Written by Sutherland Institute
May 22, 2025
SALT LAKE CITY (May 22, 2025) – Today, in recognition of May being “Mental Health Awareness Month,” Sutherland Institute released a new research publication on the social value of religion related to mental health.
Publication highlights:
- Religious Americans are significantly less likely to say they have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetimes than people who are less religious.
- 50% of U.S. adults experience loneliness, and 61% don’t feel connected to others.
- 62% of those who described religion as ‘very important’ to their life felt a sense of community belonging, compared to only 36% of those who are not religious.
- More than 76% of clergy report having been approached by a congregant for assistance with mental illness.
The findings and recommendations are highlighted in Sutherland’s newest publication, available here:
For more information about Sutherland research on religious freedom, visit our issue page: sutherlandinstitute.org/religious-freedom/
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