An Analysis of Causes and Impacts of Depression in Pastors

Depression is becoming more common in pastors because of the stress and strains of ministry, as well as other personal issues. Therefore, this analysis looks into how different mechanisms such as social support and traditional religious values tend to function across different groups of the religious community. The purpose of this study is to understand the issues that would cause a pastor to become depressed and also to devise a plan of action that will provide alternatives to dealing with depression in a positive and healthy manner. This analysis will expand on existing literature and reports that argue on both primary and in-depth belief systems that affect members of the clergy in different religious groups. Religious traditions of the Jewish, Catholic and Protestant have been considered for the study