“Conservatives who go to church weekly are the least likely to be diagnosed with mental health problems,” sociologist Ryan Burge reported Thursday in The X.
In contrast, he added, “liberals with poor attendance were most likely to be diagnosed.”
Burch drew on an analysis of March 2020 data from the Pew U.S. Trends Panel, which surveyed 11,537 randomly selected U.S. adults between March 19 and 24, 2020.
In English and Spanish, respondents were asked: “Has a doctor or other health care provider ever told you that you had a mental health problem?”
Churchgoers of all ideologies, especially those who self-identify as conservative, have lower rates of diagnosed mental health problems.
Although diagnosis rates were highest among nonparticipating liberals, the implications of that data are unclear, as awareness of mental health issues is also important.
Just as higher rates of abuse may indicate a community is more willing to open up and hold perpetrators accountable, some believe higher diagnosis numbers may similarly be a positive sign of greater awareness in the community when it comes to mental health.
So, what does this data really say – and what is an accurate view of its impact?
On Sunday, March 24, 2024, churchgoers attended a Palm Sunday service at Metropolitan AME Church in Washington. Amanda Andrade-Rhodes, The Associated Press
Demonstrate the “fruits” of faith?
Responding to Burch’s post, Matt Von Swol said, “Last year my family went to church together for the first time. It was absolutely revolutionary.”
He added, “No church is perfect, but you do get to go to church for free and get community, moral teaching, and babysitting. Seriously.”
Other X users from various faith backgrounds also added their experiences:
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“I love church. Worshiping God. Communicating with the Creator of the Universe!” said Daisy M. “Yes, friends.”
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Judy Greener said faith “gives you strength and hope.” “I started praying every day again. I’m happy and content to do that.”
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“I go to synagogue every day (twice a day),” Greg Yaris said. “Can’t imagine life without it.”
Katie Foster believes these mental health benefits reflect a worldview more consistent with the reality of acknowledging good and evil, while telling you “the truth about who you are.”
Once these truths are denied, she said, people are left “to construct alternative realities using ideologies that have nothing to do with their true identities.”
“Living in a self-constructed universe is bad for mental health.”
Are believers less likely to seek help?
David Stein on The
In response, X user Melissa said, “Or maybe our locus of control is different. We know and can rely on God to control everything. This frees up a lot of mental burden (anxiety and depression) because we know we don’t have to carry things ourselves.”
Stein responded: “This can go both ways, though. A lot of research shows that if people feel like they have no control over things, they become more stressed/depressed.”
Other believers say they are less anxious about the world. “We know that under the right circumstances, we have control over our lives and he has control over everything,” Brandon Bonin said. Grover Dill added that believers “tend to focus their lives on pleasing God” rather than other exhausting pursuits.
“There’s a little problem with what you’re saying,” Abigail Ratz said to those who pointed out the hesitancy some believers have to seek help. “But living with purpose and hope works wonders. It also helps to be surrounded by an intentional community willing to share each other’s burdens.”
Churchgoers worship at 2819 Church in Atlanta on November 16, 2025. |Jesse Vardarski, The Associated Press
Other relevant data
Of course, none of this is to suggest that faith can eliminate mental health problems, as believers in many different traditions face serious challenges. But after decades of research, a pattern is unmistakable.
As summarized in hundreds of studies documented in the Handbook of Religion and Health, most existing research finds that religious people report higher well-being and life satisfaction, lower levels of depression and anxiety, and a lower risk of suicide—especially when that faith is practiced in healthy and loving ways that respect institutions.
While some still question cause and effect, few question the emotional benefits religious communities provide by discouraging substance abuse and strengthening family and community bonds, while infusing lives with greater meaning, purpose, and comfort.
