05/27/2026
I’ll be the first, and the second, to tell you faith and prayer matter. When someone is mentally unwell, prayer can’t be the only answer. A comforting or respected title doesn’t mean someone knows how to recognize psychosis, bipolar disorder, suicidality, trauma, or when emergency care is needed.
Even licensed clinicians have to know when something is beyond their scope and a higher level of care is needed. Some folks don’t know what that means, what to look for, or how to get it.
I’ve heard clergy tell folks , “You just got to work it out” or “Have another baby.” Basically, no real guidance with structure, and not one referral to hand out. Sometimes, a trusted person genuinely doesn’t know how to help. When you’re trained, you know there is something to do even if you don’t know what to do!
You refer. You consult. You connect people to qualified care. You might even call 911!
One of the things I know to be hard to assess is suicidal tendencies. Those symptoms hide in plain view! Life experience alone won’t do it. Being able to speak well ain’t enough.
When lives are involved, we can’t afford to have folks guessing. Good intentions don’t replace training and an emotional prayer won’t rule out the need for an assessment or qualified care.
Sometimes the most faithful thing you do is admit, “It’s above me now!” and get that person connected to someone who knows what they’re doing. -Auntie Ny
