Correlating Spirituality and Mental Health
A full-blown global pandemic, restricted movement, limited social lives, political frustrations, and facing inner demons alone, the past two years have seen it all. No matter what side of the spectrum we find ourselves on, one thing is for sure- our lives have not been the same ever since March 2020.
Nonetheless, along with the continuously spreading pandemic, a crisis has been brewing in itself, stretching its branches far and wide across the board. This crisis can be seen through the lens of mental health calamities. The changes seen in recent years have been a major source of significant stress and mental health strain on the masses.
Studies are starting to show that even children have been affected by depression and mood disorders due to the restricted means of socialization. More often than not, such adverse situations start exhibiting major concerns as individuals begin to process the events they have experienced in the past.
Moreover, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has provided the grim statistic that about 50% of the population will be involved in some sort of mental health issue during their lives. It is now that the talk of mental health is starting to gain traction because mental health most certainly affects the daily functioning of seemingly well-rounded and healthy individuals.
In the past, expressions of emotion and mental illness have been attached with negative connotations. However, with overwhelming research it is getting clear that this approach will not provide sustainable results. Well then, is there a magic pill that exists somewhere in the world which will be able to cure this brewing epidemic in itself?
While there is no magic pill that may be able to instantly cure mental health issues, researchers in the field have worked long enough to notice significant factors that can improve a lot of symptoms and help individuals lead relatively healthier lives. Therapeutic alliances and healthcare resources present in the field can certainly provide relief to many. In spite of that, another aspect needs to be taken into consideration while discussing the topic.
Individuals suffering from such conditions need to make significant lifestyle changes that can ultimately help them lead better lives. It is widely acknowledged that humans, in general, need to have a sense of purpose and belonging in order to lead happier lives.
Individuals suffering from mental illnesses more often than not also report a lack of connection to others or a lack of a purpose in life. Hence, it is important for individuals at large to take a look at their reflection and analyze themselves at a deeper level to evaluate what exactly helps feed and satisfy the soul.
Spirituality is a subject that has also been able to gain traction recently. The word spirituality can be evaluated through different perspectives held by various people. However, one thing is for sure; spirituality deeply impacts mental health. A large number of emotional problems occuring stem from a lack of connection and purpose in life.
Individuals who find a deep spiritual connection and can maintain this connection fare a lot better than those who are unable to essentially find something worth living. It is worth noting that encouraging spirituality and its relation to mental health does in no way negate the importance of seeking professional help for chronic mental illnesses that present severe symptoms.
However, spirituality in itself can act as a buffer and help diminish a lot of the symptoms suggested. Research conducted by many academics in the field show that the correlation of the two can have many positive impacts. Spirituality and religious connection can help individuals feel a sense of purpose and meaning. It can help us gain confidence in ourselves as well as help process experiences in life and make sense of adversity faced by an individual.
Acts of spirituality can also provide structure and predictability, an area that is essential for health and mental well-being. While the idea of spirituality/religion and mental health correlating was extremely frowned upon by past academics, new research provides an overwhelmingly positive correlation between the two, resulting in approval from a large number of academic figures as well.
Research results also show that strong religious bonds are vital as they can also enhance recovery within individuals suffering from depression and anxiety. Looking at current trends and research going around, even secular therapists and researchers can agree that a deeper connection needs to be made between individuals and entities that do not contain materialistic gains.
On the other hand, true analysis of religion also highlights the importance of seeking help. For example, the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad has explained: “Those who do not take mental health issues seriously are gravely ignorant. Those who develop depression or any other mental health issue, should be given appropriate help and treatment. We should take care of them. Whatever possible treatment is available, that should be utilized. You should also compassionately care for their feelings and emotions. Those who do not do so are very ignorant.”
The uprooting of the world that we have seen in the past two years clearly shows that individuals need more than simple materialistic gains to live and thrive in their lives. They need meaningful connections and the knowledge of something bigger and more powerful present to create and maintain connections. This knowledge of a spiritual and religious world can help make sense of adverse events happening in real-time. Hence, academics and the general public need to acknowledge the critical role that spirituality and religion can play in an individual’s life and healthy living and how they can be used to treat patients lacking vital connections and a sense of purpose in their own lives.
