Mental Health Challenges in the Church: The Next Step for Church Leaders

Mental Health Challenges in the Church: The Next Step for Church LeadersAbstract The present study is a continuation from the book, Battling Depression in the Church by Dr. Jacques Thigpen and Dr. Edward Keith, Jr. The book will illustrate what has happen in terms of pastors counseling their parishioners in mental health situations. Mental health disorders continue to display itself in all settings such as home, business, and church environments. Talking to individuals and praying to a higher being are ways one can reduce

Abstract

The present study is a continuation from the book, ÒBattling Depression in the ChurchÓ by Dr. Jacques Thigpen and Dr. Edward Keith, Jr. The book will illustrate what has happen in terms of pastors counseling their parishioners in mental health situations. Mental health disorders continue to display itself in all settings such as home, business, and church environments. Talking to individuals and praying to a higher being are ways one can reduce the anxiety of depression. Christians can talk to their pastors, which is the first line of defense against depression. But in some cases, Christians need to go outside the church and talk to a mental health professional about their mental health disorders. This research shall identify the options pastors have in helping parishioners deal with depression and bipolar depression. Also, emphases will be placed on the different cultures and how those cultures deal with mental health issues.