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From Pastor to a Psych Ward: Recovery from a Suicide Attempt is Possible
Steve Austin was a Christian pastor, husband, and father when he nearly died by suicide. Steve had survived childhood sexual abuse as a preschooler, but the effects rippled through his life for the next 25 years. After nearly 10 years as a youth pastor and worship leader, Steve was convinced that his only choice was to die by suicide.
But childhood sexual abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and an eventual suicide attempt were only the beginning of Steve Austin's story. This book is for anyone who has hit rock bottom and is left wondering if recovery is possible. This story is all about life at the intersection of Christianity and mental health. You will find hope and raw truth in the pages of this memoir.
The suicide epidemic is squeezing the life out of our families, churches, and communities. Daily, people are falling victim to the lie that there is no hope or help for diseases of despair.
Suicide respects no one. It has snuffed out bright lights like Robin Williams, Chester Bennington, and Ernest Hemingway. But closer to home, suicide robs families of teenagers and grandparents, steals teachers and pastors from communities and takes mothers away from their infants. It is a gift to survive it, but for someone who has just survived a suicide attempt, it often feels like failure to be alive.
Steve Austin is a pastor who once attempted suicide because his brain has an illness, no different from heart disease or cancer. The stigma surrounding mental illness, especially in Christian communities, keeps people locked in prisons of shame, refusing to admit that they need help. Yes Christians can and do struggle with mental illness. People need to know that they are not alone, and you can still be a Christian and have a mental illness. Recovery from our darkest day is difficult, but Steve Austin is living proof that it is possible.
But childhood sexual abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and an eventual suicide attempt were only the beginning of Steve Austin's story. This book is for anyone who has hit rock bottom and is left wondering if recovery is possible. This story is all about life at the intersection of Christianity and mental health. You will find hope and raw truth in the pages of this memoir.
The suicide epidemic is squeezing the life out of our families, churches, and communities. Daily, people are falling victim to the lie that there is no hope or help for diseases of despair.
Suicide respects no one. It has snuffed out bright lights like Robin Williams, Chester Bennington, and Ernest Hemingway. But closer to home, suicide robs families of teenagers and grandparents, steals teachers and pastors from communities and takes mothers away from their infants. It is a gift to survive it, but for someone who has just survived a suicide attempt, it often feels like failure to be alive.
Steve Austin is a pastor who once attempted suicide because his brain has an illness, no different from heart disease or cancer. The stigma surrounding mental illness, especially in Christian communities, keeps people locked in prisons of shame, refusing to admit that they need help. Yes Christians can and do struggle with mental illness. People need to know that they are not alone, and you can still be a Christian and have a mental illness. Recovery from our darkest day is difficult, but Steve Austin is living proof that it is possible.
- GenresMental Health
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2016
10 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Steve Austin
18 books24 followersSteve Austin was a pastor when he nearly died by suicide. Years of performance-based Christianity taught Austin to sweep the pain of childhood sexual abuse, plus the shame of PTSD, anxiety, and depression under the rug.
When it came to his suffering, Austin believed it was best not to let anyone know about his secrets - especially church folks. As a result, fear, shame, and guilt were Austin’s constant companions.
Thankfully, a suicide attempt was not the end of his story.
When Austin realized his life wasn’t over, he set about figuring out how to embrace vulnerability by asking for professional help and sharing the uncomfortable truth about his story.
In short: he gave himself permission to be human for the very first time.
Since going public, Austin has learned that countless others are desperate to live an authentic life, too. These days, he helps hurting people find an integrated approach to wholeness, including mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
Since 2012, Austin has written several books, including: Catching Your Breath and Slow Miracles. His work has been featured in USA Today, Huffington Post, The Mighty, and other outlets. He has become a leading voice at the intersection of faith and mental health.
Today, Austin consults church leaders from around the U.S. on how to make their faith communities a safe place for those who are suffering. He also hosts the Catching Your Breath podcast, blogs regularly at catchingyourbreath.com, and is a sought-after speaker at international conferences.
When it came to his suffering, Austin believed it was best not to let anyone know about his secrets - especially church folks. As a result, fear, shame, and guilt were Austin’s constant companions.
Thankfully, a suicide attempt was not the end of his story.
When Austin realized his life wasn’t over, he set about figuring out how to embrace vulnerability by asking for professional help and sharing the uncomfortable truth about his story.
In short: he gave himself permission to be human for the very first time.
Since going public, Austin has learned that countless others are desperate to live an authentic life, too. These days, he helps hurting people find an integrated approach to wholeness, including mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
Since 2012, Austin has written several books, including: Catching Your Breath and Slow Miracles. His work has been featured in USA Today, Huffington Post, The Mighty, and other outlets. He has become a leading voice at the intersection of faith and mental health.
Today, Austin consults church leaders from around the U.S. on how to make their faith communities a safe place for those who are suffering. He also hosts the Catching Your Breath podcast, blogs regularly at catchingyourbreath.com, and is a sought-after speaker at international conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 28, 2016
[I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I am a member of the Grace is Messy facebook community, which the author convened and moderates. In no way did these things change my honest review] NOTA BENE: This is a book about suicide. I want to warn you as it may upset some people and trigger others
"You still think grace is part of an old melody you hum as you cut grass. But grace is stronger than any other force in you life. Grace is why you're still here. And grace will lead you home."
