A commitment to a religious practice, studies indicate, lead to psychological well-being and better mental health. Hundreds of studies report religiosity being associated with, for example, lower levels of depression, anxiety and substance misuse. Some follow up with people over decades. The message is clear: commitment to religion is associated with a reduced risk of psychological problems.
A few disorders do break this general rule, though. For example, anorexia and obsessive compulsive disorders can be associated with heightened religiosity. And there are cases where people have been adversely affected by distorted teachings. However, in general, religious commitment appears to have positive effects on the mind.