Identifying Mental Health Needs in the Faith Community

Abstract

:Nearly one in five Americans suffers from a mental health disorder, and mental health issues have escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. As trusted members of the community, faith community nurses are in a key position to assess mental health needs and take leadership roles in the faith community to address these needs. The aim of this project was to assess the mental health needs of one faith community. Qualitative data with quantitative data from secondary sources were gathered. Analysis revealed three problems for those suffering from mental health disorders: lack of resilience and coping strategies, fear and/or ignorance of mental health disorders, and unfamiliarity with community and health resources.