Pastoral Counseling in the Care of Individuals with Depression and Suicidal Ideation

Contributions to Holistic Care

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29327/2401156.19.2-18

Keywords:

Counseling, Church, Depression, Suicide

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the relevance of pastoral counseling in the care of individuals affected by depression and suicidal ideation, as well as its role in supporting families and social support networks involved in this context. Although mental suffering associated with depression and suicidal behavior has, at different historical moments, been understood in a reductionist manner, it is a complex phenomenon that requires multidimensional approaches and continuous attention. From this perspective, the study proposes a critical reflection on the importance of pastoral care in situations of emotional crisis and psychological vulnerability. It seeks to understand how pastoral intervention can contribute to the prevention of severe outcomes by providing welcome, attentive listening, and spiritual support. Furthermore, the article highlights the contribution of chaplaincy and pastoral counseling as relevant resources in coping processes, fostering the reinterpretation of lived experiences and strengthening individuals’ emotional resilience. By integrating the spiritual dimension into mental health care, pastoral counseling may constitute an important instrument for promoting well-being and supporting individuals in coping with depression and suicidal ideation.

Author Biographies

Francisco de Assis Souza dos Santos, Faculdade Unida de Vitoria

Possui graduação em Letras - Português pela Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (1998), graduação em Formação Pedagógica em Filosofia - Licenciatura pelo Centro Universitário ETEP (2022), graduação em Ciências das Religiões pela Faculdade Unida de Vitória (2024), mestrado em Teologia pela Faculdade EST (2010) e doutorado em Teologia pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (2015). Pós-doutorado pelo MSTO - Methodist Theological School in Ohio - USA (2019). Atualmente é professor da Faculdade Unida de Vitória. CV Lattes: http://lattes.cnpq.br/1240820674289937 Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0888-5459 E-mail: assis@fuv.edu.br

Melkisedeke Gleides Mendes, Faculdade Unida de Vitória

Bacharel em teologia e graduação em Administração pela Faculdade Capixaba de Educação. CV Lattes: http://lattes.cnpq.br/3797002478983748 Email: melkisedeke@live.com

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Published

2026-06-30 — Updated on 2026-07-22

Versions

How to Cite

Souza dos Santos, F. de A., & Gleides Mendes, M. (2026). Pastoral Counseling in the Care of Individuals with Depression and Suicidal Ideation: Contributions to Holistic Care. Davar Polissêmica, 19(2), 702–719. https://doi.org/10.29327/2401156.19.2-18 (Original work published June 30, 2026)

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Artigos/Articles: Temática Livre/Free subject

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