At age 15, Jarrid Wilson told a youth group leader he was depressed, and essentially felt dismissed. By age 19, the silence felt like it was killing him and he started googling painless ways to die.
A decade later, at 29, he’s in a very different place, having battled depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. We discuss his story and why mental health is so hard to talk about—and deal with—in the church.
Welcome to Episode 162 of the podcast.
Guest Links
Jarrid on Facebook
Jarrid on Instagram
Jarrid on Twitter
LiveChat at Anthem of Hope for people struggling with depression/anxiety/suicide
US Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)
Links Mentioned
Breaking 200 Without Breaking You
Join me February 22-23, 2018 at the Pipeline West Leadership Conference. Use coupon code: LeadLikeNeverBefore for 10% off your registration before the Early Bird Rate expires on October 31st!
3 Insights from This Episode
1. If you are suffering alone with anxiety and depression you must find community
God doesn’t want you to suffer in silence. He doesn’t want you to suffer at all. The moment you admit your hurt God can begin the healing process, but first you have to be willing to take down the wall you’re hiding behind.
You cannot find relief from this on your own. Connecting with God through time, prayer and scripture combined with pastoral care, counseling and community will help relieve the burden.
If you want to chat with someone about your struggles right now, click here to go to Anthem of Hope’s live chat line.
2. The church can to be a support to those in need of hope simply by acknowledging the issue
Mental health isn’t just a personal issue. It’s a spiritual issue and the church must be available to support people struggling with anxiety and depression. If the church is to be a hope in the world to those who feel hopeless more must done to remove the stigma of depression. It shouldn’t take a ton of effort. Simply acknowledging the issue and being available with love and support can save lives.
Check out QPR Training for more great information.
3. There are responses to avoid when someone opens up to you about their inner struggles
When a person with depression admits what he’s feeling inside, he’s sharing what is 100% truth to him and looking for a safe place to be heard.
Don’t question, downplay or minimize someone’s personal feelings and never assume suicidal thoughts aren’t serious. Sometimes all the person needs in that moment is someone to listen and affirm that he is loved and his life matters.
Quotes from This Episode
CNLP 162: Jarrid Wilson on Depression, Anxiety and Suicide and the Church’s Response To Mental Health Click To TweetCNLP 162: Jarrid Wilson on Depression, Anxiety and Suicide and the Church’s Response To Mental Health Click To Tweet
CNLP 162: Jarrid Wilson on Depression, Anxiety and Suicide and the Church’s Response To Mental Health Click To Tweet CNLP 162: Jarrid Wilson on Depression, Anxiety and Suicide and the Church’s Response To Mental Health Click To Tweet CNLP 162: Jarrid Wilson on Depression, Anxiety and Suicide and the Church’s Response To Mental Health Click To TweetThe podcast releases every Tuesday morning.
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Next Episode: Erwin McManus
Erwin McManus talks about his diagnosis of cancer, facing fear and how to deal with criticism.
In this wide-ranging and fascinating conversation, he also talks about creating a church where atheists get baptized and people from widely divergent views and walks of life find a home.
Subscribe for free now and you won’t miss Episode 163.
