Council’s Chairperson, Bishop Gliford Matonga, observed that with the church having a large following where cases of suicides are being reported as well, their role to offer counseling amongst its members is key to addressing the problem.

Matonga observed that to have a strong counseling department would assist someone on issues to do with mental health.

"It's high time Churches prioritized this part as the cases are rising at an alarming rate every day," he said.

He, however, said that not every mental health issue is spiritual in nature as they are certain things that relate to health issues.

"We know pastors are also overwhelmed but training professionals within the church would ease the pressure on them to give them ample time to focus on other likewise important things," said Matonga.

Meanwhile, mental health expert, Dr Charles Masulani Mwale feels establishment of such centers will go a long way in balancing issues of mental health and religious beliefs as they are intertwined but always overlooked in the society.