In these days of intense economic, family, business, and financial uncertainties, people face all kinds of pressures most of the time leading to depression.

Quite a several such people do not like disclosing their issues or conditions to anyone.

Research has shown that most mental health problems are directly caused by depression.

In the church, we always have many people with such conditions worshipping among the congregation.

Many such people come believing they could find some solution or hope in addressing their challenges.

This article X-rays what role the church plays in helping out people with mental health challenges within its fold.

What is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to the well-being of a person in his/her emotional, psychological, and social state.

Mental health affects a lot of actions within us such as the way we reason, act, and feel.

To a great extent, it as well determines how we handle and address situations, relate with others, manage stress, and decide on choices we make.

According to a statistic by DW, depression is increasing in young people between the ages of 14-25 in Zambia which is a dangerous trend because depression is one of the major causes of mental health disorders.

The role of the Church in Addressing Mental Health
The church of God plays a major role to help members with mental health challenges.

Given the important part the church plays in the lives of humanity, the church cannot turn its back on people living with mental health problems.

There are ways the church discharges such duties which include:
1. Pray for Patients for Healing Miracles
The church has a pivotal role of praying for its members in faith for healing miracles to take place
Also, the church needs to help teach them about faith and how they can develop more faith in God for miracles to take place in their lives.

2. Meeting their physical needs
As earlier stated, most depressions are caused by lack and want such as economic inadequacies, business failures, family problems etc.
Be that as it may, the church can provide financial support to the affected individuals, provide business guides, mediate in terms of family disagreements etc.

3. Referring Patients
The church can also refer patients to where they can get the right medical help.
The Church ensure it is aware of when and where to refer individuals who need mental health assistance.
Additionally, the church can direct congregants and family members to a range of programs and support groups.

4. Keeping in Touch
After you make a recommendation, keep in touch with the mentally ill person and his or her family.
Families of those who suffer from the illness need your continued support and assistance as a church.

5. Fair Treatment by the Congregation
Encourage members of your congregation to treat those who suffer from mental disorders in the same manner as those who suffer from other ailments.
When they are in the hospital, offer to see them.
Ask your members to send cards and deliver them casseroles when they are sick, with their consent.

6. Choose a day to pray and create some awareness
Decide on a day to concentrate on the mental health awareness campaign. Offer special prayers for anyone suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental ailments.
In your sermons, lessons, and adult forums, bring up the topic of mental illness, especially if you're talking about social justice, compassionate outreach, or eradicating stigma and prejudice.

Conclusion
The church is like a mechanic village where all sorts of faulty and broken-down vehicles are fixed. The mental health situation is not different. The church has a critical role to help out in managing and supporting those suffering from the ailment.
But the church can’t do all of this alone without the support of the congregation, support organizations and good-spirited individuals in society.