The Impact of Secularization on the Prevalence and Incidence of Depression and Anxiety

North American studies have consistently shown that depression is increasing, particularly among young women. Anxiety disorders are also common and frequently occur together with depression. Both depression and anxiety are associated with problems in relationships, poor work function, poor physical health and suicide. While depression and anxiety occur as a result of biological, psychological and social factors, the rise in depression is believed by many to be the result of societal changes. One major societal change that is thought to contribute to the rise in depression and persistence of anxiety disorders is the decline in religiousness among people in North America. Religiousness is known to be a factor that can protect against the development of mental illness and religiousness has been shown to be declining in Canada. This research will examine the relationship between religion, depression and anxiety among two generations of individuals from Atlantic Canada who were followed for up to forty years. The research will further seek to determine the active ingredients of the protective effect of religion on depression and anxiety and may be informative to future programs to enhance Canadian's mental health.