Pastor And Mental Health Advocate Loses Own Battle Against Depression, Commits Suicide

Sep 18, 2019 by apost team

Many great people in our communities work tirelessly to help people in need. Often, they sacrifice their well-being to help others. Famous pastors and community leaders frequently walk away from personal success in life in order to guide others.

Pastor Jarrid Wilson stood tall as someone working hard to help those in need. Unfortunately, his life came to a tragic end when he committed suicide on the evening before National Suicide Prevention Day.

Wilson served as an associate pastor at Harvard Christian Fellowship. He and his wife Juli founded Anthem Hope, a nonprofit designed to support people dealing with anxiety, depression, addiction, and other personal problems.

Jarrid Wilson knew what he was up against. He himself struggled with depression and anxiety, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. During his days of counsel and service, he helped others through his understanding of what they went through.

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On the day of his death, he sent out tweets regarding a funeral service he officiated for a woman who died by suicide. He asked for prayers, but he also pointed out faith alone won't overcome mental health issues. Faith in Jesus, however, does provide comfort for the struggling, he noted. Wilson infers that people struggling with mental health issues should also seek out the assistance of a professional. Sadly, his commentary foreshadowed his premature death by his own hands. 

Juli Wilson won't give up the cause of helping others who need assistance during trying times. She intends to keep Anthem Hope in operation and reach out to others. Through Instagram, Juli spoke highly of her husband and focused on the positive aspects of his life. The post did not blame anyone nor wallow in pity, even if it was tearfully sad.

'I have to say that you being gone has completely ripped my heart out of my chest,' she wrote on Instagram. 'You loved me and our boys relentlessly and I am forever grateful that i had YOU as a husband and a father to our boys ... You are my forever and I will continue to let other people know of the hope in Jesus you found and spoke so boldly about.'

Hope only goes away when people let it go. Juli Wilson won't allow people to lose hope in the legacy her husband created. She wants to continue to help people with their struggles. Many can still turn to Anthem Hope for assistance.

Even if it's heartbreaking to know that Jarrid Wilson eventually chose to end his life, letting people know about his life's work and his wife's strength may inspire them to help others. Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.