Mental Health and Spirituality
Spirituality is the process of a person discovering or developing a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life. It often includes a belief in something beyond our physical world, such as a higher power or the soul. This sense of something greater than oneself, can lead to an increased feeling of well-being, less stress reactivity, and even a decreased fear of death.
It can be difficult to define what people mean by the term “spirituality.” However, it is important to understand that there are many types of spirituality. Some are religion-based, and others focus on the idea of a higher power or the soul. Some people believe that spirituality and religion are the same, while others think of spirituality as a more universal concept that is more inclusive of non-religious beliefs.
To help people clarify their own spirituality, we recommend that you encourage them to construct a list of possible definitions. You can then use the list to help you assess and care for individuals who may be using each of these definitions.
Taking this step can help you identify whether a person’s spirituality might interfere with their mental health, or is working to support it. You can also look for signs that someone’s spirituality is a good fit for their mental health needs, such as a carefree humility in their eyes and a desire to serve.