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Pastor Michael A. Walrond, the leader of the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, reflects on how mental health was rarely a topic of conversation in his childhood. He aims to break that cycle within his community.
Walrond’s personal experience with a mental health crisis served as a pivotal moment in his advocacy for mental health awareness. “Out of nowhere, I had a suicidal ideation,” he recalls from his late 30s, a time when he was focused on nurturing both his congregation and his life. Despite holding a Masters of Divinity degree, he noticed a significant gap in his education regarding mental health, a subject often overlooked in his traditional West Indian Caribbean upbringing. “It definitely wasn’t talked about,” he admits.
Suicidal ideation, which denotes the contemplation of death by suicide, can indicate serious underlying mental health issues. Walrond, while grappling with depression and anxiety, became aware of the alarming rates of burnout and mental health crises that clergy face, including suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Following his own crisis, he sought therapy with great urgency.
Walrond credits therapy with being a crucial factor in saving his life and began to ponder the silent battles faced by others in his community. He points out, “In the African American community, historically, there’s been the normalization of trauma. You don’t really see the mental health impact.” As a leader, he is committed to combating the stigma surrounding mental health care within his congregation and the broader community, taking action to lead by example.
Incorporating Mental Health Care into the Church
Initially, Walrond brought on a part-time therapist to operate within First Corinthian. He recalls gesturing toward a small office and expressing his surprise at the high demand for her services. “She was in this office,” he explains, noting her feedback about the influx of attendees seeking help.
Recognizing that many individuals approached the therapist with a sense of embarrassment, Walrond decided to create a more comfortable setting. The church’s initiative took a significant step forward with the establishment of the nonprofit H.O.P.E. Center, which is sustained by grants and donations from congregation members. Lena Green, the executive director, oversees the center, which now boasts a team of seven clinicians, including doctors, social workers, and a psychologist.
Green notes that while strides have been made in addressing mental health needs in the community, stigma remains pervasive. Recent reports indicate a troubling uptick in mental health crises among Black teens and adolescents, highlighting the urgent need for open conversations. “There’s sort of what I like to call the conspiracy of silence,” Green explains, emphasizing the reluctance within families to discuss mental health issues publicly, despite the recognition that help is needed.
Walrond and Green see a crucial opportunity in integrating mental health services within the church environment, where individuals are already accustomed to seeking solace and support for their emotional struggles.
However, dispelling the stigma surrounding mental health treatment remains an ongoing challenge. Walrond actively encourages his congregation to see mental health interventions as complementary to their faith. “You can trust God and go see a doctor to get medication for high blood pressure,” he asserts, underscoring the inconsistency in perceptions about treatment for mental health disorders. Meanwhile, congregant Marchelle Green-Dorvil expresses her concerns about the lingering view that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness, a belief rooted deeply in her and previous generations. She acknowledges the positive impact that youth programs at the church have on her family, yet recognizes that societal attitudes towards mental health treatment can inhibit healing. “There’s something wrong, right?” she states, referring to the stigma that persists.
The church, traditionally seen as a sanctuary for vulnerability, is now being transformed into a multifaceted space for healing. Green-Dorvil emphasizes that the past generation’s message often implied that personal struggles should only be shared within the church walls, rather than seeking help from therapists or mental health professionals.
Normalizing Conversations about Suicide
One of Walrond’s key approaches is to openly address suicide and mental health issues, encouraging congregation members to engage in these vital conversations. During his services, he candidly acknowledges the tragic reality of individuals who leave their church services and succumb to suicidal thoughts. “Those who are tired of life, and you’re at that point where you’re almost ready to give up today — I want you to come,” he calls out to his congregation, inviting anyone struggling with despair to the front of the sanctuary.
This courageous approach has led to remarkable responses, with congregation members often stepping forward in shared vulnerability. In his preparation for such services, Walrond leans on scripture for guidance, highlighting biblical figures like Elijah and Moses, who also confronted moments of despair, illustrating that these struggles are not new or isolated.
Walrond firmly believes that addressing spiritual and mental health needs is equally vital. “Part of the responsibility is to treat the needs of the people as holy,” he asserts, further emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Source
www.npr.org