Faith, culture and professional help

For many people, faith is a real source of strength, meaning and community, and prayer or worship can be part of looking after your mental health. Getting professional help does not mean giving that up. Many religious leaders and scholars across faiths encourage seeking treatment for mental health problems, in the same way people see a doctor for a physical illness.

You can also look for a counsellor or psychologist who shares or respects your faith and background, and you can ask a new therapist directly how they work with clients for whom faith matters. Be cautious of anyone, religious or not, who promises a quick cure, asks for large payments, or tells you to stop medical treatment.