Female? Religious? You'll have less anxiety

by Brian White (Subscribe to Brian White's posts)
Jan 3rd 2008 8:01AM

If you're a woman and feel yourself becoming anxious every day, perhaps a dose of religious faith is in order? According to new research, those women with an active life in religion are don't have nearly the anxiety as those without religion in their lives.

In fact, the research went as far as saying that those women who have recently become religious are still three times more likely to suffer from anxiety as those who have always been religiously active.

What do you think? Can a lifetime relationship with religion -- any religion -- free you up from the daily grind of anxiety?

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Comments (30)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

dolores 1-05-2008 @ 8:21PM

It is a virtual guarantee that a relationship with religion will free you up from the daily grind of anxiety. More so if your religion of choice incorporates meditation......that alone will do wonders for you!

Nehal 1-05-2008 @ 8:38PM

I agree, for women who have a relationship with religion have something to occupy themselves with other than how they look or how many heads they can turn and this may somewhat lead to a peace of mind...

Steph 1-05-2008 @ 9:25PM

People with strong faith have less anxiety because they don't believe that everything is within their own power. They believe that "God" will take care of them, not that they are responsible for taking care of themselves. That has to be a big relief.

lisa 1-05-2008 @ 10:11PM

in life, there are very little things that we are in control of. i believe when you are
truly able to have faith and give that control up to a higher power then your are less anxious, or at least i am anyone.

Lara 1-05-2008 @ 9:38PM

I agree with Steph. I've know many religious women who feel that God will take care of their problems, that they don't have to deal with their problems on an adult level. Sometimes things do work out, sometimes they don't, depending on what the woman herself chooses to do. I can't imagine not taking responsibility for my own choices in life, but apparently some women (and men) are comfortable doing that.

bktibby 1-06-2008 @ 2:40AM

You will have more problems when you "take charge of your own life." When things seem to "not work out" it still works for the good because God will make sure it does. Do I get everything I want? NO Do I get everything I need? YES! Depending on God still gives you choices, if you are in tune with him, those choices will work out for you. It is not like everything you do , God does for you, but he gives you the wisdom to do the right thing for you.

widdleswife 1-05-2008 @ 10:18PM

Maybe "being religious" (now THERE'S a sweeping generalization) makes believers less anxious because we are confident that we have both a devoted advocate and an endless supply of unconditional love in Christ---and a good shot at eternal joy! And no, I'm not a sixth-grade dropout nor do I handle snakes :-) I'm a third-generation Episcopalian who derives much comfort from my faith.

mb 1-05-2008 @ 10:27PM

God says to 'cast your cares on Him for He cares for you.'

Definitely, knowing God reduces anxiety. Jesus is my answer to every question in this life and the next. I highly recommend Him.

Jenne 1-06-2008 @ 1:55AM

All I want to say is AMEN to that!

CINDY 1-05-2008 @ 10:39PM

Definitely agree...just from watching some friends and various other people around me who don't practice their faith..I can definitely see and feel a difference and that difference originates from the strength that my faith supplies me with.

Dot 1-05-2008 @ 10:50PM

I don't think a person needs "organized religion" in order to be less anxious, in fact I know some people who become more anxious because they are afraid they are not following their religion correctly. I do believe that a sense of spirituality helps people with anxiety. If you believe that things happen for a reason and that in the end things will turn out the way they should, then you are less likely to become anxious. People should try to understand that worry is useless. If you can't do something to change the situation then don't worry about it, it won't do any good!

Steven McAtee 1-05-2008 @ 10:55PM

That's not surprising. Jesus Himself commands us not to worry. As He points out, worrying does nothing to improve a situation. When we do worry, we need to take it to God. The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast our anxities on Him because He cares for you.

Lec Zorn
http://www.leczorn.com
http://www.myspace.com/leczorn

Gfm 1-05-2008 @ 11:22PM

I don't like to make comments on others relationship with God but from my own experience that from losing my father at a very early age to losing my mother at an early adult age to a divorce after 17 years & from raising 3 children pretty much on my own....I could NOT have done it without God...." All things are possible through our Lord,Jesus Christ" ....enough said

lisa 1-05-2008 @ 11:38PM

JESUS SAID HE WOULD NEVER LEAVE US,AND THAT WE COULD DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM.I DONT WANT TO TRY LIVING WITHOUT HIM AND HIS DIRECTION.

Barbs 1-05-2008 @ 11:43PM

To ME its not "religion", it is FAITH - the difference being: I had religion all my life , but several years ago I went thru some extremely difficult years - almost lost everything I had. A remarakable minister, Fritz Stegiman asked me, "do you believe God can help you?" I blubbered "yes!" his reply: IF you believe, then why are you crying?" Good question; if I TRULY believed! then why WAS I afraid? - - because I didnt have the FAITH! I have been thru difficulate times since, BUT now I have the faith that God/Jesus will be beside me and walk me to His conclusiion. He loves us and if WE will let go; he will take over. "without faith there is fear!"

saltnpeppa 1-06-2008 @ 12:13AM

this stuff all sounds fine and dandy , ive been saved when i was little i dont go to church because i believe you can believe and follow God without going to a building. but i dont know how to meditate. im a nervous anxious nelly and would love to learn how to relax more. some days i wake up i feel like im trembling im in my 30s now with three children i would love to have more patience. ive heard you cant LEARN patience you have to already have it. i dont truly believe that i think you can train yourself to be more patient and would love to have someone work with me on that as well. i believe things happen for a reason and as much as i do believe that we cannot control the outcome of all things i still worry about whatever it may be at the time then i get anxious then i take it out on hubby or some other poor soul who happens to be around at the time and i would love to learn NOT to do this...

Kim 1-06-2008 @ 2:36AM

Yes, you CAN follow God and not go to a building. But if you REALLY want to learn more patience, less anxiety, etc., perhaps church MIGHT be a good idea. Don't just stop with the first one you go to, find one where you feel welcome and comfortable - and where your CHILDREN feel comfortable. My patience level used to be quite low, but I found a church where I LEARNED to improve my mothering AND life skills - yes you CAN improve your patience. They're now grown and I have a WONDERFUL relationship with my two sons. I'm back in school to learn how to become a Christian counselor so I can help others as I was helped. God bless!

Sarah 1-06-2008 @ 12:31AM

This applies to all religious women except the ones who fall victim to the ever-present clique of ladies (and sometimes men too) who spend their time being catty and judgemental toward others in the church community.

audrey 1-06-2008 @ 12:38AM

I gave my life to Jesus when I was nineteen. Many years have passed since then, and with each year my faith only grows stronger. I trust Jesus with everything. He is better than any nerve pill, any drink, any "high" that this earthly world can offer.

cheryl 1-06-2008 @ 1:38AM

it really isn't about religion actually.... it is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that gives you the less anxiety and I praise the Lord for that!!

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