THe Dalai Lama is anything but "bloody", Shambles. Why are you so ornery? Maybe you need religion more than you think. Researchers have confirmed over and over again that people who describe themselves as 'spiritual' or 'religious' tend to live longer, happier, healthier and more productive lives. Here's one such recent study;

Mental Health and Religion

"Research workers found better adaptation, lower rates of depression, and less frequent negative emotional states among the more religiously active. One study reported that failure to attend church services at least weekly was associated with an almost 40 percent increase in the risk of depression among 1,855 New York City residents...

One study found that persons who relied heavily on religion to cope actually had very high levels of self-esteem. A number of researchers have now reported lower rates of suicide (the most dire consequence of depression) among those who are more religiously involved.

Four out of ten randomly selected patients admitted to the medical services of a tertiary-care teaching hospital indicated that religion is the most important factor (more than family or friends) that enabled them to cope with the stress of their illnesses.

Possible Mechanisms of Effect

There are at least three natural mechanisms by which religion might promote mental health.

First through a system of beliefs and mental attitudes.

Second through increased social support and promotion of interaction with others.

Third, by emphasizing a focus on others and on a power higher than the self."


There are plenty of similar scientific reports online today. Google away if you don't think so. And while you're at it, Shambles, you might consider this --- who the !!@@!!@@!! do you think you are to dictate if and someone else might need a 'stabilizer'? God Almighty? Or just Baby Jesus?    ;-)

In fact, how the !@@!*!!* do you what anyone else needs? I figure I'm having a REAL good day when I can figure out what it is I need (as opposed to what I want) and actually get it right for a change!