What Role Does Religion Play In Mental Health

Religion and mental health—how can they be related? Religion is often a strong contributor to our values, behaviors, and well-being, but its importance is sometimes overlooked. Religion is a personal matter, but the experience can be valid and worthy of consideration in mental health. Everyone’s experience is different. In this post, we will define religion, discuss the differences between counseling and religion, and identify religion's role in mental health.

What is Religion?

Religion is an organized, community-based system of beliefs, practices, and behaviors that can include a belief in a god or gods, a set of morals and ethics, a worldview about the universe, a set of rituals and observances, a community of people who share the same beliefs and practices, and a sanctified place such as a church or temple.

When we talk about religion, we also have to make mention of spirituality. Spirituality is a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves. Spirituality resides with the individual and what they believe. Religion and spirituality, both try to understand the meaning of life and can provide the same impact on mental health. Religion and spirituality can help people find their inner strength, peace, hope, and optimism.

Research suggests that having a higher level of religious beliefs and practices is associated with better mental health. Religion can be associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidal behavior. It is also associated with better physical health and subjective well-being.

Differences between religion and counseling

Religion and counseling may differ in their purpose, worldviews, and how they view the human condition. These differences include:

1. Purpose: Religion may give meaning to life, whereas counseling helps people to explore their beliefs, feelings, and behaviors.

2. Worldview: Counseling recognizes that people are responsible for their happiness and destiny, while faith-based counseling recognizes that God is the ultimate healer and redeemer.

3. Human condition: Counseling focuses on the individual whereas faith-based counseling allows people to examine themselves through faith-based principles and values.

4. Therapeutic resources: Counseling is based on psychological principles whereas faith-based counseling–when provided by a licensed mental health provider, relies on prayer and a higher power while utilizing therapeutic models.

5. Therapy techniques: In counseling, therapists may utilize different models of therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy. Therapists may also incorporate a person’s religious beliefs as part of the therapeutic process to gain an understanding of someone’s values and source of strength.

6. The Bible vs The DSM-V: Therapists may utilize the DSM-V as the main manual on mental health conditions and treatment, whereas faith-based counseling may utilize scriptures to help guide through areas of depression, anxiety, and marital issues. Therapists who practice faith-based counseling can provide a faith based perspective while utilizing therapeutic modalities.

The Role Religion Plays in Mental Health

Religion gives people something to believe in and it provides a sense of structure for a group of people to connect with over similar beliefs. Here are some benefits of religion on mental health:

1. Community

   1. It creates a sense of belonging to a group.

   2. Offers trustworthy and safe social engagement.

   3. Initiates social connections with other people.

   4. Allows people to feel connected and valued.

2. Ritual

   1. Helps people to cope with difficult life situations such as the loss of a loved one.

   2. Provides structure, regularity, and predictability for many people.

   3. Gives time to take a break during holidays for your emotional well-being.

3. Teachings

   1. Provides guidelines to live life such as certain morals and values.

   2. Religion teaches gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion which helps to maintain a positive mindset and overall wellbeing.

   3. Religion identifies different life lessons for many people to help them learn from difficult situations.

4. Purpose

   1. Religion gives a sense of purpose and belonging.

   2. People can make sense of their experiences through goals and values.

5. Coping mechanisms

   1. Religious beliefs can be used as coping mechanisms during difficult times.

   2. People may turn to their faith or higher power for solace and support.

Religious beliefs evolve throughout many people’s lives and can influence someone’s mental health and well-being. Religion may be difficult to talk about but it is good to find a mental health professional who will allow you to talk about your values, feelings, beliefs, and attitude toward religion that will be useful for your mental health recovery. Find that person today! It can surely be beneficial.

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