This week is Suicide Prevention week and I want to use this week’s article to talk about how trauma and suicide intersect and we trauma-informed care matters for ministry.
For many, the issue of suicide is not an abstract one—it touches friends, families, and entire communities. In my own ministry experience, Two of my friends—both fellow pastors—took their own lives. Another attempted. And on more than one occasion, I’ve sat across from individuals who were planning to take their own life and needed immediate intervention.
One of those pastors who died was someone I admired deeply. On the outside, he seemed strong, capable, respected—even joyful. But behind the image he presented, he carried wounds no one around him fully saw. At the funeral of another friend, many of us were left asking the same haunting questions: “Why didn’t we see it? Could we have done something?” There were no good answers. The questions came too late, and the opportunity to intervene had already passed.
That’s the sobering reality of suicide: the pain is often hidden, even in those who appear to have it all together. Other times, we know someone is hurting, but we don’t know the depth of their pain—or how to help.
As I reflected on the deaths of my friends, I had to admit something difficult: it could have been me. I carry my own trauma. Caring for my mental health has meant acknowledging my wounds instead of denying them, and learning how to pursue healing. For me, that recognition was life-giving. It reminded me that none of us are immune, and that being honest about our struggles is part of how we stay healthy.
If you recognize your own need, it’s OK to seek help from a counselor or therapist. And if you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The loss of my friends was heartbreaking, but it’s not isolated. Suicide affects people across all age groups at fairly consistent rates, and it is the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults. On average, approximately 1.5 million Americans attempt suicide each year.
Hidden pain is more common than we realize. Research shows that trauma is one of the strongest risk factors for suicide. Experiences of abuse, neglect, violence, or deep loss can leave lasting scars—and sometimes those scars remain hidden behind a polished exterior. This connection between trauma and suicide is one reason trauma-informed ministry is so vital.
While I’m not a suicide prevention expert, research tells us that environments of safety, trust, and connection reduce risk. Trauma-informed care helps create spaces where people don’t have to hide their wounds. Instead, they can share openly and find support.
I often hear leaders say, “This is a safe place,” or encourage people—especially men—to open up. But just saying a place is safe doesn’t make it so. Safety isn’t a declaration; it’s a culture. Emotional and psychological safety must be built intentionally and woven into the DNA of a ministry—through trust, consistency, respect, and compassion. Without that groundwork, inviting people to be vulnerable can actually do harm.
That’s why trauma-informed ministry matters. It gives us a framework to understand how trauma affects people, recognize the signs, and respond in ways that foster trust and healing—not more wounding.
So during this Suicide Prevention Month, I want to remind you: the people around you may be carrying hidden wounds. That’s why it’s so important to build communities of genuine safety and compassion, where no one has to carry their pain alone.
As Christians, we believe Jesus offers hope, healing, and community. Part of following Him is living out the “one-another” commands of Scripture—making sure others know they are not alone.
I encourage you to check in on the people around you, especially those who may be quietly struggling. If you’re in ministry, consider learning more about trauma-informed care. It will equip you to create spaces of real safety and support—places where people can experience both the love of Christ and the healing power of community.
And again, if you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. In the U.S., dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.