Into the Fold, Episode 14: You Can't Just "Pray it Away."

Within African American communities, religious leaders are in a rare position to influence the lives of others, but that same vocation can be an alienating, even imprisoning, place for those who struggle with mental illness. Pastor A.J. Quinton of Diakonos Ministries in Austin, Texas opens up about his own journey as a pastor with lived experience of mental illness. "Pastor Q" speaks candidly about the double bind that faith community leaders confront as they try to balance their pastoral commitments with their own self-care. He also explains how faith leaders can effectively model recovery-oriented principles, both in their own persons and as conduits for others.