The role of spirituality in treating depression

Depression

An Analysis of the Role of Spirituality in the Treatment of Depression

Though there are many modalities of treatment for those who have depression, it appears that the spiritual component for treatment is often overlooked. In modern medicine, for example, spirituality and religion have been viewed as sources of potentially harmful effects; and negative experiences in religion have been related to increased levels of depression (Williams, Sternthal, 2007, p. S48). Indeed, "the philosophy of modern medicine can be traced to Rene Descartes, a seventeenth-century philosopher who believed that the world operates according to mechanical laws without reference to meaning and purpose" -- a belief that has directed the focus of modern scientific inquiry (Puchalski, 2000, p. 32). Unfortunately, in our materialistic modern society where almost everything is related to business and fast results some researchers show signs of skepticism with research that indicates negative correlation between spirituality and physical improvements. (McCoubrie, Davies, 2005). However, despite fears that such research is somehow "unscientific" (Lindridge, 2008), studies continue to be done that show positive results from the integration of religion and/or spirituality into patients' treatment (Shafranske, Sperry, (1990). Denying a person spiritual ramifications for healthy living and treatment is also to deny this individual an opportunity to experience life holistically, living life at a higher level of competency.

The purpose of this project is to investigate whether or not spirituality gives individual patients a sense of wholeness, hope, meaning, harmony, and transcendence (O'Reilly, 2004). The literature review will focus what spirituality means and how the practice is effective in the treatment of depression in other civilizations and finally how prayer and meditation can be practical alternative resource. Following the literature will be a case study in the practice of spirituality to help patient cope with the symptoms of depression.

History of Depression

According to research depression is considered one of most common disorders in the world. In western civilization for example depression disorder has increased significantly: As Meghan Fox (2001) shows, "Major depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. And across the globe in this century (National Institute, 2001, The Invisible)." Depression has indeed been on the rise for years -- but no one knows the exact numbers because "only half of all depression cases are actually documented" (Fox 2001). Nonetheless, those which are documented show signs of increase: the burden of disease estimated to be second most popular in North America in 2030 is "unipolar depressive disorders" (Mathers, 2006).

First described as melancholia in medical practice, it was not until 1952 that the DSM stated depression specifically. The 20th century saw researchers attempt to show that chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters was what led to depression (American Psychiatric Association). Emphasis was all on the natural -- not the supernatural. Even today the numbers are alarming:

Depression strikes about 121 million people worldwide (World Health, WHO/OMS, 2001). Nearly ten percent of young adults in the U.S. have suffered an episode of serious depression. Rates have risen in the past decades, doubling about every ten years in industrialized countries. Studies of 39,000 people in nine different studies from five regions of the world found that young people in each country are more likely to experience depression than their elders would have at their age. Rates are rising in societies of a higher degree of economic development (Nesse and Williams, 1999)…. Factors that have been found to increase the chances of depression are obesity, divorce, children living at home, poor relationships, low economic status, demanding occupations, high populations of the surroundings, education level (college), and diseases and illnesses such as cancer (National Institute, 2001, The Invisible). (Fox)

These are all signs that depression is receiving more and more attention: but researchers want to know still what causes it?

Depression became a problem in Western civilization as a result of what some researchers identify as the failure of modern culture "to meet the most fundamental requirements of any culture: to provide a sense of belonging and purpose, and so a sense of meaning and self-worth, and moral framework to guide our conduct" (Eckersley, 1993, S16). The failure is rooted in the changing perception of the world and the individual's incomplete sense of place: the new generations in new societies like Australia or America lack a "shared cultural heritage or strong sense of identity" (Eckersley, S16).

Likewise, the spirituality that was of use to people in the medieval age is not of the same use in the modern world. People in America, for example, have ignored the used of spirituality in the treatment of depression, because they fail to see meaning in their suffering (Puchalski, p. 32). The Middle Ages saw a meaning to suffering: "the guiding concept of human potential fulfillment was the same for all medieval persons: salvation in heaven" (Baumeister, 1987, p. 166).

As the modern world became increasingly irreligious, it lost reason for suffering -- which in the religious age was a consequence of sin. Without the answers that religion and spirituality afforded, America, which was religious when founded, lost sight of heaven as a place of fulfillment. Fulfillment was placed in the here and now instead: Early in the 20th century, themes of alienation and of devaluation of selfhood indicated concern over the individual's helpless dependency on society. Since World War II, individuals have accommodated to the changed social realities but have continued to grope for ideals and means of self-definition and fulfillment" (Baumeister, p. 163). As a result, depression has been increasing in America.

Rationale for the Study