Mental health issues are on the rise in the United States, and experts believe that social media and declining religious attendance could be major contributing factors. A growing body of evidence suggests that faith and religious practice can strengthen mental health, reduce depression, and prevent suicide and substance abuse. Yet, a significant gap exists between this evidence and the worldview of many mental health practitioners.
## The Mental Health Crisis: How Faith Can Help
**May is Mental Health Awareness Month**, a designation that draws attention to a pressing issue in America. According to the latest data, nearly 50,000 people died by suicide in the United States in 2022. This staggering number is nearly 17 times the number of people killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and it represents the highest suicide rate since 1941, the aftermath of the Great Depression.
The alarming rise in mental health issues is a complex problem with multiple contributing factors. One significant factor that has been receiving increasing attention is the role of social media. Studies have shown that excessive social media use can increase symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Excessive screen time can disrupt sleep, promote cyberbullying, and expose users to unrealistic and potentially harmful content.
Another potential contributor to the mental health crisis is the decline in religious attendance. Research has consistently shown that religious involvement is associated with better mental health outcomes. People who attend religious services regularly have lower rates of depression, suicide, and substance abuse. They also tend to have greater social support, meaning in life, and life satisfaction.
Despite the overwhelming evidence linking faith to improved mental health, there is a significant gap between this evidence and the worldview of many mental health practitioners. A recent study found that psychologists are the least religious of professors, with 61% reporting themselves as atheist or agnostic. This is in stark contrast to the general population, where 81% of people report believing in God.
The disconnect between the religious beliefs of mental health professionals and the population they serve is problematic because it can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy for the role that faith can play in mental health recovery. This can create a barrier to effective treatment for patients who may be seeking help for mental health issues that are rooted in spiritual or existential concerns.
It is important to note that not all mental health professionals are dismissive of the role of faith in mental health. There are many therapists who integrate spirituality into their practice and who recognize the importance of addressing the spiritual dimension of mental health issues. However, the prevailing cultural narrative in the mental health field often marginalizes and devalues the role of faith.
It is time for our mental health industry to rethink how it integrates spirituality in therapy and other treatment protocols. Our lives depend on it.
