How does Religion help Mental Health?

[Veg_Gal]

Writing very honestly, I can't disapprove or discredit others who have felt they've been healed/comforted from their religion (My main focus is Christianity) I do believe in God and the Bible but most of the time I have such a disconnect from what I hear in sermons and even the Bible versus what's in my mind and life. I mean Jesus turning water into wine doesn't exactly help me get out of bed when I'm depressed lol just saying. I know all the information and promises in the Bible but I haven't been able to go deeper, it seems like others do. I just don't get it sometimes. I've even been prayed over because it was thought that I had a "spirit of depression" on me, yet I've been better able to manage my depression through self love and care. I mean, I really have received help from what the Bible says and other Christian but it feels like I've hit a plateau, now these things feel surfaced and promises are pleasent things to think about. I don't understand how others rely on just reading just to make it through lifes storms. I find more growth, logic, and stability through psychological books. I would say I've grown so much more in 2 years on taking care of my mental health than many many years on church. Now when people speak about spiritual things it doesn't make sense to me. I don't feel God is this way, if He is who He says He is. He is truth, love, justice, peace etc, but do you ever feel disconnected from what everyone else is doing versus what you're doing? I can't have "faith" God will heal me or try harder, pray harder, and go to church despite my lack of growth. I gotta go see what's wrong with me! Others may have a different experience and thats fine. The people I've met in church don't seem deep as the ones I met outside or those seeking the deeper things (not a matter of fact just an opinion and pattern I see in my life I guess), I feel it's not what God has called us to. I feel deeper with those outside of church and those who question faith and seek knowledge as in just seeking what is true. It feels like Christianity (or what others seem to practice in my eyes) is very limited and more a behaviour maintenance and routine than nourishing for me anymore. I love nature, experiencing life, conquering fears, learning new things, relating to those different than me. Anyone struggle in their faith and in their mental health?

[gogogirl]

You asked some good questions, but please know that this site is not one to discuss religion per say. You might find some others that pertain to that more.

[Rpan]

What I take out of what you wrote is that religion and Bible study has not relieved your pain. I feel like I’m in the same boat as you. I have been committed to the church and Bible study for some time and I too still have much anxiety and pain. I think that spirituality is the key, however it is realized, is important. It’s great that prayer eliminates anxiety and depression for some. It just hasn’t been my experience of yet