THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOING TO CHURCH

Places of worship can provide community and belonging, which are big drivers in mental well-being.
 

Active religious practice, such as going to churches, synagogues and mosques, is linked to mental well-being, according to a growing body of research.

One possible explanation for the link, researchers and clergy say, is that places of worship can provide community and belonging, which are big drivers in mental well-being, and help counter isolation and loneliness.

The findings come at a time of declining regular attendance at services across nearly all faith denominations and rising rates of depression and anxiety. Young people in particular have low rates of church attendance and report often feeling lonely and anxious.

There is a mounting body of empirical evidence suggesting that people who are active in their faith tend to be the recipients of a number of important physical and mental-health benefits...read more