September is National Suicide Prevention Month. No matter where you’re at on your journey with mental health, we want you to know Willow is here for you and that the world needs you.

2020 saw spikes in anxiety, depression, and many other mental health-related illnesses. Even now, there’s worry, doubt, stress, and confusion.

We know life is hard, and we want you to know you’re not alone. Willow is a place where you’re invited to bring your whole self—just as you are—and we’ll help in any way we can.

It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to admit your struggle and seek help. As important as physical health is, mental health is just as important.

We understand a mental health battle can be isolating, but know we’re on your side with open hands ready to help. If you’re in a life-threatening situation, dial 911 immediately. If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for assistance. Reaching out is a sign of strength.

Willow’s response pastors include skilled, compassionate people equipped to listen, suggest additional resources, provide coaching on how to find a good therapist, share information about various Willow Creek ministries, and/or pray with you. To speak with a pastor, call the church at 847-765-5000 and ask to speak with a response pastor—they will return your call as soon as possible. If you want to be prayed for, fill out a prayer request form and our prayer team will lift you up in prayer. Or, for more tangible assistance, click here. If you’re looking for mental health resources, check out our resource page here.

While it appears on a shirt from artists The Perry’s, “Jesus & Therapy” is a great slogan to lean on. We can lean on God to help us through our struggles, but sometimes we need therapy (and additional help) to truly get the help we need. Don’t be afraid to pursue both Jesus and therapy!

We want to continuously shed light on the value of mental health and understand it’s something all of us need to take care of. Let’s continually seek peace, check-in on our friends and family members, and offer help and resources to those who need it. Let’s be a community of believers who pray, listen, and serve one another out of love, and out of respect.