Depression is the biggest mental health issue in America today, with almost 19 million Americans suffering from the disorder.  That's just under 10% of the population struggling under the weight of this disorder.  To break it down even more, that is basically one in ten Americans is wrestling with depression.
So, naturally, it's no surprise that researchers and the those in the mental health field want to know just what does successful treatment of depression look like. In a study that was done at Chicago's Rush University, it was discovered that patients diagnosed with clinical depression have better outcomes to medical treatment if they have belief in a concerned God. This study's actually building on an earlier study that showed us that those that had a religious belief were somehow protected from symptoms of depression. Mystical stuff? Maybe. But it's turning out to be true, nevertheless. Now this is taking into consideration that the patients in the study were all taking antidepressant medications, it's just that those that had a firm belief in a benevolent God simply fared much better.

The underlying feeling that was key in the improvements was the feeling of hope, which typically accompanies spiritual beliefs. What's more, the improvements that were seen were directly tied to the belief that they had a God, or Spiritual Being that cared. That was the key...they believed that their God or Higher Power cared about their well-being.

So if you are seeking treatment for depression, of course medications are important in finding relief, but on top of that, it's a great idea to let your therapist know where you are in terms of religion and spiritual matters.
 


Comments

Dr Paul Dyer link
06/03/2010 7:38pm

Cynthia, it is amazing the role God plays in our physical and mental healing. Thank you for sharing these words of encouragement and hope.

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