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