Thank You, Rick Warren.

You’ve probably heard the name, “Rick Warren” at some point in your life. He’s one of the most influential pastors in the country and the best-selling author of The Purpose-Driven Life. Not too long ago he suffered every parent’s worst nightmare: he lost a child.

Matthew Warren was just 27-years-old when his life was cut short. A lot of those who spent time with him might have thought he’d be a great minister one day – just like his dad. Described as caring and compassionate, he also struggled with a serious disease none but those closest to him knew about, the same illness that would claim his life. Matthew died by his own hand on Saturday, April 6th and it was depression that drove him to it.

Thousands offered prayers and support for the Warrens when the news broke. In the wake of this tragedy, Pastor Warren became aware of the lack of serious and compassionate attention given to the subject of mental illness in our churches, our nation, and our culture…and decided to do something about it.

He posted the following petition on the Saddleback church website:

Kay and I have been overwhelmed by your outpouring of love since Matthew’s tragic death.

Matthew was just one of about 11.4 million American adults that suffered from severe mental illness in the past year. In fact, one in five Americans experiences some sort of mental illness.

Join Kay and I, and the Saddleback Family, in our effort to urge educators, lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and church congregations to raise the awareness and lower the stigma of mental illness… and support the families that deal with mental illness on a daily basis.

Thank you for adding your voice.

Pastor Rick

As someone who’s had a family member with debilitating mental illness – Thank you, Rick Warren! I couldn’t agree with you more.

There’s such a stigma attached to those who seek treatment for mental illness that I imagine many go without the help they need out of fear. Afraid that they could be labeled for the rest of their life. Afraid that their relationships could suffer. Afraid of what others might think.

Although the word, “illness” is often used to describe mental disorders I worry that many see some of the more common mental diseases (depression, OCD…etc.) as something someone can just, “snap out of”. Sometimes counseling alone is all that’s needed, sometimes it needs to be paired with medication…or maybe another kind of therapy needs to be sought. Mental disease IS disease. The sooner we see treating it as necessary as treating a broken leg, the better we’ll be as a society.

Lord, Great Physician, may stigma give way to compassion and may fear not hinder those afflicted from seeking help. Amen.