Put simply, religion and spirituality are efforts to discover the meaning of life and, in certain instances, discover a relationship with a higher power. We’ve seen much of Western civilization put aside these efforts with claims that there’s no meaning to our existence. However, such claims undermine the role of religion and spirituality in mental health.

While there’s substantial criticism linked to religion, there’s no denying that it helps people develop a system of beliefs. In many regards, these beliefs become guidelines for a person’s life and provide a sense of meaning.

Without the framework for such convictions, a person is forced to determine their own beliefs. Or worse, go about life with no belief. While it isn’t always the case, this can often lead to certain mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

How Does Religion Benefit Mental Health?

Beyond giving people something to believe in, religion provides a rigid structure to follow. However, even more importantly, it provides a group of like-minded individuals connected through these beliefs.

Naturally, this can have a very positive impact on a person’s mental health. More specifically, researchers report that those who are actively religious have reduced rates of: ¹

• Alcoholism
• Other substance abuse
• Suicidal ideation

But why does religion have such a positive impact? There are three main reasons:

1.) Teachings

As mentioned, religion provides people with values to live by. While these values differ based on the type of religion, they often revolve around gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness.

These lessons play a fundamental role when we’re met with challenges in life (which are bound to naturally occur). In turn, people who believe in religion feel more guided in life, as though they have a direction to follow.

2.) Community

These teachings are more than just a valuable tool to the individual. They bring together a community where people develop social connections and a support system.

The most important aspect of religious communities is that people feel a sense of belonging. According to research, this is fundamental in mental health and is often overlooked when trying to treat specific conditions. ²

3.) Rituals

When one is attached to a religious organization, it’s standard practice to participate in rituals. This may be a holiday or a more particular celebration (i.e. a bar mitzvah).

Rituals are important to mental health for several reasons. For one, they’re a reason for people to get together and celebrate, tying into the social impact religion can have on mental health. They also provide you with structure, regularity, and predictability.

Our brains feel more comfortable when they maneuver through a schedule. It allows us to properly comprehend what happens, when it happens, and why it happens. Rituals are one of the primary elements of easing mental health and a key feature missing from atheism.

How Does Spirituality Benefit Mental Health?

In many regards, spirituality and religion are interchangeable. However, many people feel a sense of spirituality while not identifying with any particular religion.

People in this category are also less likely to develop mental illness. ³ Though, the reasons for this slightly differ.

The most impactful aspect of spirituality is it allows us to connect with something larger than ourselves, whatever that may be. Due to this connection, spiritual people tend to also discover their meaning in life, similar to someone who follows a religion.

Furthermore, while spirituality isn’t as directly linked to rituals and social events, it does incorporate healthy practices for the body and mind. These practices will naturally promote emotional and mental well-being.

Similarly to religion, we can observe spirituality’s benefits in three ways:

1.) Individual Teachings

While guided spiritual teachings are available, most people learn about spirituality on their own terms; whether this be through books, classes, or life experiences.

The primary purpose of these teachings is to give the individual both a sense of self and empowerment. They usually focus on a person’s connection to their convictions and how they can grow through those.

2.) Role in Environment

Spiritual practice can help to bring groups of people together. Plenty of events and retreats allow individuals to seek meaning to meet others on the same path.

Admittedly, spirituality lacks the defined sense of community seen in specific religions. However, it makes up for this by creating a more open-minded appreciation for other people and their beliefs.

Spirituality plays just as much a role as religion in our interactions with people and other aspects of our physical environment. Its practices and rituals simply aren’t as established.

3.) The Practice of Mindfulness

Still, spirituality does offer several practices that you won’t find across all religions. The most notable is meditation and using this as a basis of self-reflection.

Through meditation (and other teachings), it’s hoped that you’re led to discover your life philosophy.

Furthermore, mindfulness practices can help you to create positive hobbies, such as art and poetry. Such hobbies can have a very beneficial impact on your overall mental health. ⁴

Final Word

There’s an undeniable relationship between religion (or spirituality) and mental health. When life calls for stressful moments, people tend to turn to religion for solace. And while this may not be seen as a healthy behavior by all, it holds a purpose that no psychological research has been able to emulate.

That is, it gives people a sense of security in their life meanings. When one has a set of beliefs with a strong foundation, they’re much less likely to feel depressed or have anxiety attacks appear suddenly. The truth is they’ve found a balance in life and that homeostasis is reflected in both the brain and the body.

While not everyone will turn to religion to relieve mental health, considering your life’s meaning may prove to be beneficial. If you struggle with this answer, it may also help to seek out spiritual guidance.

References

¹ Behere PB, Das A, Yadav R, Behere AP. Religion and mental health. Indian J Psychiatry. 2013 Jan;55(Suppl 2):S187-94. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.105526. Retraction in: Indian J Psychiatry. 2019 Jan;61(Suppl 3):S632. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.249884. PMID: 23858253; PMCID: PMC3705681.

² Hagerty BM, Lynch-Sauer J, Patusky KL, Bouwsema M, Collier P. Sense of belonging: a vital mental health concept. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 1992 Jun;6(3):172-7. doi: 10.1016/0883-9417(92)90028-h. PMID: 1622293.

³ Lucchetti G, Koenig HG, Lucchetti ALG. Spirituality, religiousness, and mental health: A review of the current scientific evidence. World J Clin Cases. 2021 Sep 16;9(26):7620-7631. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i26.7620. PMID: 34621814; PMCID: PMC8462234.

⁴ Pressman SD, Matthews KA, Cohen S, Martire LM, Scheier M, Baum A, Schulz R. Association of enjoyable leisure activities with psychological and physical well-being. Psychosom Med. 2009 Sep;71(7):725-32. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0b013e3181ad7978. Epub 2009 Jul 10. PMID: 19592515; PMCID: PMC2863117.