Megachurch Pastor Takes His Life
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203454)
Nashville, Tennessee
September 11, 2019 9:29am CST
Usually I do not share new stories here. But this one caught my attention.
Jarrid Wilson, a Southern California megachurch pastor and mental health advocate, died by suicide Monday.
Wilson, 30, was associate pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. He co-founded Anthem of Hope, a mental health nonprofit helping people dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. He is survived by his wife, and two sons.
His tweet before he took his life read:
Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure suicidal thoughts.
Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure depression.
Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure PTSD.
Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure anxiety.
But that doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t offer us companionship and comfort.
He ALWAYS does that.
Wilson wrote about contemplating suicide and said he found no resources in the church to help him cope with depression. Instead heard people saying, “Just have faith" -- but that didn’t help.
“All the counseling and help I received came years after I actually needed it, and it was found in the secrecy of a local medical facility, not a church—where it should have been all along,” he said.
A horrific tragedy any time someone takes their life. This story goes to show you that no matter what your religion is, depression and suicidal thoughts cannot always be "cured".
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at tel:1-800-273-TALK (8255).
15 people like this
13 responses
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
11 Sep 19
I believe that when its your time to die you die, no matter who you are and no matter if its by ones own hand or cancer. God never said we would life forever on earth.
All the mental issues this man was having is because of an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, I know so many people that take medication daily to try and get the balance back.
4 people like this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
11 Sep 19
@CarolDM And many never get the medication that can help.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
11 Sep 19
@andriaperry Time often runs out.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (155957)
• United States
11 Sep 19
He didn't get the right kind of help...and to be in the position he was with Anthem of Hope makes it twice as tragic.
3 people like this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
11 Sep 19
It is sad and yet so many look for comfort that way. It's hard to process. I believe their spirits heal.
2 people like this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
11 Sep 19
@Writingghost Usually impossible to completely process.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (169888)
• United States
12 Sep 19
What a shame! It is extremely hard for me to understand why someone with young children would do that. Although it is always tragic, the hurt and pain they leave behind should be enough to stop them.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (169888)
• United States
12 Sep 19
@CarolDM It sounds like he had the help..He made a choice.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
12 Sep 19
@snowy22315 Yes he made the choice but he personally did not get help, he was busy helping others from the interviews I listened to, according to family and friends.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
11 Sep 19
greatly saddened to read that yet 'nother bright light 's been dimmed. i know lots 'f folks put faith 'n their religion, but such cannot cute many demons. my heart aches fer his family 'n followers. 
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
11 Sep 19
@CarolDM jest heartbreakin', ms. carol. i'm glad ya shared 't here, many need remindin' that mental illness 'tis not somethin' folks can jest "get over", they need vast avenues 'f support. from nutritional, 't times medications, support/counselin' 'n a lil faith don't hurt - jest aint 'nough.
sometimes loss brings folks closer to their beliefs. we're more 'like'n we'd reckoned. i changed my views, too, when my brother 'twas killed years 'go. 
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
11 Sep 19
@crazyhorseladycx Maybe that is why I shared it. I just think it needs to be talked about. So sorry about your brother. It does turn our world upside down.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
11 Sep 19
Yes I was so sad when I read it, I usually don't share news items but for some reason I shared this one. I think one of the points I was trying to make is that the church, religion, etc, cannot heal everything in life. Many believe this. I used to before I lost my son. Then it all changed.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40497)
• United States
11 Sep 19
That is so hearbreaking. I will be praying for his family.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79668)
• United States
11 Sep 19
That is so very sad to hear. I have a cousin who just ended her life
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79668)
• United States
11 Sep 19
@CarolDM thank you Carol. I didn't write about it since I'm still in shock
1 person likes this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
11 Sep 19
Marilyn, I am sorry. I hope you somehow find comfort. I wish I had the words.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
11 Sep 19
I did a search for the words depression and depressed and found these verses.
Psalm 143:7-8 (New Living Translation) Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
2 Corinthians 7:6 (New Living Translation But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.
Yes, depression and related illnesses have no boundaries and can affect all kinds of people. A good friend can be a real help in such circumstances. When there is a chemical imbalance there is not much that helps. 
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
11 Sep 19
@1hopefulman Yes I know that very well unfortunately.
1 person likes this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
12 Sep 19
That is absolutely devastating poor guy RIP
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95082)
• Marion, Ohio
11 Sep 19
Sad that he did not get the help he needed. Especially since he was reaching out for it.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73368)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Sep 19
whatever he was going through and suffering if he could not take anymore I think he will find peace up above and the Lord will understand.
1 person likes this
@ZedSmart (19753)
• Philippines
12 Sep 19
This is a sad news and ironic for a person who has advocacy like this but I understand that we are not superhuman and battling out with mental health condition is not easy. Sometimes, people see you OK outside but I think that there are only few who can read what's deep inside. You remind me of a local song "Buloy". It's about the guy named Buloy who's good at giving advice and hope to his friends but ended up taking up his own life.
1 person likes this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
11 Sep 19
It is so important to get the help at the right time. Sometimes there just isn't anything that can be done.
1 person likes this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
11 Sep 19
@CarolDM I am so sorry and you are so brave to share your heart and Dustin's Garden. We learn much from you.
