Mental Health Benefits of Spirituality & Exploring Your Own
Astrid Burke, MHC
Spirituality of any kind is deeply personal and can play an important role in our lives if we want it to. It’s no surprise, then, that research in the field of psychology has begun examining what, if any, benefits holding and practicing spiritual beliefs may have on one’s mental health.
Defining Spirituality
The word “spirituality” encompasses different things for different people and cultures at different times. Typically, though, it includes themes of connectedness, wholeness, purpose, a belief of some level of transcendence beyond the material and practical world. Spirituality, although most often connected to organized religion, can also be experienced through interactions with nature, art, movement, loving relationships, and is not limited to institutions or formal groups.
Positive Contributions to Mental Health
In her literature review for the UK’s Mental Health Foundation entitled “The Impact of Spirituality on Mental Health,” Dr. Deborah Cornah found several potential benefits to engaging in a spiritual practice, which included:
Coping skills. – Similar to having a morning routine, going to the gym, journaling, or any other coping skills, having active spiritual practices or rituals can help ground us from day-to-day stressors, as well as significant stressful life events.
Meaning-making – Having spiritual beliefs can also affect how we attribute meaning to events. For example, someone who is spiritually-minded may perceive negative events as externally caused and positive events as internally caused. Feeling that something (God, the universe, etc.) is in the negative event or situation with us “could reframe a situation in which an individual might otherwise blame themselves or feel disempowered through a lack of control.”
Community & social support – Having a spiritual practice can be a great way to connect with like-minded people and find community. Whether you’re in a mosque, meditation group, temple, mediumship development class, or church, you deserve to find your people and feel a sense of belonging.
Finding Your Own Path
Conversely, it is also worth noting that while spirituality can be very empowering, some beliefs may be unhelpful, harmful, or even traumatic. Religious or spiritual groups can have negative impacts on one’s mental health if they encourage feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or prey on vulnerable people. The potential mental health benefits of spirituality come from a place that is comforting, safe, and accepting of our authentic selves.
“I want to be more spiritual but I feel blocked.”
If spirituality isn’t your thing, that’s okay! But if you are curious about engaging in spirituality but feel held back, there may be some questions to explore on your own or with a therapist. What messaging did you receive around spirituality during childhood or in your family of origin? What messaging do you receive from friends, family, culture, or your community now? Do you feel that others will judge you for exploring your spirituality, or do you judge yourself for your curiosity? What do you hope to find in a spiritual practice or community?