In recent weeks there has been a lot of discussion about depression. Three NHL players have died this past summer and it appears that all of them had been struggling with depression. The solution was overdosing on medication and for at least one of them, suicide. On Global TV a couple of months ago, there was a piece on the evening news that discussed the growing problem of depression in the workplace. One of the concerns was something I believe chaplaincy might be able to help with.
There is a stigma connected to mental health issues such as depression and because of that, most people don't want management to know if there is an issue affecting their work performance. Wade Belak, one of the NHL players, confided in only one or two people about his depression and yet the majority of people, including his new employers at a Nashville TV station were totally unaware. Perhaps it was Belak's tough persona as a former NHL tough guy that he didn't want tarnished. Whatever the reason, it did not appear that he was being helped with his depression issues.
As a Christian chaplain in the workplace today, I know that there is an answer to those struggling with depression and His name is Jesus. As a chaplain much of my time involves building trust with employees so that when there are problems in their lives, they can come to me for help and advice. I can not approach them and preach to them but I can be Jesus to them during those difficult times. Eventually people ask why I am a chaplain and why I am cheery when others are always grumpy. When they start asking I can start sharing about my faith. It can be a long process but it is one that I gladly accept because I know this is where God wants me in this season of my life.
This past week I spoke to 2 public health nurses and their involvement in Workplace Wellness. They had heard about me and corporate chaplaincy and were intrigued by it. They are now considering how they might present chaplaincy as a viable piece of the wellness program they teach on at companies in the Toronto area. The topic of depression came up and the aspect of confidentiality was not lost on them. It is an exciting door that God may be opening in the months ahead.
