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Religion/spirituality

Religion can be good for your mental health

(209 Posts)
jeni Thu 23-Aug-12 20:59:35

Oh yes I would agree!
But it is amazing how many people turn to religion when I'll, and how many find it helps!
Personally I have seen several miracles recently! People who can hardly walk when coming into the court, have been seen walking perfectly normally after leaving it, having been refused!

Bags Thu 23-Aug-12 20:55:08

We all know mutual support is helpful to one's frame of mind.

Bags Thu 23-Aug-12 20:54:31

I know you meant it, gn. I was telling jeni you weren't being sarky, just telling the truth.

Greatnan Thu 23-Aug-12 20:50:38

I should add that I have long believed that having an optimistic and positive attitude to life is one factor of good health.

Greatnan Thu 23-Aug-12 20:48:56

Not at all - I meant it quite genuinely. I have heard of such research before and I am happy to believe it - I just don't think there is anything supernatural about it. Of course, if you don't believe it is quite impossible to make yourself believe just because you are ill.

Bags Thu 23-Aug-12 20:48:08

If the truth is sarky, so be it.

jeni Thu 23-Aug-12 20:44:43

greatnan
Sarky! Tut, tut!

Greatnan Thu 23-Aug-12 20:41:54

Yes, the placebo effect is very powerful. And, of course, having the support of any group must also be good.

Lilygran Thu 23-Aug-12 20:38:28

The Daily Telegraph reports today on research carried out by Prof Dan Cohen at the University of Missouri. They have found that the mental health of people recovering from different medical conditions 'appears to be related to positive spiritual beliefs and especially congregational support and spiritual interventions (prayer)'. It doesn't seem to matter which religion people believe in since they got similar results with Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, Catholics and Protestants.