Young Mormon men living in Utah who closely adhere to the dictates of their faith are less likely to commit suicide than their peers who are less active in the church.
These results provide evidence that a low level of religious commitment is a potential risk factor for suicide.
Researchers investigated the relationship between suicide and religiosity in an analysis of 1991-1995 state death records from the Utah State Department of Health, as well as data from the Mormon church and the US Census Bureau.
Nearly 28,000 male deaths occurred during the study period, including 551 suicides among 15 to 34 year olds. About 6 in 10 of these suicides were committed by male members of the LDS church.
Suicide rates were lower among active members of the LDS church than among less active LDS church members, nonmembers and males in the general US population.
For example, the suicide rate among less active LDS church members aged 25 to 29 was seven times higher than among their active church peers.
Nationally, the suicide rate among 20- to 34-year old males was 2.5 to 3 times higher than among active LDS church members of the same age. Suicide risk was also 3 to 6 times higher among nonmembers in comparison to active members of the LDS church.
In addition, the risk of suicide among males aged 15 to 19 was three times higher among the less active church members than among their active peers, but the rate among the active youth was comparable to the national suicide rate.
One potential reason for the association between lower suicide risk and high levels of religiosity may be the fact that some religions forbid substance abuse or other harmful behaviors that may be associated with suicide.
Additionally, the social structure and support provided by many religions may reduce feelings of isolation and help individuals who are suffering bouts of depression, thereby acting as a suicide prevention measure.
Lastly, the high value placed on life by many religions may also be an indirect method of suicide prevention, since individuals who are strongly committed to their faith may have a greater desire to live.
American Journal of Epidemiology March 1, 2002;155:413-419
The fact that so many people commit suicide is clear evidence that it is valid to view depression as a potentially terminal illness. Fortunately it appears clear that a strong faith is a powerful tool in the treatment of depression and its worst physical consequence, suicide.
Prayer is a profound healing tool. Journaling is a simple way to capture much of the benefit of prayer. The healing in journaling actually comes from the process, not in reviewing it at a later date. Many may have fears of writing everything they would like to for fear of someone reading it.
If you are interested in the strong connection between spiritual health and physical health, you can browse through the many articles listed on our Prayer/Faith/Religion index page. You may also want to check out the web site of the The National Institute for Healthcare Research, a privately funded, nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the connection between spirituality and health.
Related Articles:
Faith Speeds Recovery from Depression Religion and Depression
Faith Speeds Recovery from Depression
Religion and Depression