Airi Värnik discusses the importance of integrating spirituality and religiosity into mental health treatment amidst rising mental health issues in Western countries.
In her article, Airi Värnik, an emeritus professor at Tallinn University, emphasizes the significant role that a patient's religious background plays in the effectiveness of mental health treatment. She points out that spirituality and religiosity can significantly support mental health, suggesting that they should be incorporated into the framework of mental well-being. Despite increased spending on mental health services in Western countries over the past decade, mental well-being continues to decline, particularly among the youth.
Värnik refers to the 2025 Global Mental Health report, which indicates that the current healthcare system only provides temporary relief for symptoms, and merely expanding services is insufficient to tackle the underlying issues. She argues for structural changes in the way mental health is addressed, stating that the existing treatment model is too focused on a biopsychosocial approach that centers around disease rather than addressing the holistic needs of individuals.
The article advocates for a critical reevaluation of current practices and encourages viewing crises as opportunities for development. Värnik highlights the growing trend of increased diagnoses and prescriptions without tangible improvements in mental health outcomes. She stresses that while more resources are being allocated to healthcare, the situation seems to worsen, thus calling for a profound transformation in the approach to mental health.
