Why It Is Important to Talk About Religion

Abstract

Religion and spirituality may influence the attitudes and beliefs people have toward experience of distress and illness, how it may be a means for coping with mental health problems, and how it may enhance psychiatric patients sense of social belonging and integration. Also religion may be part of people’s explanatory model of their life’s experiences, may ameliorate the relationship with mental health professionals, and may enhance the trust and access to mental health services. Spiritual beliefs and values are part of the patient’s cultural background, and their consideration in mental health may help to pursue the important aim of offering culturally sensitive prevention/intervention strategies. In the particular situation of patients at risk for suicide, religion may be specifically involved, as it tackles moral issues and personal views about what may happen after death. Religions generally forbid suicide. Also, there is some evidence that religion may provide support and a way for coping with difficulties leading to suicide. This gives some evidence that psychiatrists should broach this topic when treating patients concerned by suicide drives. It is thus expected that professionals in mental health should perform an in-depth diagnostic assessment of the spirituality of their patients.