Faith and mental health can either complement or disrupt each other. In some cases, faith helps to encourage people to speak out and embrace modern treatments, while on the other hand, it can be a barrier to those willing to come out and seek solutions to their mental health. In this article, we will talk about the positive and negative role faith plays in mental health and how it can be addressed.
Understanding Faith
What is Faith?
Generally, faith can be described as total trust in something or someone. In spirituality, it is the complete belief in the teachings and practices of a religion without any unquestionable proof. Faith helps believers get a sense of meaning and purpose, it helps an individual carry on with the belief that a certain reward will be achieved.
Different Forms of Faith
Faith comes in different forms, there is religious faith (Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, etc) which individuals can get by reading doctrines and sacred books, secular faith (liberalism, humanity, fascism), and personal practices like taking some moments to manifest you day into existence after waking up in the morning.
The Role of Faith in Mental Health
Historical Perspective
Throughout history, people have always looked up to spiritual leaders and religious heads as their mental health guides. This is because they believe these individuals have been given the sacred ability to solve spiritual, physical, and mental problems.
Modern Views on Faith and Mental Health
The modern world has a slightly different view of the relationship between faith and mental health. Some see faith as an important part of maintaining their mental well-being, while others believe it is a barrier to medical advancements and seeking professional assistance on mental cases.
Positive Impacts of Faith on Mental Health
Emotional Support
Faith can be a beacon of hope to those looking for something to hold on to when battling their mental health, this beacon offers a sense of reassurance, relief, and emotional support. The belief that help can come from a higher power can help reduce the feeling of hopelessness.
Comfort in Times of Crisis
During times of crisis, people can find hope through faith. This can be achieved through meditation, fasting, prayers, and communal support. Faith can help reduce fear, giving a sense of stability during a crisis.
Reducing Anxiety and Stress
Regularly practicing your faith activities like fasting, scripture reading, and meditation can cause relaxation, and give inner peace, hence promoting mental stability.
Community and Belonging
Faith communities like churches and mosques give an avenue for religious and social gatherings which gives a sense of belonging. Individuals with mental health issues often find it hard to get involved in social gatherings, however, religious socialism can give them a safe space that reduces the feeling of isolation.
Purpose and Meaning
Some religious doctrines teach that suffering is a test of faith and the reward is a life filled with blessings, these beliefs can give a sense of purpose and help find meaning in their sufferings. It gives the strength to continue while finding solutions to mental health challenges.
Faith as a Barrier to Mental Health
Guilt and Shame
Some religious organizations still see people with mental health challenges as a form of spiritual weakness or sinful behavior. This has made several individuals avoid speaking out to avoid the possible guilt and shame that might come from it.
Isolation
To avoid being judged within the religious community, individuals may resort to keeping to themselves, and avoid gatherings, this self-isolation can lead to loneliness.
Over-Reliance on Prayer
Prayers can prevent individuals from seeking professional help for their health issues. A person battling their mental health might choose to pray frequently and seek divine assistance instead of consulting a mental health professional.
Misunderstanding and Conflicting Messages
Some parts of the spiritual books teach about suffering as part of a spiritual test of faith and it should be accepted. This can make people battling their mental health fail to identify it as a medical issue and see it as a penance they have to pay for a better reward from a supreme being.
Conclusion
Religious organizations can be a place of comfort for people with mental illnesses as stated above, however, over-dependence on religious institutions can cause various hindrances to getting the needed mental treatment.
These barriers can be addressed by conducting awareness and proper teachings about mental health in all religious communities. Individuals with mental health problems should be supported and referred to the right places where they can get professional assistance. Provisions should also be made for these people to be reinstated back into the religious community without facing any form of stigmatization.
