Why Can’t You Have Both?
The intersectionality of spirituality and mental health highlights the complex interplay, and at times conflict, of these two aspects of the human condition.
Spirituality is rooted in personal beliefs and practices and can provide comfort, hope, and a sense of purpose when dealing with mental health issues. It can offer coping mechanisms, a source of strength, and a means of finding meaning in difficult times.
However, the relationship is intricate, as spiritual beliefs can both alleviate and exacerbate mental health concerns. Factors such as: cultural background, societal norms, and personal interpretations, can shape how spirituality influences mental well-being. Recognizing and navigating this intersection calls for a holistic approach that respects individuals' diverse spiritual perspectives, while also considering evidence-based mental health interventions to ensure comprehensive care.
To approach the intersectionality of faith/spirituality and mental health, first, we must relinquish the notion that mental illness is born of a deficit of faith/ belief or that it is a punishment for sin. Illness, negative experiences, and outcomes are not born of an earthly punishment for a heavenly mistake.
The second is that we have to look at faith/spirituality as a tool in our mental health toolkits. Many faiths stress the idea of community, being with like-minded people. Use that built-in group to find others in the same boat so that you can be a place of support and refuge.
Learn to quiet your mind. This can be done with the assistance of meditation. Many people of various faiths have said to me, “I don’t know how to meditate, I don’t know where to start.” My reply has been, “Do you know how to pray? If yes, then you know how to meditate.” It’s about:
Determination to put time aside to devote to it
Turning inward, focusing on different things and different times (i.e. your breath, the rhythmic rise and fall of your chest, scanning your body from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet)
A focus and manifestation of peace. Acknowledging intrusive thoughts but pushing them away as you focus on the task at hand.
We also have to do away with the harmful rhetoric that you can pray mental illness away. I’m not at all saying that there is no value in prayer, connection to the Devine, and readily accepting that miraculous things do happen. What I’m saying is we’ve been given tools, Divinely-inspired or otherwise, to be able to help manage and treat illness.
Use what is readily accessible and available to you. This includes but isn’t limited to, support groups, behavioral health coaching, therapy, and psychopharmacological help/medication. Per NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), spirituality also incorporates healthy practices for the mind and body, which positively influences mental health and emotional well-being¹.
Individuality
Enhances a person’s sense of self and empowerment through the choice to decide what their practice looks like
Focuses on an individual’s connection to what they believe in and their own personal growth
Mindfulness
Encourages meditation and self-reflection
Leads to a meaningful life philosophy (i.e. feeling connected to others, nature, or art)
Spirituality and support of mental wellness and illness with tools outside of faith and spirituality don’t have to be an EITHER/OR decision. It is, and always has been an “AND” situation. If presented in a supportive way, spirituality can help people improve their mental health and foster a positive environment for recovery.
1. NAMI (2016). The Mental Health Benefits of Religion & Spirituality. https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2016/The-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Religion-Spiritual