Wheatley Religion Fellow Samuel Wilkinson co-authored an article for the Deseret News on the history of the relationship between psychiatry and religion. Despite longstanding negative assumptions from early psychiatry, many modern studies have found strong links between religious attendance and lowered risks of depression and anxiety.
"There are a number of plausible reasons why religion protects against the ravages of mental illness. Institutional religion often provides robust social networks, a strong sense of community and more stable marriages (all of which lead to better mental health). In addition, practices of mindfulness and meditation, which are usually encouraged by religious leaders, have calming effects. Moreover, many religious traditions teach that anyone can cultivate a personal relationship with the ruler of the universe through prayer. Hence, at any given moment, an individual who is struggling with loneliness, self-doubt or uncertainty can commune with a divine and benevolent creator."
