Religious faith can be an important source of strength for many religious followers who may be experiencing mental health issues.

However, the stigma attached to mental health can still be felt within some religious communities. Some religious and/or cultural beliefs may even prevent some individuals from seeking out professional treatment for mental health disorders elsewhere.

Some may not seek out treatment due to a fear of repercussions from their religious family or wider religious community for a variety of reasons. This may be stigma, shame, being seen as ‘too Westernised’ or lacking in religious faith.

For some families within more traditional religious communities it can be difficult to discuss mental health at all, leading individuals who are currently struggling to talk openly and with confidence to others.

This may lead them to feel ostracized from their community, and turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms in an attempt to manage their thoughts and feelings.

Read ‘When Your Family Doesn’t Talk About Mental Health’ for more information and advice on this issue.

Mental health issues within some religious communities are often seen as a ‘hidden’ issue – something not to be openly discussed within the community. Some members may even hold certain religious and/or cultural beliefs where they may believe that mental health disorders are the result of sin, or a lack of religious faith.

Others may believe that it is the result of a lack of strength, and see the issue as a weakness or undesirable. They may hold beliefs that mental health disorders can be ‘cured’ through prayers, worship and participating more in faith-based activities and celebrations.

An individual dealing with their own mental health may also worry about the repercussions it may have on their family members within the religious community, such as whether they would become the targets of harassment, bullying or discrimination. In turn, the individual may feel a lack of social support.

Whilst religious faith and spirituality can help some individuals who are struggling with their mental health find peace and meaning, for others the religious community and its answers can lead to further feelings of guilt and shame, leading to low self-esteem and depression.

So what can be done to encourage more openness surrounding mental health within religious communities?

Challenge the norms

It may seem difficult but encouraging people to express their emotions more openly by starting simple conversations which allow people to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement can be a strong starting point.

You don’t need to try to change the attitudes of your entire religious community, but finding other members who are willing to allow one another to talk about their mental health and personal issues can be the beginnings of a more open and understanding environment.

We must also understand that different people handle their mental health in different manners, and that by simply asking someone how they are can be the simple conversation starter needed to allow someone to open up.

The benefits of religion for mental health

A large body of research has shown that common practices of religious faith, such as routinised worship and prayer, have positive outcomes for people’s mental health.

One explanation is that religion can provide a sense of peace and purpose to the individual, and give life more meaning. Practices such as meditative prayer, where phrases are repeated, can provide a form of meditation which helps to relieve stress within the brain.

The beliefs and teachings of religion, such as compassion, belonging, love and forgiveness, can also help some individuals to experience more positive thoughts and emotions, helping to reduce their stress and anxieties.

Seek professional support

Religion and its practices are not always the answer for everyone in regards to their mental health. You may find that professional support can offer you the best advice and guidance for how to manage your feelings and situation.

Remember the Kooth team is always here for you. By clicking on the speech bubble icons, you can send a message to the team inbox, or you can join a chat queue anytime during our opening hours (12-10pm on weekdays, 6-10pm on weekends).

You can also talk with other young people who use Kooth through our discussion boards here.

To access Kooth support, you’ll need to log in to your account at kooth.com. If you’ve not yet signed up, come and join the thousands of other young people who find help through Kooth. It’s free, safe and anonymous, and offered through the NHS.