More and more studies are uncovering the positive contributions spirituality can make to your mental health. Just recently, researchers from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that kids and teens who are raised with spiritual practices, including meditation, had a lower risk of substance abuse and depression later on. Those who prayed or meditated daily were also found to have more life satisfaction, were better able to process emotions and were more forgiving compared to those who never prayed/meditated What Is Spirituality? Spirituality can mean different things to different people, depending on what you’re seeking in your own life. Traditionally being spiritual meant having an attachment to religious values, or matters of the spirit. More recently it has also come to mean reaching higher levels of consciousness using meditation, yoga and similar practices. Some people consider spirituality as a state in which you’re connected to a higher power, nature or the deepest part of yourself. Spirituality can give you a sense of your own worth and value; it can help you to develop inner strength and peace; and even have hope and optimism. According to RethinkMentalIllness.org, spiritual practices may include:
- Belonging to a faith community
- Meditation, yoga or prayer
- Living by a specific set of moral codes
- Focusing on spiritual values such as honesty, kindness, hope and compassion
How Spirituality Helps Spiritual practices can play a big role in both preventing and coping with mental health issues like depression or anxiety by providing the following:
- Support and friendship, if you’re part of a spiritual community.
- A connection to something bigger than yourself.
- Perspective and a better understanding of your experiences.
- Strength or hope to help you get you through tough times.
- Peace with yourself and other people around you.
Treating Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders Many people who have a substance use disorder are also diagnosed with a co-occurring mental health disorder like anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. At Makana Path, we address co-occurring mental health disorders and confront any underlying issues that may have contributed to your or your loved one’s substance abuse. To learn more about our intensive healing program, call today: 866-922-0776.