This is not a book for wimps. This book is for the person contemplating suicide, the one recovering from an attempt. It's for the family, the caregiver, the one(s) brave enough to stick around, the "what ifs", those in recovery, those NOT in recovery, the bullied, the bullies, the pastor, priest, deacon, professor, counselor, the therapist.... Basically, it's for all of us. Steve quotes statistics from the American Foundation for Suicide Provention that about 43,000 complete suicide each year in the US, and for each of those,12 more attempt (43000 x12=516000).
So, why this book? RECOVERY. When I was active in ministry, there was ONE small book on suicide and it was for pastors dealing with "those left behind". I wished for books like this: first person accounts of what might have triggered an attempt. That it was OK for Christians to "stumble". And that "even pastors look for ways out of f**ked up lives". That this book isn't aimed at clinicians or prfessionals is even better.
This book is about real life before, during and after a suicide attempt. This is a courageous book. The challenge we are left with is are we courageous enough to read it?
"You still think grace is part of an old melody you hum as you cut grass. But grace is stronger than any other force in you life. Grace is why you're still here. And grace will lead you home."
This is not a book for wimps. This book is for the person contemplating suicide, the one recovering from an attempt. It's for the family, the caregiver, the one(s) brave enough to stick around, the "what ifs", those in recovery, those NOT in recovery, the bullied, the bullies, the pastor, priest, deacon, professor, counselor, the therapist.... Basically, it's for all of us. Steve quotes statistics from the American Foundation for Suicide Provention that about 43,000 complete suicide each year in the US, and for each of those,12 more attempt (43000 x12=516000).
So, why this book? RECOVERY. When I was active in ministry, there was ONE small book on suicide and it was for pastors dealing with "those left behind". I wished for books like this: first person accounts of what might have triggered an attempt. That it was OK for Christians to "stumble". And that "even pastors look for ways out of f**ked up lives". That this book isn't aimed at clinicians or prfessionals is even better.
This book is about real life before, during and after a suicide attempt. This is a courageous book. The challenge we are left with is are we courageous enough to read it?
September 6, 2016
I've been following Steve for a few months now, and I've seen the results of the messy grace he's experienced in his life. I've never really heard the story of how he got there before. This is that story.
It's not just a story, though. It's as real and honest as it can be. It will break your heart for his pain, then help put it back together as he puts his heart and life back together. I started highlighting passages that I loved and wanted to remember, then I realized that almost the whole book is highlighted.
I am thankful he didn't succeed in what he tried to do. I wish there were many more people like Steve in our churches. I won't share EVERYTHING I highlighted, but this resonated with me. "Healing sounds so great, but comfort and inclusion sound even better." Oh, how beautiful they sound. Thank you, my brother Steve.
Steve gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It's not just a story, though. It's as real and honest as it can be. It will break your heart for his pain, then help put it back together as he puts his heart and life back together. I started highlighting passages that I loved and wanted to remember, then I realized that almost the whole book is highlighted.
I am thankful he didn't succeed in what he tried to do. I wish there were many more people like Steve in our churches. I won't share EVERYTHING I highlighted, but this resonated with me. "Healing sounds so great, but comfort and inclusion sound even better." Oh, how beautiful they sound. Thank you, my brother Steve.
Steve gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2018
I finished “From Pastor to a Psych Ward: Recovery From a Suicide Attempt is Possible” by Steve Austin tonight. As a gift from the author, I couldn’t wait to read the story of this incredible man. As I moved through his story and worked through my own stories that floated to the surface, I found myself traveling between anxiety and hope and found permission to keep struggling and wrestling in that sacred space. I recommend this book to anyone that has ever struggled or know others that have struggled through questions of mental health, faith, adequacy, caregiving, or how to be more present with yourself and others even when it hurts. It’s an unapologetic, beautifully authentic open door view of the very things we avoid talking about and addressing in our communities and it’s the very heart of the conversation that we all need to be having.
February 19, 2018
Thank you, Steve, for sharing your story with such honesty. May all those who read or hear your words find comfort, hope, and tangible steps to help live a life of joy, even amidst pain and hardship.
February 20, 2018
This book was provided to me in audio form via the author in exchange for an honest review.
From Pastor to a Psych Ward: Recovery From a Suicide Attempt is Possible, is a series of mostly autobiographical essays written by Steve Austin. Austin, a once successful workaholic Pastor, always covered up his mental health issues due to the church's stigma of talking about said topic. After being dismissed from his church due to a misunderstanding, Austin attempted to commit suicide and failed. This book focuses on his recovery, and has a strong message for others who have also attempted suicide.
This book takes on two personas. At times it is Austin reflecting on his life, mental health, and his healing process after his suicide attempt. At other times it is a self help book for those who have also attempted suicide or who have had suicidal thoughts. The book is very short, almost to the point of feeling incomplete, with bursts of fabulous writing. The honesty which Austin puts forth is very astounding and important, especially when it comes to discussing stigmas in the Christian church.
