This blog is written by Bonny Hazelwood from the UoR Chaplaincy, who spoke with University of Reading students about how their faith supports their mental wellbeing and sense of community.
We’re increasingly realising the importance of taking a holistic approach to our health. This week, mental health is rightly in the spotlight, with this year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week being community. A strong source of community for many people is their faith or religion, and research shows that having a personal faith practice can really boost our mental wellbeing.
How Faith and Religious Involvement Foster a Healthier Mindset
According to the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life, people for whom faith is important report higher levels of happiness, confidence, self-control, life satisfaction, and optimism about their future. Having a clear religious affiliation, feeling a strong connection to God or a higher power, and considering religious background a part of one’s identity all seem to correlate with this overall healthier state of mind. The Institute’s November 2023 report also suggests that attending services at a church, mosque or temple can create “an organic sense of belonging and rootedness”.
Students Reflect on the Role of Faith
Religious traditions are often thought of as dusty relics of a less enlightened time, but in an uncertain, intimidating world, something of a quiet revival is going on. As we approach exams, deadline and graduation season, I asked UoR students to explain how their faith has helped.
“Knowing Christ personally is my known Way to ultimate healing. ‘By His wounds you have been healed.’ – 1 Peter 2:24” – Nicole, recent UoR graduate
“I think faith helps a lot with mental health – it helps you calm down and navigate through things slowly. When everything is so fast-paced in this world, prayer allows you to slow down and have a minute.” – undergraduate student
“[Faith is helpful because] God loves you just the way you are, and through faith and prayer, God will show you if anything needs to be changed.” – Vikram, undergraduate student
Spirituality varies widely among people of different backgrounds and cultures. It may not always resemble what we think of as “organised” religion, in a building with a priest – it could be a practice you do completely on your own. It can help us to find hope, meaning and purpose in life, things which aren’t always as obvious as we’d like.
So if you’re wanting to find a fresh community of like-minded people, or are just curious about what your friend does at the weekend, why not explore the diverse faith communities around Reading and see what feels comfortable? Or pop into the Chaplaincy, anytime Monday to Friday – we’re a friendly bunch from many backgrounds and we’re happy to signpost you, wherever you’d like your path to lead.