Anxiety and depression in present-day society a modern outlook on spiritiual and theological aspects of coping

Abstract

Anxiety and depression have become extremely widespread, with an average rate of anxiety and depression disorders of 7.3% and 4.4% respectively. Such conditions are associated with stress, feeling of emptiness and meaningless of existence, guilt and fear of death. Various mechanisms can be used for coping with stress. In many cases, people suffering from anxiety or depression require assistance of a psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist. Meaning and value psychotherapy is an important element of anxiety and depression treatment. This work overviews the role Theology plays in meaning and value psychotherapy of anxiety and depression disorders. It demonstrates that Psychology and Theology use the same methods for combating anxiety and depression. The first stage of therapeutic effect comes through acceptance, i.e. grace. The second stage involves establishing a value-focused worldview. The final stages of therapeutical and religious influence pursue different goals. Psychotherapy is aimed at helping people realize their place in the society, making their nearest future meaningful and discovering a way out of a certain difficult situation. Religious influence, however, strives for achieving a higher meaning and finding an ultimate pathway.