January 21, 2023
The role of the church in treating mental health problems
People may experience mental health problems due to different reasons. Some of the reasons might be trauma, social disadvantage, childhood abuse, neglect, domestic violence, unemployment, etc.
Individuals who are facing diverse mental health problems need prompt help to get back on track.
The church needs to be more open to the plight of people in this category because a number of them are looking for help in the wrong places.
Here are some of the roles of churches in handling mental health problems
Spread awareness
Some people are unaware of what mental health problems mean. This is why some of them can live with these mental health issues for a long time without being aware.
The church needs to spread the word about what mental health problems are, and how people can take proactive measures to prevent them.
Similarly, they can inform people on how to recognize mental health issues, and take some important steps if they are struggling with some already.
Counseling
Another role that the church has to play in treating mental health problems is by providing counseling.
Many people with mental illnesses don’t have access to professional counseling. This is one of the primary reasons why some of them don’t know what to do.
With counseling, people can discover the root cause of their mental health problems, and this gives them a clearer perspective on how to seek help. Counseling also helps to uncover hidden physical health problems that might not be visible.
Prayers
The church believes in the mighty power of God to provide solutions to any problem that is plaguing any member of the flock. By joining their faith in prayers, the church can offer effectual prayers that will restore the mental health of a person on track.
People dealing with mental health problems in the church can get better over time provided they get the needed support from the body of Christ. This makes it more important for the church to be more sensitive to the needs of its members.