Taking It Beyond: "Faith Can Move Mountains"

"Faith can move mountains" is often used to emphasize the power of belief or certainty in overcoming challenges. In the context of mental health, various studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that faith or spirituality can indeed play a role in easing symptoms of anxiety and depression for some individuals. Here's how:

1. Sense of Community and Support: Many faith-based communities provide a strong sense of belonging and support. This social aspect can be particularly beneficial for individuals facing mental health challenges, as it offers a network of understanding and support.

2. Coping Mechanism: Faith can offer a framework for understanding and coping with life's challenges. It can provide a sense of hope, purpose, and meaning, which can be particularly comforting during difficult times, potentially alleviating feelings of anxiety and depression.

3. Meditative and Reflective Practices: Many religious and spiritual practices involve meditation, prayer, or reflection, which can be calming and therapeutic. These practices can help in managing stress and anxiety, fostering a sense of peace and well-being.

4. Moral and Ethical Guidance: Faith often provides a set of moral and ethical guidelines that can help individuals make sense of their experiences and choices. This can lead to a greater sense of control and direction, reducing feelings of anxiety and helplessness.

5. Positive Psychological Effects: Studies have shown that engaging in spiritual practices can have positive effects on mental health, including increased optimism, better mood regulation, and greater overall well-being.

It's important to note, however, that the relationship between faith and mental health can vary greatly from person to person. While some may find great comfort and benefit in their spiritual beliefs and practices, others might not experience the same effect. It is important to note that faith, should not be seen as a substitute for professional mental health treatment when it is needed. It can, however, be an added valuable component of a holistic approach to mental health care and well-being.

If you aren't certain, please reach out for help and together, with the support of a mental healthcare provider, your path can become more clear.

Study mentioned above can be found here. 

The above study shared on the APA LinkedIn.

Author

Dr. Muhammad Zeshan My name is Muhammad Zeshan, MD, and I am a Harvard trained infant, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Inside Out, a private practice based in Princeton, New Jersey. I am currently working as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School-Newark, New Jersey. Through Inside Out CURE, my focus is to help individuals become more Compassionate, Understanding, and aware of their inner strength and vulnerabilities, while developing Resilience and Empathy. I offer a variety of mental health care services to all age groups (infancy through adulthood) by applying principals of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology, family therapy, parent-child intervention therapy, pharmacology, and neuroscience.