It’s vital that those involved in church leadership roles care well for their mental health and can seek help when necessary. Speaking to those closest to us, to other leaders or to a GP can be a vital first step when we need additional support.
If you are struggling with a mental health battle, please do reach out and talk to someone!
One way to consider how well you are caring for yourself is by going through a Self-Care and Lifestyle Checklist (like this one), you can then review any areas which you may want to address.
You could encourage others in your team to complete this checklist as well. However, bear in mind that this is intended as a personal reflection aid, rather than results people would share with others. You could plan to undertake regular reviews to help you track your progress towards better habits or lifestyle choices, where you find there are areas which you want to improve.
Getting More Help
If you or someone in your team needs further support, you may find the following links helpful:
• nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/helping-others/
• mercyuk.org
• samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
• acc-uk.org
• mhfaengland.org
• selfhelp.cntw.nhs.uk/
Mental Health First Aid
It’s good practice for someone in your pastoral team to be trained in Mental Health First Aid in addition to the more obvious First Aid Courses. Don’t forget that having first aiders present at public gatherings is strongly recommended by the HSE.
Getting Professional Help
Help can come in many forms and it’s worth considering that counselling and most psychotherapy is not regulated in the UK. It’s therefore advisable to look for those who are regulated when choosing a therapist or counsellor to work with. You may also wish to consider their spiritual paradigm prior to engaging them.
Therapists and counsellors can gain accreditation through several professional bodies such as the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the Association of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions (ACC). Each of these professional bodies have databases of their regular and accredited members. Arts Psychotherapists are different, as they are statutorily regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The following registers may be of help when considering a therapist or counsellor:
BCAP: bacp.co.uk/search/Register
UKCP: psychotherapy.org.uk/about-ukcp/our-register/
ACC: acc-uk.org/check-acc-register/
HCPC: hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/
Types of Therapies Available
• Person-Centred Therapy: A non-directive approach focusing on creating a non- judgmental, empathetic space for individuals to explore their emotions and gain deeper self-understanding.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Looks at how unconscious patterns and past experiences shape current behaviours. It’s often used for long-term emotional healing.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A goal-oriented therapy that helps identify and change negative thought patterns.
• Solution-Focused Therapy: A practical, short-term approach focused on finding solutions to immediate concerns and setting achievable goals.
• Integrative Therapy: Combines various therapeutic techniques to tailor the approach to the client’s unique needs.
Association of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions (ACC)
The ACC provide advice for churches, and they also run courses in pastoral care. They are currently gathering a database for spiritual directors, trained individuals who help others in their spiritual walk. You can find out more by visiting their website: acc-uk.org
Video Resources
I Had A Black Dog, His Name Was Depression
Living With A Black Dog
Battle For The Mind – David Holden
Book Resources