About the same, I'd say. I wish atheism had been a magic pill for me, but depression and anxiety will always be my stalwart companions.

Yes, a lot less depressed and anxious. When you are raised to be religious and do everything they tell you to do to gain a beliefs and it never comes, they then tell you you re nto doing it right. It is a great relief and feeling of peace to discover or come to the conclusion, that it is not you that is wrong, but religion itself and you are actually more "normal" and sane than religious persons after all, and that failing to believe is a sign of rationality and sanity.

I don't think one has anything to do with the other, personally.

Bit of an impossible question really, esp as it involves time, to a degree. Things happen in individuals lives at different times. Depression certainly is linked to age. And yes I think if I was totally wrapped up in a shared religious thing I might be more happy ( ignorance is bliss springs to mind), but Im not about to go join a happy church to improve my mental health. I guess if it works for you (one) then great.
I am reminded by the anecdotal story that Driving insurance can be lower for women because of the statistics. Which is what insurers deal with. But also that the statistically worst section of societies drivers are actually nuns . . . . . . Draw your own conclusions there. ciao4now Andy

I was always unsure if i was really a believer or not, or just trying to please my family. I feel a lot better knowing that i don’t need to have an answer to everything. My anxiety definitely went away when i came to my senses that there probably isn’t even a God, so why worry? Live life

I'm both, but neither are due to my being a non-believer. I was diagnosed with ADD in the 2nd grade (and I still have it) and I also have dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder) and I have anxiety as well.

I think faith has a tendancy to make people feel guilty and sinful - that's one of its main aims.

If you are prone to such feelings, religion won't help you.

Nope, I struggled with depression/anxiety while I was a believer, and as an enlightened non believer I still struggle with depression/anxiety from time to time. When I was a believer I was also angry with god that I had to struggle. I was told there was a lesson "god" wanted me to learn through my struggle. FTS. As a non believer I know it is brain chemistry and situational, and eventually it will pass.

i've always kind of been agnostic/atheist so i guess nothing has really changed

Atleast not depressed n anxious due to a religion

As a Spiritualist, I'm definitely more balanced than when I was a Christian operating within the confine of rules and appearances... LOL

I had depression and anger issues as a Christian and still have them now as an atheist. The difference being I don't have to deal with the stress of being pressured to be active in church anymore on top of all my other responsibilities.

I can also say now I have allot more true friends that help get me through it regardless of my beliefs in God.

All in all I'd say becoming atheist did help reduce my stress level however the issues I have to deal with as someone who suffers from depression and anger are still there. I'm just not around so many triggers.

I think everything depends on the individual...

Interesting question. I have always been a non believer so can't relate personally. But as a mental health nurse who often see the effects of grief and loss I t seems plausible losing your faith could cause depression and anxiety especially if the person doesn't feel they have gained something meaningful by adopting a non believer position. Many might feel freed and joyful for the change in life view... just a few thoughts