Today we welcome back to the mic Daniel Whitehead, CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. In Part 2 of our conversation with Daniel, we explore what is contributing to the worldwide challenges we face with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. And then we lay out a practical strategy pastors can take to help those suffering with these evil triplets in the churches they lead.

From your perspective, what is contributing to the challenges we are facing with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation?

• Not understanding we are four things: Spiritual, physical, psychological, and social.
• We tend to address one of the four things, but not all of them.
• A simplistic view of health – whole-person health is not always straightforward.

What are 3-4 good first steps churches can employ to address the epidemic we’re experiencing in terms of our mental/emotional well-being?

• Find useful resources.
• Accept what we do not know.
• Utilize people in your church who have skills in the four areas of health.
• Speak openly about your own challenges with health.

How does Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries fit into this picture?

• Our course facilitates conversation that many churches do not know how to have.
• The course is designed for small groups.
• NOTE: We encourage you to set goals regarding the percentage of church involvement.

How can churches access your courses?

• Go to https://sanctuarymentalhealth.org/
• Create an account . . . the course is free.

What might be a comprehensive strategy churches could employ to ensure better health for both the congregation and its leadership?

• Preventive vs. curative approach.
• Understand and overcome the fear of starting this conversation with the people you lead.