Religious Belief Cuts Risk of Depression, Anxiety, and Even Death.

A growing body of research from 2020 to 2025 shows that religion and spirituality offer powerful protection against depression, anxiety, and even chronic illness. A 2023 meta-analysis found that spiritual wellbeing significantly lowers depression risk in youth, and a 2022 study revealed that HIV patients who prayed for others doubled their 17-year survival rates compared to those who prayed only for themselves.

Additional studies linked religious commitment with lower rates of suicide and anxiety, and even suggested that spiritual awe reduces self-critical thinking. The protective power of faith seems especially strong when it promotes connection, purpose, and altruism—while negative religious coping (like guilt or fear) may actually worsen symptoms, highlighting the importance of healthy spiritual engagement.

Engage in faith-based practices that bring joy, connection, and purpose—it may heal your body as much as your spirit.