Religion, Spirituality and Depression

Presented By:Deniege KingRanda EffatSarah BeshaySarah MitkeesSherif Othman

OutlineReligiosity and SpiritualityDimensions of SpiritualityUses of Religion and SpiritualityThe Power of SpiritualitySpirituality and Major Depression Spirituality and Bipolar DisorderSpirituality and TraumaSpirituality and Adolescents Spirituality in Psychotherapy

Religiosity and Spirituality

“Intrinsic’’ and ‘‘Extrinsic’’ Religiosity Extrinsic: a combination of religious practices with a more spiritual

aspect of religion. Intrinsic: the rituals and practices associated with institutional

religions

Religion An organized system of beliefs, practices, rituals and symbols designed: To facilitate closeness to the sacred or transcendent (God, higher

power, or ultimate truth/reality). To foster an understanding of one’s relation and responsibility to others

in living together in a community.

Spirituality The personal quest for understanding answers to ultimate questions

about life, about meaning, and about relationship to the sacred or transcendent.

Religious Practices and Spirituality

Dimensions of Spirituality

1. Meaning in life

2. Intrinsic Values

3. Transcendence

4. Spiritual Community

Uses of Religion and Spirituality

Religious Coping Positive Religious Coping. Negative Religious Coping

Spiritual Intelligence

• Spiritual Quotient

• Emotional Intelligence and Spirituality

The Power of Spirituality Physical Health

Seybold & Hill, 2001

- “Spiritual Risk” Evaluated like other risk factors for physical diseases.

The Power of Spirituality Meditation

The Power of Spirituality Mental HealthAdvanced meditators show

an increase in left-sided cortical activity demonstrated by EEG, lowers levels of cortisol and decreased startle response.

Frequent spiritual practices correlated with low rates of psychopathology.

The Power of Spirituality Mental Health

Depression and Cancer

Spirituality and Major DepressionMedical Approach

Spirituality and Major DepressionSpiritual Approach

Spirituality and Major Depression

Spirituality and Depression

Spirituality and Bipolar Disorder

Do religious beliefs aid or harm in coping with a severe mental illness, particularly manic

depression?

Religiosity, Creativity and Depression

in Bipolar Disorder

Spirituality and Bipolar Disorder

Counseling manic-depressive patientsEmphasizing beliefs that facilitate positive copingOffer spiritual and religious resources to assist

patients in better managing their illness. Challenge irrational religious beliefs. helping

patients shift their religious belief system in the attempt to shift their inner world.

Assist patients in discerning healthy from maladaptive beliefs

Spirituality and Trauma

Seeking spiritual supportReligious forgivenessCollaborative religious copingSpiritual connectionReligious purificationBenevolent religious reappraisal Religious focus

Spirituality and Adolescents

Lower levels of depression in adolescence attending church, finding meaning in life through their religion

Religion helped adolescents accept parent’s divorce and be less depressed than non-religious children

“God is empowering me to deal with my problems”

Spirituality in Psychotherapy

Listening to and validating healthy forms of religious coping

Pointing out religious texts that provide hope, foster self-esteem and the sense that patients are loved and cared for

Challenging maladaptive religious cognitions or behaviors

Using the patient’s religious world view to alter maladaptive cognitions and encourage healthy behaviors

Referral to a minister, chaplain or pastoral counselor Praying with patients.

As a chaplain, I tend to be idealized by religious patients, who see me as God’s representative. This position permits me to gently challenge maladaptive religious beliefs, yet it can also push away patients who are experiencing religious guilt concerning past and ongoing actions.

ConclusionMany mental health professionals believe that

religious and spiritual values should be addressed in the course of mental health treatment. 

A variety of empirical data now suggest that certain forms of religious involvement can help prevent the onset of psychological difficulties and enhance effective coping with stressors.

Tips to achieve Spirituality

References

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