
As we embark upon a new year, not everyone may be feeling encouraged about the future. Historically, new beginnings are associated with hope as we make goals and plans for positive change. Recent data states that one in four people worldwide will at some point struggle with mental illness. (1) Although it is difficult to determine exactly how much more prevalent mental illness is now than 50 years ago, the percentage of the population being treated for mental illness, depression and anxiety being the most common, has increased.
According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of depression and anxiety increased 25% in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. (2) Isolation and loneliness have been shown to increase the likelihood of depression, anxiety as well as other negative health outcomes such as heart disease, dementia, and stroke. (3) Estimated costs of anxiety and depression worldwide top $1 trillion annually in lost worker productivity and reduced family income as well as higher healthcare costs. Statistics such as these from around the world are concerning and various organizations have been seeking to understand this trend as well as solutions to reverse it.
In recent decades, numerous academic studies have found a positive
relationship between spirituality/religiosity and health and wellbeing outcomes. Specifically, spirituality and religiosity has been linked to lower rates of depression, addiction and suicide. Recently, a group of researchers compiled and analyzed the data from these studies and published their findings in a gallup report. (4) Overall, people of faith report to greater feelings of happiness and life satisfaction as well as higher rates of mental and emotional wellbeing. Using the data, the researchers underscored four specific ways religious and spiritual practices showed positive outcomes.
Improved coping skills during adversity and greater purpose and meaning in life
Stronger faith-based social connections
Greater community and civic engagement
Improved societal stability
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Even though research data shows the benefits of religion and spirituality, the number of people who self-identify as spiritual or religious is declining, especially in younger generations. One explanation for the paradox is that people are unaware of the mental and physical health benefits of living a spiritual life. Perhaps the media's portrayal of spiritual people or members of religious groups has created negative attitudes in cultures that disuade young people in particular from investigating or continuing religious and spiritual practices. Another possibility is when religious polarization between groups increases and conflicts throughout the world escalate and become more violent, individuals become less likely to engage in religious practices.
Whatever the reason for religious and spiritual decline, human beings still have the need to find meaning and purpose in their lives especially when they are facing struggle. Human beings still need social connection with shared values to feel supported and strengthen society. For me personally, belief in a benevolent higher power, that desires my happiness, helps me gain meaning in my suffering and helps me to hope for a better tomorrow. Pondering scripture verses such as Psalms 147:3 "He healeth the broken hearted, and bindeth up their wounds." or John 16:33 "..In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." bring a peaceful strength, and give me courage to keep trying. I have greater trust that whatever is concerning me will improve in time. I feel less anxious and can channel more inner peace about situations out of my control. My religious practice greatly improves my health.
If you are not a religious/spiritual person and you would like to improve your emotional wellbeing, exploring tenets of faith or spirituality will very likely help you achieve that goal. If you are a person of faith or have a spiritual practice, sharing your insight about your beliefs with someone else has a high likelihood to benefit them. In either case, having the courage to engage in a conversation about your beliefs and then seeking to understand someone else and their belief system promotes a positive human connection that will benefit the whole world. There is much we can personally do to increase our optimism in 2025. Explore your faith and spirituality with more intention, share your experince with someone else, and watch for miracles!
Yours in health,
Renee
Candeias, V., & Diabo, R. (2018, November 8). Here are five priorities for better cooperation on mental health. World Economic Forum. https://
World mental health report. (2022). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240049338
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, May 3). New surgeon general advisory raises alarm about the devastating impact
of the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the United States [Press Release]. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-
general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html
Faith and Wellness: The Worlwide Connection Between Spirituality and Wellbeing[2023]faithandmedia.com/research/gallup
Faith and Wellness: The Worldwide Connection between Spirituality and Wel
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