Manifestations of mental suffering have already been considered divine, mysterious and sacred. Sufferers look for the sacred, agencies of faith and religion, in search of relief for the suffering their mental disorder causes. This study aims to understand the position and perception of members of the social support network that is established in the context of religious agencies for people suffering mentally. A descriptive and exploratory qualitative research project was developed. Forty-two members of religious agencies (Catholic, Protestant and spiritist) were interviewed. The analysis of the results reveals that people in suffering seek acceptance, welcoming and a feeling of belonging in view of a world that does not always understand them. They would also find support, understanding and relief in response to their search. The complexity of this theme deserves reflection and a review of concepts permeating what subjects in mental suffering experience.
Disease; Religion; Social support