Religion, Spirituality and Mental Health

You might be surprised at the volume of scientific research supporting the mental health benefits people of faith receive from their practice of religion and spirituality.  The studies show that people who encourage religion and spirituality more effectively handle the stresses and trials they encounter.

Yes, there is a difference between religion and spirituality.  Religion involves an association with and belonging to a church following its principles.  Religion is joining with others who believe in God.  Spirituality, in contrast, is a private, personal experience and connection with God.  Spirituality is an intimate connection through prayer and meditation.

WebMD lists six positive impacts of religion and spirituality on mental health.  You feel a higher sense of purpose, peace, hope, and meaning.  You experience better confidence, self-esteem, and self-control.  You can make better sense of your experiences in life.  You feel inner strength and recover faster when dealing with injury or illness.  You have support that is more substantial from your community.  You can work toward better relationships with yourself and others. 

What areas of struggle are helped explicitly by having a strong religious faith and spiritual life?  Here is a summary of a few areas studied.

Targets of child abuse and sexual violence who used supportive religious and spiritual coping skills described improvements in depression, anxiety, and overall mood.  In addition, they also conveyed greater feelings of positive personal growth, self-acceptance, hope, and resolution than survivors with no religious or spiritual practices did.

Veterans experiencing war-related trauma or PTSD stated that memorizing prayers, talking with God, raising petitions to God, and meditating on God facilitated coping with the psychological aftermath of war.  Being able to cope allowed them to build a buffer against depression and suicide. 

Individuals with daily pain from chronic rheumatoid arthritis narrated improvements in overall mood and outlook.  They felt that their religious and spiritual practices were the basis for their ability to cope with chronic pain. 

Caregivers for people with severe chronic health issues reflected on the positive outcomes from continued religious and spiritual practices, including reduced levels of depression supported by feelings of closeness and harmony with God.

The positive religious and spiritual coping strategies that improve mental health in times of stress are straightforward.  First, believe/remind yourself that God is good, cares for you, and is in control.  Pray to build a sense of connection with God.  Read your Bible, finding passages that bring you inner peace.  Forgive others; as Lewis Smedes put it, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”  Turn your struggles to God and trust Him to help you with life.  Include the people in your church in your process, including your pastor, support groups, and small groups.  Regularly attend church and church activities, even when overwhelmed and busy.  Lastly, change the “tape playing in your mind.”  Reframe, restate, or redefine your stress into positive statements and pictures.   

In summary, compared to those who do not engage in religious and spiritual practices, those who feel closer to God note various improvements.  These improvements include feeling happier, experiencing improved self-esteem, having hope, or being sure of their life’s purpose.  Others note they are more capable with an increased ability to go through future life trials.  Explore what churches in your area offer, i.e., support groups such as Celebrate Recovery, Divorce Care, grief groups, and couples counseling.  Do not be afraid to access resources from several churches.

These coping skills do not take away distress.  Instead, these skills build our ability to persevere through trials and give us purpose and meaning.  Remember, despite how we feel, we have a God who will never leave or forsake us.  Instead, He strengthens us.  Mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, or loss, can affect and take hold of a person’s life.  In times of crisis, reach out to a biblical counselor to help as he/she walks alongside you.

Cheryl Gowin and Dennis Gowin.  Call us with your feedback, comments, issues, or questions; our phone number is 434-808-2637.

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the Lord your God is the One who is going with you.  He will not desert you or abandon you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB