As the pandemic has resulted in increased anxiety and depressive disorder among Americans, Saddleback Church co-founder Kay Warren says the Church can play a unique role in caring for those with mental illness and their families no matter how “messy” situations might be.
During a message to the Evangelical Press Association Christian Media Convention, Warren reflected on the death of her son, Matthew. He took his own life in 2013 after a life-long battle with mental illness.
“I’ll tell you — I will miss my son every day for the rest of my life, until that glorious resurrection day when I see Jesus and see Matthew again,” she said.
After Matthew’s death, Warren founded Saddleback’s Hope for Mental Health Initiative to support individuals and family members of loved ones with mental illness and suicidal ideation.
One in five adults in the United States and one in five children will be affected by mental illness in the coming year. Suicide has become the second leading cause of death among people 10 to 34 years of age.
Warren asked – “Where do people go who are living with mental health challenges? Where do they go to find compassionate care and understanding? Where can they find hope for their dark days? I really believe that the Church of Jesus Christ needs to be that safe, welcoming, and compassionate place for all who suffer.”