"There is always more that can be done, always more time to spend on sermon preparation," says Rev. Mary Holmen. But when do pastors have time to find help for their own problems?

In recent months and years, pastors and other clergy have discussed their struggles more openly. Pastors, like Jarrid Wilson, became advocates for mental health because of the lack of boundaries and the tendency to burn out while working in modern Christian ministry.

Holmen, past Vice President and also former Chair of the Professional Practice Commission of the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care, says this is not new but has been an issue for pastors since her ordination 41 years ago.

"The first and most important thing is to see clergy as fellow human beings and pilgrims on the same journey as anybody else," says Holmen.

Holmen adds that one in every three people will be affected by a mental health issue sometime in their life and clergy are not exempt.

"I've been ordained for 41 years ... but I, quite frankly, can't remember any discussion in class time about setting boundaries and saying, 'no,'" Holmen says. The lack of boundaries and being available to their congregants for 24 hours a day and seven days a week takes an obvious toll on clergy. Not to mention leaving any time for them to tend to their own personal problems.

Howard Bredin is not a pastor but is in church leadership as the chairman of the board at Oakbank Baptist Church and felt the same strain and stigma when he experienced a time of depression.

"I think people need to realize that they [pastors] are normal people and can have issues like everybody else," he says.

Holmen encourages clergy who are experiencing issues and pain like this to seek help.

"There are some things we can do ourselves. However, he says "everybody needs someone to confide in. Whether that is a ministry colleague or someone outside of church structures. Help is available."