Click here to download a free resource: “Humanizing Pastors: A focus on Clergy Suicide Prevention.” Please feel free to share it with anyone who could benefit from its insights. You can also print out copies to distribute in your office, place of worship, or community space.
Let us remember the importance of granting our spiritual leaders the permission to be authentically human, to seek help, and to participate in the healing work of Christ with us.
