Does religion get used sometimes as a "quick fix" for people with mental health issues?

Question

It seems to me that many religious people live in denial of mental health issues.

It is well known that people who indulge in religious devotion get an endorphin "high" from the experience (New scientist Jan 26th 2006)

The same is true of people who cut themselves. The sensation of pain is one of the main triggers for the release of endorphins.

Many people trying to kick alcohol and drug habits find this endorphin rush from religious devotion acts as a substitute that allows them to kick their other habits.

It seems many religions are against the use of seratonin inhibitors for treatment of depression, dispite them being so crucial in helping people through while therapy teaches them proper coping skills

Do religions rely on the religious "high" that people get from devotion to keep them from seeking proper medical help for their problems?

in a hand basket..........I have to agree with you about them being over subscribed.

Answer 1

Np. Religion is for those people with sane mind, and have power and strength in the spirit.

Answer 2

I think it does. I suffer from depression. I have been helped greatly by medication and therapy. I am very open about it and have talked to other people who have the same symptoms. I have found that people who are very religious sometimes think that they should not seek medical help, but that its a spiritual problem. They try to pray it away. I think it may help for a while, but it does not work in the long run.

Religion can be a rush. I know this from my experience when I was religious. I do not want to deprive people of something that makes them feel good, but they do need to face up to the problem and get medical help when it is warranted. Its like trying to pray away diabetes.

Caveat. I do think anti-depressants are over prescribed.

Answer 3

Yes I think you have a good case, the bill for caring for these people in secure institutions would be enormous...that's why the Government humours them, Care In The Community?

Answer 4

Ummmmm, well, I was thinking along the lines of convicted criminals who had committed violent murders becoming "born again" just to advance their parole, or people who commit violence in the name of God, like killing their own children. Or flying planes into skyscrapers.

Exercise creates endorphins, too. But it's dopamine that addicts experience, not endorphins. Sorry to be a killjoy, but it's a fact.

Answer 5

You are very wrong in your concept of religion.. Religious people are nice and good people if they are truly on a true religion but if their religion is false and have false pastor surely you are on the right concept.
jtm