Episode 14 Does Faith Play a Role in Psychiatry?

Keywords

Faith, psychiatry, mental illness, spirituality, demonic possession, stigma, auditory hallucinations, religious practices, mental health, support

Summary

This conversation explores the complex relationship between faith and psychiatry, discussing how faith can both positively and negatively impact mental health. Dr. Cathy Owen shares insights on the role of faith in coping with mental illness, the stigma surrounding mental health in various faith communities, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals when addressing spiritual beliefs. The discussion also touches on the darker aspects of faith, including coercion and control within certain religious practices, and the historical context of faith-related trauma.

Takeaways

• Faith and psychiatry influence each other in complex ways.

• People of faith may experience less severe mental illness.

• Faith can provide crucial support during mental health struggles.

• Some faith communities stigmatize mental illness, complicating treatment.

• Religious beliefs can lead to guilt and anxiety in mental health contexts.

• Historical abuses in religious institutions can impact mental health.

• Religious wars highlight the darker side of faith.

• Healthcare professionals must navigate spiritual beliefs sensitively.

• Coercive practices in some faiths can harm mental well-being.

Sound Bites

• "Does psychiatry play a role in faith?"

• "Faith has had a dark history at times."

Chapters

00:00The Interplay of Faith and Psychiatry

07:29Challenges in Addressing Faith in Mental Health

12:17Negative Aspects of Faith on Mental Health

18:43The Dark Side of Faith and Mental Health

22:46Coercion and Control in Religious Practices

25:01Conclusion and Support Resources

Questions

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Resources

Feeling out of sorts? Here are some quality mental health resources:

Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/

Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/

Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/

1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/

National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline [phone]

Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteem

Kids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/