Resources on Mental Health

"There appears to be a growing consensus that religious factors in one way or another influence the mental health and well-being of persons with mental illness. No doubt there are instances where religion is used neurotically as a psychological defense, or when help from the faith community is slow or disappointing. Much of the time, however, religious involvement has a positive effect on coping and well-being, helps to prevent depression, and buffers against stress that causes psychological deterioration in persons with mental illness. This was the conclusion of nearly 500 studies during the twentieth century that reported statistically significant associations between religion and better mental health."

—From Faith and Mental Health: Religious Resources for Healing by Harold G. Koenig, M.D.

Questions

• How can faith-based mental health care be used to provide care for the emotionally and mentally ill?

• Why is spiritual attention important to my role as a mental health care provider?

• How can mental health care providers address religious beliefs or practices that may be contributing to a patient's psychopathology?