Heritage Treatment Center
http://www.heritagertc.org
Faith and
Spirituality: How
They Affect Mental
Health and
Happiness
People struggling with mental health are often advised or encouraged
to go to psychiatrists or treatment centers to feel better. There are
times, however, when faith and spirituality factor in the most in
healing and happiness.
Faith and Wellbeing
The good thing about the word “faith” is that it is non-indicative. While
religion determines which religious sect an individual belongs to
(Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, etc.), faith
simply indicates a person’s relationship with a divine being.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services acknowledges the
fact that faith and mental health may be interconnected. They have
suggestions for community and faith leaders to address mental
health:
To educate their communities and congregations;
To identify opportunities to support people with mental
illnesses;
To connect individuals and families to help; and
To promote acceptance of those with mental health issues.
Individuals who are going through hardships often turn to faith for
comfort. In fact, many seek solace in their own faith before
approaching mental health professionals as it is a more intimate
approach.
Spirituality and Wellness
Spirituality should not be mistaken for faith and vice versa. Unlike the
practice of faith, which in a way still follows certain doctrines,
spirituality is an individual’s connection to their inner being. To
understand one’s self intensively means to know who a person really is
and what that person wants in life.
Spirituality is also often associated with non-religious practices such as
meditation and energy healing. Far from the conventional medical
treatment, the exploration and nurturing of one’s spirituality does
wonders in achieving a sense of fulfillment and contentment.
Spirituality is also often associated with non-religious practices such
as meditation and energy healing. Far from the conventional medical
treatment, the exploration and nurturing of one’s spirituality does
wonders in achieving a sense of fulfillment and contentment.
A treatment center and school, Heritage Treatment Center, recognizes
how essential spirituality is in being healthy and happy. As a matter of
fact, their students are given ample time for meditation,
contemplation, and writing so as to awaken the often-neglected
spirituality. Another example of the fusion of spirituality and wellness
is yoga. It’s a mentally soothing activity which calms the physical body
as well.
In certain cases, an understanding of one’s inner self and an
awareness of what goes on in the intangible world allows for better
mental and emotional healing. There are, after all, some things that
even prescription cannot fix.
Sources:
http://www.heritagertc.org
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/faith-community-leaders/
https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-
Condition/Faith-Spirituality