The session was part of a two-day psychosocial support training for pastors and parish elders.
“This session included equipping them to recognize the signs of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and burnout; and equipping them with strategies for self-care,” said Kurian. “The session also helped with promoting community-based and congregation-based mental wellbeing.”
The training was offered in answer to a request from ELCIN, following the WCC's accompaniment of the church on the issue of mental health at the ELCIN Youth Conference.
Dr Kurian said: “It is encouraging to see ELCIN’s proactive response to the mental health crisis. Given the tremendous unmet need for mental health services and limited access to mental health care and professionals, the church is committed to closely working with the health services to be equipped and work alongside mental health professionals to strengthen and mobilise support systems in the community level and at the level of health facilities.”