Relationship between depression and level of reliance on God in Birjand university students

Major depression is one of the main causes of debility all over the world. Prevalence of depression is reported to be 15% in men and 25% in women during their life-time. Various researches indicate that utilizing religious approaches play an efficient and effective role in treating mental disorders. The present study was conducted aiming at determining the relationship between depression, as a mental disorder, and the level of reliance on the Lord as one of the bases of religious thinking among students. In this descriptive- analytical study, 400 students of Birjand universities were assessed by means of two questionnaires: 1. a standard depression test questionnaire (having 21 questions) 2.A standard reliance questionnaire (having 24 questions).The obtained data was analyzed by means of SPSS software, using statistical chi-square test, variance analysis, and independent t-test and P≤0.05 was considered as the significant level. The study showed that 43% of the subjects had no depression, 22.1% had minor depression, 10% required counseling by a psychiatrist, 16.6% were moderately depressed, and 8.2% were intensely depressed. The study also showed that 65.8% of the subjects had moderate level of reliance and only 14.3% had the advantage of high level of reliance. There was an inverse correlation between the students’ rate of depression and their level of reliance so that with the rise of reliance the degree of depression decreased and vice versa (P<0.001) The study did not reveal any significant relationship between depression and level of divine reliance to variables such as sex, order of birth, age, education, parents being alive. It was found that depression is discernible among students, but its rate varies with their reliance on the Lord therefore, it is predictable that religious beliefs, in addition to reducing the prevalence of depression, play a positive role in the course and prognosis of depression. Because students are regarded as the educated and efficient sector of society, the more their reliance on God and the more their sense of spiritual tranquility, the better their mental health. Moreover, religion is a supportive source for individuals, depending on religious beliefs and activities is effective on managing emotional tensions and physical complications.