ABSTRACT
For as long as people have experienced depression, they have turned to spirituality and religion (S/R) as a source of meaning, solace, and support. Although S/R has lost some of its cultural prominence, it is still the rst place many people turn when they become depressed, and it remains a resource for many alongside mental health care. In recent polling, 78% of Americans identied religion as important in their lives, and 87% believe in God.1 Even more turn to S/R when distressed. Between 80%2,3 and 90%4 of people with psychiatric conditions draw on S/R to cope, 65% report that it helps with symptoms, and 30% say it is their most important coping resource, especially when symptoms worsen.3 Indeed, psychiatric inpatients may devote up to half of the time they spend coping to S/R.2 When patients were asked to rank their most helpful sources of support, independent S/R activities (such as prayer and meditation) were ranked rst, health-care providers were ranked second, and group spiritual activities (such as worship and fellowship) were ranked third; family, friends, and other supports all ranked lower on the list.5
