By Jeromy J. Wells, CBF endorsed Chaplain at Rogers Behavioral Health, Wisconsin

“Some days you will be the light for others, and some days you will need some light from them. As long as there is light, there is hope, and there is a way.” —Jennifer Gayle

It takes honesty to admit when something is no longer a good fit. It takes even more extraordinary courage to do something about it—especially when doing something about it may mean changing careers.

This was where I found myself as an Air Force chaplain over the last decade. Looking back over the incredible opportunities I had to serve others, I realized I had mishandled my symptoms of burnout and need for care. Eventually, my symptoms led to depression— one of the 12 stages of burnout. I later learned “the onset of each case is unique, making it difficult to identify burnout early in its course.”* I knew something unhealthy was happening, but I believed it was my responsibility to figure it out. And like a warrior, I pressed on.

What are the support pathways for chaplains who are hurting and need additional
spiritual and mental health care?

I recently read an article by Bruce Rogers-Vaughn which inspired me to write to him. And a few days later he wrote back! His thoughtful response communicated nothing less than an “unconditional positive regard” for me. I knew it wasn’t a sales pitch, and I decided I wanted to read more from him. So, I bought his book, Caring for Souls in a Neoliberal Age. As I slowly digested each page, I sensed I was getting closer to a well of hope, and I connected with something much more profound—something I couldn’t articulate before. Essentially, depression is not simply a “you” problem; it’s also an “us” problem. So, yes,
we have to do better with caring for ourselves. That includes recognizing the voice of depression and burnout in our peers and coming alongside them collectively. We don’t have to suffer alone.

Bo Prosser planted a seed of awareness in me over a decade ago when he said, “Jeromy,
even Jesus surrounded himself with close friends.” Everything is a process. It may have
taken a while, but eventually, I found my grounding and took the steps necessary for
recovery and growth.

One of those steps included allowing others to become my extended family. As an only
child, I always dreamed of having siblings. Now I know I have several siblings who refuse
to let me handle things alone. I am forever grateful for God for bringing those people into
my life. We are in this together.

PRAY, PRACTICE, PONDER

You don’t have to suffer alone. In fact, it is often through sharing our burdens in community that we find a deep sense of joy and belonging. Today, ponder your own community: Whom do you support? Who supports you? Take a moment to pray for CBF-endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors who often bear a heavy emotional and spiritual load. Ask God to surround them with communities of support and healing where they can share their burdens with others.