Reflection: The Impact of Spirituality on Mental Health

“Prayer is the cure for confused mind, weary soul and broken heart.”

Seeing the different events through mass media and other forms of social communication, they are giving us images of a troubled world. These are experiences of earthquakes, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, war and this recent 2019 Novel Coronavirus also known as “Covid-19” outbreak. In these impending disasters, they resulted to negative effects such as worries, anxieties, fears, confusions and even caused physiological illness. Consequently, they have tremendous negative effects on mental health.

As a result, many people would ask: “what on earth is happening to us?” Naturally, human tendency would search for answers and look for solutions to the present problems. Nevertheless, there are times that such question could not just be understood by limited human mind especially if one losses home, loved ones and even source of living. When events and circumstances are already overwhelming, then one must search for greater meaning in life.

Moreover, the article on “The Impact of Spirituality on Mental Health” written by Dr. Deborah Cornah on Mental Health Foundation, which was published June 1, 2006 stated that “spirituality plays a vital role in promoting and maintaining good metal health”. The article explores the integrative expression of spirituality in relation to mental health. There are significant points that the author stresses in the aspects of spirituality that can have positive impact on the mental well-being of a person.

Spirituality is rooted in understanding the meaning of life and in such circumstances, it relates to a higher power that may influence that meaning. It is innate within the individual and what they personally believe that spirituality can help a person tolerate stress by maintaining peace, purpose and sense of resiliency.

In the same manner that spirituality is personally expressed through religion. Within the religion there is spirituality, but if one has spirituality, it does not necessarily mean one has religion. It shows that exploring the association of spiritual or religious activity somehow prevents illness, reduces suicide rates, alcoholism and substance abuse. The following are the benefits:

First, the sense of connectedness to something bigger than the self—it helps a person look within and understand themselves while also figuring out the greater answer of how they fit in to the rest of the world. In other words: It helps people understand their interpretation of the events of life. Spirituality also incorporates healthy practices for the mind and body, which positively influences mental health and emotional well-being. A person enhances a sense of self and empowerment through the choice and decision to make. It focuses on the connection of what they believe as part of the natural phenomena and strengthens one’s faith and trust to the Supreme Being.

Second, researcher states that rituals are the inner workings of the spirit which find its expression through meditation, attendance in the church, temple, mosque or time spent in prayer. Such outward expressions banish bad habits, help to heal and to create closure as well as invoke the healing powers of transformation, thus becomes a vehicle through which the meaning of life is sought, and leads to meaningful life philosophy.

Third, the outcomes and consequences of spiritual belief and activity give meaning to social life. In the process of quest for meaning leads the person to see that life is supported with meaningful relationships with the Transcending knowledge and initiates social connections with the community. This is evident when the country experienced typhoon, earthquake and volcanic eruptions, the community find support to people financial support and other assistance to the victims. In the same manner that sharing of one’s experiences in the community boosts mental health as one work to help others.

Lastly, the spirituality leads to psychological resiliency. A person tends to cope stress and adversity well with the right and appropriate coping mechanisms. Spirituality through religious expressions provide a coping mechanism to “bounce back” that cultivate positive outlook in life, protecting individuals from harmful behavior and eventually promote healthy respond to adversities.

Indeed, spirituality can promote mental health through positive religious coping, community support and positive beliefs to the well-being of the person. It is a reality that negative events can be damaging to mental health, but with the knowledge that one is not alone because of the Supreme Being and with social support, then they give healing, hope, meaning and purpose to one’s existence. (S. Leah Zozobrado, RVM)