How can the church help with mental health?

How can the church help with mental health?

A new survey of nearly 37,000 men and women shows that people who regularly attend church, synagogue, or other religious services are less likely to suffer from depression and other psychiatric illnesses than those who don’t.

What does mental health services include?

Mental health care service types include specialised hospital services (both public and private), specialised residential services, specialised community services, private practices (such as GPs and psychiatrists), and support services delivered by non-government organisations (such as telephone counselling services).

How does prayer help mental health?

For many people, God is a source of comfort and strength, says researcher Matt Bradshaw, Ph. D; and through prayer, they enter into an intimate relationship with Him and begin to feel a secure attachment. When this is the case, prayer offers emotional comfort, resulting in fewer symptoms of anxiety disorders.

How does spirituality affect mental health?

There are several ways that spirituality can support your mental health: You may feel a higher sense of purpose, peace, hope, and meaning. You may experience better confidence, self-esteem, and self-control. It can help you make sense of your experiences in life.

How does religion negatively affect mental health?

Previous studies have also reported some negative effects of religion and religious education on mental health. In some cases, religious beliefs and practices contributed to the development of certain disorders like obsession, anxiety, and depression [60].

Who uses mental health services the most?

Outpatient mental health service use in the past year was highest for adults reporting two or more races (8.8 percent), white adults (7.8 percent), and American Indian or Alaska Native adults (7.7 percent), followed by black (4.7 percent), Hispanic (3.8 percent), and Asian (2.5 percent) adults.

Does prayer work for depression?

Prayer can reduce levels of depression and anxiety in patients, according to research. Researchers gathered data from 26 studies that identified the active involvement of patients in private or personal prayer.

Does prayer cure depression?

Studies have also shown that prayer can be effective in treating depression and has been associated with lower levels of distress and greater well-being (Maciejewski et al., 2012). Therefore, religious practices may have also have a therapeutic function secondary to people connecting to their faith.