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Despite widespread differences in Hindu belief and practice, the methodological limitations noted in the research described above, and the need for more systematic research, a number of tentative conclusions can be made about the relationship between Hinduism and mental health.
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world (if not the oldest), and has persisted for millennia as a source of wisdom for dealing with trauma, threats to survival, unwanted change, fears surrounding death and dying, and other existential concerns. The core religious beliefs and practices of this faith tradition seek to make sense of the limitations of the human condition and to relieve the emotional and physical suffering that accompanies it. Systematic quantitative research in the majority of the studies (70%) has found positive relationships between Hindu religious beliefs/practices and better psychological coping, fewer symptoms of anxiety and stress, better outcomes in severe mental disorder (Hindu temple study), increased mastery and self-esteem, and greater psychological well-bring, not to mention a number of clinical trials demonstrating positive effects of Hindu practices on emotional symptoms. Sensing the benefits of these practices, Hindu patients and their families often obtain help from traditional or faith healers before seeking modern mental health care.
There is every reason, then, for clinicians to conduct a thorough assessment of Hindu beliefs and practices, learn how these are helping or hindering efforts toward recovery, and provide treatment that is sensitive to and supportive of the client’s Hindu faith tradition (which may sometimes involve working with traditional healers or clergy). A barrier to integrating Hindu beliefs and practices into therapy, thought, is the lack of an evidence base from systematic research to guide such efforts. However, there is enough of an evidence base now for clinicians to at least take a few sensible steps (as discussed here) to begin that integration.