When I had my first experience with panic attacks as a student in seminary, I was intent on keeping my struggle a secret. I told only a few family members what I was going through. There was a time when someone else divulged similar struggles and I nodded sympathetically. “That sounds really hard,” I said, but didn’t even admit I was dealing with the exact same thing.

I heard one person say of mental illness. “It’s people keeping a secret from people who are keeping the same secret from them.” How true!

Thankfully, the stigma surrounding mental illness is fading, even in the church. Read this report showing that more pastors are saying they struggle with mental illness. That may be due to rising incidences of mental illness, but they’re also getting comfortable sharing their struggle.

While we’re on the topic, check out our resource on Mental Illness. This 22-page resource offers wisdom from those who have walked the path and tips on how to minister to the mentally ill.