Religion and the mentally unstable

[Psalm 23]

When I was in church there were a fair number of damaged people.
Damaged emotionally and mentally.

The church made them feel welcome, wanted, useful and forgiven.

Does the church attract more than it's fair proportion of unstable people? And if it does, can it be argued that it is doing a useful thing in giving them a sense of purpose. Even if that purpose is false

(This thread prompted by witnessing the implosion of Terry Burton on the Raytractors blog. I presume you've been following it, Adrian)

Attending Church gives people a sense of comfort and a feeling of hope. They believe someone other than themself (God) can hear their problems.

"I don't practice any certain religion or faith, and we don't attend Church on a regular basis, However, I do believe Religion can be used as a good thing." - Bill Gates - 1996 PBS article.