Engaging. Empowering. Encouraging.
I was a pastor when I nearly died by suicide. These days, I live to help others heal.
Topics
From Pastor to a Psych Ward
“I’ve decided churches need to look more like psych wards...In the same way Jesus welcomed people to come without pretense, it’s time for the church to provide a sacred place to lay down our burdens and rest.”
I am a former pastor who made my bed in hell, and found God there.
I served the local church for ten years. During that time, I was secretly suffering from depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I was terrified for anyone to know the extent of my despair.
Things became so unbearable that I nearly died by suicide in 2012. I wrote From Pastor to a Psych Ward in 2016 as a promise to those who have reached the end of their rope: your story isn’t over. I am dedicated to reaching those who are hiding from God and the rest of us.
In my signature talk, listeners are invited to take off their masks and join me in owning their story. Yes you CAN be a Christian and also have a mental illness. My talk covers what my personal experiences have taught me about how the church can and should welcome, love, and support others, specifically those struggling with their mental health. This combination of powerful storytelling, statistics, and education will have your group on the edge of their seats.
WORKSHOP - Suicide: Struggle and Support
Suicide has been identified as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Despite how common it is, suicide remains a highly stigmatized struggle, particularly in the church.
A 2017 study found that while 76% of churchgoers believe suicide is a problem that needs to be addressed in their community, and 80% of Protestant senior pastors believe their church is equipped to intervene when someone is struggling with suicidality, nearly no churchgoers who have lost a close friend or family member to suicide say that church leaders (4%) or church members (4%) were aware of their loved one’s struggles.
In this interactive workshop, I will share my own struggles, leading up to a suicide attempt, plus teach you how to support others. If you aren't sure how to help people who struggle with suicidal thoughts, or those whose lives have been affected by suicide, you need this workshop.
Upon completion, participants will better understand the lived experience of suicide. Participants will also be better equipped in knowing how to support people who struggle with suicidality and those who have been affected by it.
*This workshop can be customized for faith-based or secular audiences.
Meet Steve Austin.
Steve Austin is a writer, coach, podcaster, and former pastor whose work has been featured in USA Today, Huffington Post, Relevant, and other outlets. Austin nearly died by suicide after secretly suffering from depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and he has become a leading voice at the intersection of faith and mental health. Austin resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife and two kids, and he loves all things peanut butter and chocolate.
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