Common mental health issues may stem from spiritual roots, researcher says

Widespread mental health conditions may be rooted in deeper spiritual issues, according to George Barna, Ph.D., of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University.

“The research instead indicates that those are often symptoms of an unhealthy worldview that produces and reinforces the emergence of anxiety, depression, fear and even suicidal thoughts,” he wrote in a newly-released report. “Instead of turning to mental health treatments, the best prescription for millions of Americans is to embrace a more reliable and proven worldview.”

Twenty-three percent U.S. adults suffer from some mental health ailment, and one third of millennials and Gen Zers are estimated to have “one or more diagnosable mental disorders,” according to Barna. Ultimately, Barna argues in his latest research that worldview is partly responsible for mental health.

He found that individuals who lack a biblical worldview are more likely to struggle with issues, including frequent presence of anxiety, depression, or significant fear. “Roughly half of millennials have frequently entertained anxiety, depression or major episodes of fear, while only 2 percent of that generation holds a biblical worldview,” the report said

Beyond that, Barna’s research determined some common beliefs the researcher said can produce frequent battles with anxiety, depression or fear. These issues conflict with biblical teachings and focus on a number of factors, including a rejection or apathy toward God, feeling no purpose in life and the rejection of absolute morality and truth, among others. However, gratitude and acknowledgment of God seem to be some of the most important factors at play.

“Individuals who are less likely to suffer from those challenges are substantially more likely to consciously make time to thank, praise and worship God every day, to attend church services every week and to commit to knowing and doing God’s will each day,” he wrote.

Ultimately, Barna said, people shouldn’t dismiss mental health issues or treatments but that the research raises some important issues about how worldview can impact human beings.

“This research does raise the possibility that there are also situations where a patient suffering from a psychological or emotional disorder attributable to worldview components that trigger and sustain the condition,” he wrote.

Barna previously reported the devastating impact on mental health caused by the pandemic.

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice