Recognizing Important Warning Signs: Is Someone Depressed Or Suicidal? episode 3 from the podcast Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders

Recognizing Important Warning Signs: Is Someone Depressed Or Suicidal?

Why my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? (Psalm 42:5/42:11/43:5)

Depression is a big problem in today’s world. And for a ministry leader or pastor, it can be scary to think about. It can feel very overwhelming.

But if you truly want to minister well to the people God has put around you… well, you need to be ready to recognize signs of concern and respond to them well. 

So today, let’s tackle the first part of that. Let’s go through some common warning signs and red flags that might tell you depression, suicide, or hopelessness is a concern for someone. 

(You can get more ideas about action steps to take when you’re worried in this blogpost. Spoiler alert – if you are concerned, call 9-8-8 today for the suicide prevention lifeline today.)

DOWNLOAD A FREE PDF WITH THESE DEPRESSION TIPS

Warning Signs You Might Notice

As a ministry leader, you are on the front lines of people’s struggles in life. Sometimes, people struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts will reach out for help.

More often, you might notice some warning signs that could lead you to step in, encourage, support, help, and take action. In our next post, we’ll talk about how to take action.

But even from the outside, as a pastor or ministry leader, you may notice these warning signs –

  • Is someone withdrawing or isolating themselves from the ministry, church, or activities?
  • You may notice mood swings, possibly confusing or extreme
  • In conversation, someone may be acting agitated or anxious
  • You may start learning about reckless behavior
  • Are they talking about feeling hopeless? trapped? like a burden?
  • Are they talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves? Take this seriously!
  • Giving away prized possessions (this can be a first step toward preparing for suicide)
  • Is there concern about someone increasing the use of alcohol or drugs?
  • You may discover someone is having trouble getting out of bed or doing daily activities

These warning signs are NOT evidence that someone is definitely struggling with depression or suicide. But they should raise a flag. They are worthy of follow-up.

You will especially want to take these warning signs seriously if the person you’re concerned about is also struggling with a new serious health diagnosis, divorce, job loss, chronic illness, or other significant and painful life event.

What to do if you are concerned?

Read the next blogpost right now for some action steps that you can take if you are concerned for someone.

For now, and in every situation, this is a call for prayer.

And if you need emergency support, call 9-1-1 or you can call 9-8-8 anytime for the suicide prevention lifeline today. 

DOWNLOAD A FREE PDF WITH THESE DEPRESSION TIPS

ABOUT 

There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast:

  • LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app
  • WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel
  • READ on the iHope blog 

REFERRALS AND DONATIONS

Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors. 

The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations are used to help us keep clients’ fees at 50% below the local average cost for services. 

DISCLAIMERS

The blog, podcast, and other resources offered by The iHope Center should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others. 

In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.