From Pastor to a Psych Ward is geared toward the Christian demographic specifically, with several sentences making the claim that Jesus is the answer, and that the grace of God is what redeems us all. I think this book is very powerful as it meets Christians where they are and speaks starkly about mental health in relation to the church. The book can be read by those of different faiths but they will get something very different out of the book than Christians. They may take more away from Austin's honesty and self-reflection. While Christians may get that bit too, they will be reading a book geared toward their beliefs and so it becomes much more of a self-help book than anything else.
Austin reads the audiobook and does very well. Every chapter begins with the same music snippet which became quite annoying after a while. There is also a chapter very early on in the book which is from the perspective of Austin's wife yet it is still read by Austin. This was very confusing and left me wondering why there was no introduction to this bit beforehand.
From Pastor to a Psych Ward is a nice quick read. The most important takeaway from the book is its strong message of destigmatizing mental health, specifically in the Christian church, and showing that life is manageable if one takes the proper steps toward healing and coming to terms with their mental health. Although the book caters to a specific demographic, is also manages to be discreet enough that anyone can approach this book and not feel bogged down by the Christian message if they do not desire it. It is well written and honest.
I give From Pastor to a Psych Ward 3 out of 5 stars.
View more of my content at www.thisisdanielle.net
From Pastor to a Psych Ward: Recovery From a Suicide Attempt is Possible, is a series of mostly autobiographical essays written by Steve Austin. Austin, a once successful workaholic Pastor, always covered up his mental health issues due to the church's stigma of talking about said topic. After being dismissed from his church due to a misunderstanding, Austin attempted to commit suicide and failed. This book focuses on his recovery, and has a strong message for others who have also attempted suicide.
This book takes on two personas. At times it is Austin reflecting on his life, mental health, and his healing process after his suicide attempt. At other times it is a self help book for those who have also attempted suicide or who have had suicidal thoughts. The book is very short, almost to the point of feeling incomplete, with bursts of fabulous writing. The honesty which Austin puts forth is very astounding and important, especially when it comes to discussing stigmas in the Christian church.
From Pastor to a Psych Ward is geared toward the Christian demographic specifically, with several sentences making the claim that Jesus is the answer, and that the grace of God is what redeems us all. I think this book is very powerful as it meets Christians where they are and speaks starkly about mental health in relation to the church. The book can be read by those of different faiths but they will get something very different out of the book than Christians. They may take more away from Austin's honesty and self-reflection. While Christians may get that bit too, they will be reading a book geared toward their beliefs and so it becomes much more of a self-help book than anything else.
Austin reads the audiobook and does very well. Every chapter begins with the same music snippet which became quite annoying after a while. There is also a chapter very early on in the book which is from the perspective of Austin's wife yet it is still read by Austin. This was very confusing and left me wondering why there was no introduction to this bit beforehand.
From Pastor to a Psych Ward is a nice quick read. The most important takeaway from the book is its strong message of destigmatizing mental health, specifically in the Christian church, and showing that life is manageable if one takes the proper steps toward healing and coming to terms with their mental health. Although the book caters to a specific demographic, is also manages to be discreet enough that anyone can approach this book and not feel bogged down by the Christian message if they do not desire it. It is well written and honest.
I give From Pastor to a Psych Ward 3 out of 5 stars.
View more of my content at www.thisisdanielle.net
Read
October 7, 2020This is a very heavy book, but there are a lot of really good points made and thoughts shared. Though I can't say my experience is the same, especially with sexual abuse, I can relate to the way Steve talks about the church's handling of mental illness. I don't find it necessary to elaborate. I'm thankful for Steve and his willingness to share his story. I'm thankful for his continued writing and honesty to those who are having bad days.
December 31, 2019
This was a very quick but encouraging read. I’ve never felt suicidal, but I have loved ones who have. This book helped me understand some of their feelings and life experiences that may have led to those feelings. Warning: there is a very graphic depiction of childhood sexual abuse in the beginning of the book. This memoir read more like a book of short, themed essays. This would be a good book for any Christian with a mental illness or who has a loved one with a mental illness.
December 8, 2018
Pretty poor writing. I'm sure the story itself is inspiring but it wasn't communicated well in the writing. Feels shallow due to the limited view of Christianity and, I guess, the lack of consideration for intended audiences.
I was interested in the topic, so all the more disappointed.
I was interested in the topic, so all the more disappointed.
January 21, 2017
Quick insightful read
Steve gets really raw with his story. A good quick read into life with mental illness on a faith based perspective.
Steve gets really raw with his story. A good quick read into life with mental illness on a faith based perspective.
April 7, 2018
I loved this book. I can only hope I would have the strength it takes to tell this story if it was mine, and I'm not 100% sure I would. it's an incredible journey and very worthwhile read.
January 10, 2019
Live
Honest, compelling and steeped with gratitude. Since we can't be immune from anxiety, why not learn to live with it? Live, being the operative word.
Honest, compelling and steeped with gratitude. Since we can't be immune from anxiety, why not learn to live with it? Live, being the operative word.
Read
June 29, 2017Powerful. Hopeful.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews