Have you ever opened up to a family member about feeling depressed or anxious, only to hear them say, “Just pray to God”? Whilst this common response comes from a loving place, it can often leave you feeling dismissed or misunderstood.
In the Philippines, religion plays a crucial role. As the only Christian country in Asia, with over 86% of Filipinos identifying as Roman Catholic, faith shapes traditions, influences decisions and serves as a source of strength. But we have to ask – is prayer alone powerful enough to heal mental health?
The History of Religion in the Philippines
The Philippines shows a blend of various beliefs and practices influenced by different cultures. When Spain colonised the Philippines in the 16th century, they introduced Catholicism. This became the dominant religion due to colonial policies and church influence. Most Filipinos identify under this religion, with 6% belonging to various nationalized Christian cults.
In the 13th century, the arrival of Islam marked the beginning of organised religion in the region. This tradition spread through interactions with Malaysian and Indonesian traders. As a result, a vigorous 4% of Muslim communities have developed in the southern Philippines as of today.
With a Chinese minority, many beliefs and practices of Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism have also culturally influenced Filipino Catholicism.
Protestantism later emerged in the early 20th century during the American colonisation. With 2% belonging to well over 100 Protestant denominations, it has taken root in contributing to the country’s religious diversity.
The remaining percentage follows non-Western, indigenous beliefs and practices.
Common Misconceptions about Religion and Mental Health in Philippines
According to the Department of Health (DOH), at least 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental, neurological, and substance use disorder. However, mental health is often misunderstood due to cultural beliefs and religious views. It is observed that some Filipinos’s mindset are not open to new changes and still abide by old practices, hence believing that mental health is something to be ashamed of.
The following misconceptions may pressure people in appearing spiritually strong, whilst hindering them from seeking the necessary help and support they need:
Misconception: Mental health issues are not real, they are a sign of weak faith.
Reality: Mental health is a real struggle. God loves you however much you love or serve Him.
Some individuals rely too heavily on religious beliefs, which prevent them from seeking professional mental health care. They believe that mental health issues are not real or genuine, which can be rooted from doctrines that imply that it comes from a lack of faith or having spiritual weakness. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame for those suffering from conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Lines such as “nag-iinaarte lang ‘yan” (you’re being dramatic) and “kulang ka lang sa dasal” (you just lack prayer), among other derogatory quotes have become well-known among Filipino friends and relatives. This shows how mental health is invalidated in toxic Filipino culture.
This myth overlooks the fact that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their faith. Without the help from a psychologist or a psychiatrist, it can create a cycle of silence around their sufferings.
Misconception: Prayer and religious practices are sufficient for healing.
Reality: Mental health needs to be treated with more than prayer.
Some Filipinos assume that prayer and religious rituals are all that is needed to heal mental health problems. Whilst spiritual practices can bring comfort, faith-based solutions cannot miraculously help them recover. Professional medical advice or treatment should not be replaced, otherwise it may lead to worsening symptoms.
Therapeutic interventions, such as therapy or medication are essential for effective treatment. However, combining faith with professional help can offer the best chance for recovery.
Misconception: Mental Illness is considered a punishment from God; it is a sin.
Reality: Mental illness is not the fault of the person who is suffering. It’s a challenge that can refine someone’s faith.
In Filipino society, mental illness is a form of divine punishment or that it is a result of evil spirits. This belief can create a significant stigma around mental health issues, making it hard for individuals to seek help. Those who are suffering may feel like they have sinned or disappointed God, which can lead to feelings of guilt and isolation.
This myth adds to the burden of mental illness. It focuses on blaming the individual for their feelings rather than recognising mental health as a medical condition. It is essential to educate people that mental illnesses are not punishments, but health issues that require compassion and understanding.
Misconception: It’s shameful to openly discuss mental health.
Reality: The church should be a safe environment to discuss mental health without judgement.
Unfortunately, some religious Filipinos can be judgemental about mental illness, but that is not a biblical response. Mental health is not something one should be ashamed of or have a fear of sharing with the church.
In fact, it should be received with a kind and gentle heart from Christians as they do from Jesus. Jesus himself made it clear He was not pleased with those who put on a show of being religious, but being immoral and judgemental.
Personal Stories of Faith and Mental Health Struggles
Mental health issues look different for each and every person. Whilst the term did not fully exist, it has been around longer than people realize.
In the Bible, depression was portrayed through Jonah when he had mixed feelings after his journey inside the belly of a jellyfish. In Jonah 4:3 he said, “And now, O Lord, please take my life away from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” This is an example of a troubled man and what goes through the mind of someone who is diagnosed with the disorder.
Filipina actress Nadine Lustre has been open about her struggles with depression, anxiety, and the loss of her brother to suicide. As she gave her hot take regarding “Filipinos don’t believe in mental health, they just pray for the problems to go away,” she recalled praying as a teenager because she didn’t know any better.
However, she reassured others that “your emotions are valid” and stressed the importance of being open and seeking help.
Cenacle Sr. Maria Cecilia Tuble is another Filipina who has spoken up for what it’s like for Christians to experience mental illness. Drawing from her personal battle with major depressive disorder, she discussed the relationship of her faith and mental health journey. She mentioned “I would have had this disorder whether or not I am in religious life.”
The Philippines’ Mental Health Act became a law, and Tuble says she hopes the church and government can work together to promote mental health awareness and make mental health services more accessible.
Joena San Diego, a Filipino author, also emphasised the religious misconceptions of mental health by stating, “Depression and having anxieties are not results of not praying enough.” She advocates for genuine listening and understanding rather than attributing mental health issues to a deficiency in prayer.
Finding Comfort in Faith
Religious practices such as going to Mass, praying, confessing, meditating or attending religious gatherings play a significant role in how Filipinos manage difficult emotions and life events. It is proven to improve remission in people who are going through medical and psychiatric diseases, as well as those who have established depression (Dein, 2020).
In a country where mental health resources are scarce, faith serves as a source of comfort and hope when faced with depression, anxiety, stress or grief. When someone has a strong religious foundation, they may be better equipped to manage their emotions effectively. Many Filipino youths report that religion and spirituality helps them cope with life’s challenges (del Castillo and Alino 2020). Religious teachings and practices often present values such as patience, forgiveness and acceptance.
The belief in a “higher power” can also provide a sense of purpose in navigating challenging situations. Concepts like “surrendering their worries to God” or “trusting in a divine plan” can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of inner peace. Additionally, the feeling of not being alone during times of struggle allows them to believe that someone is looking out for them.
Religious Support Systems
Beyond personal faith, communities provide support through prayer groups and religious counselling. This source of support creates a space where people can feel accepted and understood. By participating in worship and fellowship, it offers them a chance to reflect and break away from the daily grind to reduce stress.
In some cases, religious leaders may offer advice that is not evidence-based and could be harmful. Therefore, it’s important to recognise when mental health problems require professional intervention.
Church groups and religious organsations may also go beyond spiritual guidance by providing other types of support such as food, shelter, and even financial assistance. This type of tangible support can significantly reduce stressors that contribute to mental health issues.This makes religious communities a safety net among Filipinos.
Mental Health Progress in the Religious Sector
Despite the stigma, attitudes toward mental health are slowly changing within religious organisations in the Philippines. Many religious leaders now advocate for mental health awareness. They encourage congregations to seek help and reduce feelings of shame associated with mental illness.
Churches and faith-based groups are also partnering with mental health organisations. These collaborations aim to provide support and educate communities about mental health issues.
Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) actively addresses mental health within its community through various initiatives:
- CCF Across Ministries: This ministry focuses on family discipleship and has conducted mental health surveys to understand and address the challenges faced by families. (CCF Across)
- Counterflow Family Conference: An event that tackles pressing family issues, including mental wellness, featuring insights from respected thought leaders and advocates. (Facebook)
These efforts demonstrate commitment to integrating mental health awareness and support within its faith-based community.
Balancing Religion and Professional Help
Filipinos tend to give their burdens onto God. As they ask God to fix trivial problems in their lives, it’s necessary to recognise that they should create a healthy relationship with the Creator and use Him as guidance rather than as their “Problem Solver.” This completely neglects the fact that they should also take action and responsibility for their current life situation.
A balanced approach recognises that faith and professional mental health care can work together. Religion offers spiritual strength, whilst therapy provides therapeutic techniques and medical treatment. For many Filipinos, combining both can lead to the most effective way of healing.
Religious communities should also educate themselves about mental health to actively reduce stigma. As sought-out individuals, religious leaders play a crucial role in directing people towards proper services and creating a supportive environment to heal.
Clinical psychologist, Lourdes Carandang, offered the following basic principles for mental health intervention in the Philippines: “We may use all the carefully studied evidence based strategies and techniques, but it is really the love and compassion that works. Therapy brings hope, transcendence, and transformation. Spirituality, as experienced this way, is at the core of psychotherapy.”