From: The National Institute for Healthcare Research., as quoted in the quarterly The Antidepressant Tablet, Volume 10.Number 2.
“A recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry identified this often overlooked resource patients draw upon to help fend off depression–a deep religious commitment – that significantly reduced recovery times. Thus study focused on 85 patients hospitalized with serious medical illnesses who also became depressed. Among their battery of tests, patients took the Hoge Intrinsic Religiousness Scale which measures how deeply a person has internalized their religious values and faith.
Surprisingly, patients recovered from their depression 70 % faster for every 10 point increase on the Hoge Scale, which ranged from 10 to 50. This link held even when taking into account other factors that could speed up recovery including physical health…”
Comment
No surprise here. I have always believed that one’s belief in something or someone bigger than themselves has a powerful influence on the outcome of whatever one hopes for. And in this case, I have personally discovered how the 12 Step spiritual principles of recovery have helped me find a way out of my depression. It was the key that unlocked the prison door that held me captive.
For more information on this subject please see some of the following resources which will be helpful for your own recovery.
- (c) Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition. (2011) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville.
- (c) Believing is seeing: 15 ways to leave the prison of depression. (2015) Depressed Anonymous Publications.
3. (c) Depressed Once-Not Twice: The spiritual autobiographical journey of the Founder of Depressed Anonymous out of depression. (2002)
And for more resources please VISIT THE STORE here at www.depressedanon.com