The Role of Faith Communities in Suicide Prevention
We interviewed Sheldon Walker, Co-Chair of the Suicide Prevention in the African American Faith Communities Coalition. He discussed his background, the role of faith communities in suicide prevention, and the challenges facing pastors.
This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 for crisis support.
The Impact of an Early Suicide
FFDA: How do you relate to the cause of mental health advocacy?
Sheldon Walker: When I was growing up in Chicago, I had this classmate when I was about 11 or 12 years old. After school, they would pick on him. I would sit back and I never would say anything. I would laugh. He was actually my friend, but I never intervened. I never reported to a teacher. Come to find out that he took his life. He was just 12 years old. For years, I’ve felt responsible and dealt with it internally. When I was in my late 20s, I decided that if God ever give me the opportunity to help somebody, I was going to do it as best as I can. That’s what led me to suicide prevention.
The Role of Faith Communities in Suicide Prevention
FFDA: What role do religious institutions play in preventing suicides?
Mr. Walker: Oh, they play a huge role. There are two important things that they can do. One: they can eliminate the stigma that comes along with mental health. Two: they can equip parishioners with the tools to recognize someone who is contemplating suicide.
FFDA: In your experience, is there anything unique about suicide prevention in African American faith communities?
Mr. Walker: I think what’s unique about it is that we are at a point now where we feel comfortable sharing our hurts, disappointments, and frustrations. We are getting better at not bottling up our feelings. I believe that when you crack open that door, you set yourself free.
The Challenges Facing Clergy Members
FFDA: How do you recruit clergy members to participate in coalition work?
Mr. Walker: Well, one of the things that we did to bring in religious leaders is we let them know that you don’t have to always be there. Maybe a representative can be there may be a church administrator or maybe a deacon or trustee. We understand that pastors are extremely busy. Sometimes, they did not want to delegate people to speak on their behalf. Thankfully, that’s changing. When pastors do attend meetings, they might come for 30 minutes or they might come for an hour. They fit us into their schedule. It comes down to building relationship.
FFDA: What are some of the biggest challenges facing faith leaders interested in addressing the mental health of their congregants?
Mr. Walker Pastors are human. They take on everybody else’s problems. Every pastor should have a therapist. I remember during COVID, so many of them were emotionally overwhelmed by the sheer number of funerals they had to perform. They have to make sure their own mental health is straight. Another challenge is we only talk about mental health and suicide prevention in May and September. People’s suffering isn’t relegated to just 2 months out of the year. We’ve got 10 other months when people still struggle with the same thing. Churches have to be consistent and make this topic a priority throughout the year.
You Have Purpose
FFDA: What is your takeaway message to people who are going through a tough time?
Mr. Walker: Society would tell us that we don’t matter that we are not important. That is not the truth at all. You have purpose and you have value. For people who are feeling down, I want to offer you hope. Imagine bumping your toe on the dresser drawer. You are in pain. Eventually, though, the pain goes away. If you are struggling, hold on another day and ask for help. There are those of us who know how to get you the resources you need. Hope is available.
Additional Resources About Faith Communities in Suicide Prevention
To learn more about the Suicide Prevention in the African American Faith Communities Coalition, visit their website.
Listen to Pastor Cornelius Hill discuss how faith leaders can be part of a circle of support for loved ones dealing with a mood disorder
See why Dr. Matthew S. Stanford says that churches can be a gatekeeper to the mental health world.
Sheldon Walker works as the Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Nashville Metro Public Health Department. He coordinates and facilitates behavioral health and QPR trainings in Davidson County. As Co-Chair of the Suicide Prevention in the African American Faith Communities Coalition, he works directly with faith leaders providing resources and support. Sheldon’s professional experience includes corporate management with the Universal Health Services in Nashville, Tennessee. He served as the Senior Counselor for Hermitage Hall Residential Facility where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of a 110-bed facility. Sheldon earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Tennessee State University and attended graduate school at Cumberland University.