Does Religious Faith Or Spirituality Reduce The Risk Of Depression?

— -- Question: Does religious faith or spirituality reduce the risk of depression?

Answer: Religious faith and spirituality are powerful factors in enabling people to cope with any kind of a life stressor that could ultimately lead to depression. Religion and spirituality also influence a person's recovery from depression.

The reason why is because they are so powerful in terms of coping. Perhaps there is no other kind of practice or cognition or thought or anything like religion in its ability to deal with situations that seem to be totally hopeless. The reason being is that religion gives a person a sense of hope, a sense that the situation will get better, a sense that they can tolerate almost anything as long as they have the faith and the belief that God is with them, and will help them get through the situation.

Next: How Is Depression Diagnosed?

Previous: Are There Any Ways To Prevent Or Diminish The Likelihood Of Developing Depression?