Spirituality and Mental Health
Did you know having a connection with your spirituality is something that has been documented as beneficial for our mental health? This excludes unhealthy dogmatic and controlling religious belief systems often found in institutionalised spirituality centres. Yet, a balanced and safe sense of relationship with a Higher power/Deity has been connected to reduced symptoms of anxiety, loneliness, and depression. We can have a stronger sense of control. While also having increased feelings of security, self-confidence and/or a confidence in the Divine being. Some studies have found those who have a spiritual life have a faster remission when they encounter stressful and depressed seasons. It can also offer hope, meaning and console during difficult time.
How do you feel about your own spirituality? Do you have your own personal belief system? Or did you adopt it from your family or friends? For many they have not yet explored this part of themselves or feel safer to believe this part of themselves does not exist. It is certainly not something we all will feel drawn to or agree with. Given the benefits in the research, it has been recommended by some authors to consider one’s own spiritual life/self and that therapy should be a safe place this part of self to be explored.
Today I want to encourage you ask yourself some questions about spiritual beliefs.
· Do I have a connection and an understanding to what spirituality means for me? Or is it unknown to me?
· If you do have a connection and understanding, is it a positive or harmful influence in my life?
Exploring our worldviews and spiritual beliefs with an experience, sensitive and non-judgmental counsellor can help us take advantage of the positive influence spirituality can have on our mental health. We may also benefit from reviewing any harmful and painful influences/experiences we have had from religion and spirituality. Quite often we experience abuse from those claiming to be acting righteous and God-like. Spiritual abuse is sadly so very common and often can be the catalyst for other abuses like sexual, emotional and physical abuse. Therapy can also help you consider if anything needs to be repaired or rejected from your own sense of spirituality. A good counsellor will be able to hold their own worldview and spirituality aside so that you are free and safe to explore this part of yourself with no expectations of where you will end up in your beliefs and worldviews.
I love working with people to explore their worldview and spirituality struggles and beliefs and consider it very sacred special work to sit with someone who is brave enough to share their often most inner thoughts and beliefs. If this is something you would like to explore further, please book in for some counselling sessions with me.
Koenig, Harold G (2009). Research on Religion, Spirituality and mental health: A review. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 54, 5, 283 - 291