For a long time, people have just sat in the pews suffering from mental illnesses. I have received numerous inbox messages asking the dreaded question,”Can you be saved and suffer from mental illness?” The answer is emphatically yes. There are people that have anxiety, Depression and even a few psychotic disorders that attend Church regularly and live somewhat normal lives.

The difference is-the above group gets treatment. It is important that Pastors, and other church leaders now help attack the stigma that illness such as depression and Schizophrenia are not taboo. This would most probably require some level of basic training on mental health nomenclature. This is important.

In a study on Suicide and the Church by LifeWay Research (09/2017) it stated, “Only 41% of pastors have received formal training in suicide prevention.”

This is very serious. The other startling statistic is the exponential increase in the number of pastors completing suicide while leading a ministry.

In reference to pastors an interesting article written several years ago in Charisma (12/11/13) “According to the Schaeffer Institute, 70 percent of pastors constantly fight depression, and 71% are burned out. Meanwhile, 72 percent of pastors say they only study the Bible when they are preparing sermons and 70 percent say that they don’t have a close friend.”

In essence, I won’t belabor the point but depression has come to the church. Pastors you’ve got to do something about it.

I’m available to help,
DrO (Shrink ATL)

www.psychatl.com
404-575-4785

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