Church May Not Provide Support for Depressed

So a study says---here is an excerpt from a PsychCentral article:

Church May Not Provide Support for Depressed
By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on October 2, 2009

An ongoing study by a well-respected Baptist university has found that local churches may not be the best place to receive counseling or support for mental illness.

Baylor University researchers built upon a 2008 study that found nearly a third of those who approached their local church in response to a personal or family member’s previously-diagnosed mental illness were told they really did not have mental illness.

In the new study, investigators discovered individuals experiencing depression and anxiety were dismissed the most often.

(Read the rest: Here).

This doesn't bode well for the church as a whole. The church should always provide support in times of need but then you have fundamentalists denying peoples' psychological problems. See this sermon by John MacArthur for example: Elements of Joy--Part 1. We must work to correct these problems. John MacArthur also believes biblical counseling is the only true way to treat mental health problems but this is just foolishness---spouting off random scripture verses in an attempt to exorcise one's psychological demons will only lead to further mental health issues.

See: Christian Counseling, http://forum.rickross.com/read.php?14,12133,page=1, "The Day Gods Word Went on Trial" and http://wordofmouthministries.blogspot.com/2007/07/john-macarthur-and-kenneth-nally.html for example. In order then to correct these problems---the church must admit the reality of mental health problems and be willing to aid those suffering from such in positive ways. The church must also extend it's hands where needed while encouraging the role of psychologists where they are needed. I think this would be a step forward in providing support for the depressed and other mental health patients in the church.