Wendel Abel
"I have peace like a river and joy like a fountain..."
HEALTH IS not merely the absent of disease or infirmity but a state of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Religious
affiliation and spiritual practices such as prayer and reading one's bible do contribute positively to one's mental health.
Many individuals when confronted with the problems and tribulations of life such as sickness, poor finance, bad relationships, marital woes and unemployment, turn to their faith and do find solace, peace, comfort and joy. But how does religion and prayer facilitate happiness and well-being?
Studies have shown that persons who pray frequently have less depression and less anxiety and that having a personal spirituality and life philosophy enable an individual to better cope with stress. In addition, religious affiliation, reading of the Bible and prayer are associated with greater happiness, greater satisfaction in life and less suicide.
LESS RISK BEHAVIOUR
Conviction, faith and adherence to religious principles result in persons pursuing healthier lifestyles. Among religious persons, there is less drug and alcohol use and less smoking. There is also a tendency to engage less in risk behaviours such as high-risk sexual behaviour, gambling, violence and aggression.
Religious affiliation provides a strong support system. Research has shown that persons with a strong support system have better health-seeking behaviour, experience better outcomes during illness and experience better mental health. This is due to the fact that one is less likely to be alone and that one will receive emotional, material and informational support from one's support system during periods of crises and challenges.
Religious persons tend to have a greater sense of meaning to their life, purpose and hope. This allows individuals to face life adversities such as illness, death, bereavement, financial difficulties, relationship and divorce with a greater sense of fortitude and purpose. It is summed up in the old negro spiritual, " I 'aint taking nothing for my journey now, gonna make it to heaven somehow, though the devil tries to turn me around".
People need hope and purpose to motivate them. Religion provides this. Thus despite challenges, despite illness, despite poverty persons who are deeply religious will maintain a state of well being; "this world is not my own, I'm just a passing through."
UNSHAKEABLE FAITH
Unshakeable faith, conviction in one's belief and a sense of purpose provide the individual with a greater sense of fortitude, motivation and hope. These allow an individual to survive in a world where hate dominates, doubt pervades and despair captivates.
Religion may also be seen as a source of stress, conflict and confusion. Many religious beliefs generate confusion as to the cause of mental illness. As scientists, we know that mental disorders are due to biological factors such as brain damage and chemical disturbances but many religions teach that mental illness is due to demon possession and this may result in persons not seeking appropriate treatment.
Research has shown that doctrines of guilt and those that promote feelings of worthlessness may lead to poor self esteem and maladaptive behaviour. Doctrines that portray God as loving and kind are correlated with higher self esteem and those that portray God as punitive are associated with low self esteem among the followers. Religion may lead to psychological conflicts around self, the right to be happy and relationships.
SEXUAL CONFLICTS
A lot of conflict is generated around masturbation, sexuality and contraception and this becomes a source of psychological distress for many individuals. Studies indicate that more male clients in sex therapy are from religious homes. In addition, rigid religious convictions may lead to persons with a harsh sense of conscience and tendency to be lacking in emotions; this may lead to obsessive compulsive patterns of behaviour. Religion provides greater meaning, purpose and hope. It enables people to strive and thrive emotionally and in general allow individuals to enjoy greater life satisfaction and mental health
"I am gonna lay down my burden, down by the river side."
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
