Religion and mental health seeking behaviors in war-torn zones of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This article examines the role of psychiatric symptoms and motivating factors in seeking mental health services from religious leaders at a Catholic listening center and a mental hospital in conflict-affected Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Survey data from 301 participants revealed that nearly 60% of individuals seeking spiritual help exhibited significant psychiatric symptoms, and about 70% of mental hospital patients initially sought care from religious leaders or traditional healers before accessing conventional mental health services. Key factors influencing this spiritual help-seeking behavior included poverty, stigma, poor access to mental health services, and religious beliefs. The findings underscore the importance of integrating mental health care with spiritual services and promoting person-centered approaches that respect patients' religious backgrounds in conflict zones like the DRC.