Link to External Source Article Is God an Anti-Depressant?
Is there a secret weapon against depression? Research suggests it might be religion. Studies show that people who practice some sort of religion are happier and less stressed out than those who don’t. Those findings come as no surprise to Dr. Harold Koenig, a psychologist and co-director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University, who says there are a number of factors that contribute to religious people being happier. “Generally, religious people have a positive view of the world,” said Koenig. “They believe they are here for a reason. They see a purpose and a meaning in their life and have hope.” Studies show that under severely stressful conditions, religious people also cope better. “They feel that God is with them and gives them strength,” said Koenig. It is not clear if there is a difference in happiness between those who practice organized religion and those who consider themselves spiritual, said Koenig. In part, that’s because it is more difficult t
