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The Role of Spirituality in Mental Health

Spirituality

The World Health Organization (WHO) explains mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” There are a variety of factors that can affect one’s mental health. Spirituality, for example, can have a profound impact on one’s mental health and well-being. Spirituality, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, “involves the recognition of a feeling or sense or belief that there is something greater than [oneself], something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater whole of which we are part is cosmic or divine in nature.” Although the notion of spirituality is globally acknowledged, there is no clear consensus about its definition among health researchers. Spirituality is a broad and complex concept which varies its understanding according to different cultural, religious, and academic backgrounds. Nevertheless, a robust body of evidence-based studies underscore the role of spirituality in mental health.

Extensive research indicates that spirituality is important in treating psychological conditions. According to a review published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, “Lack of spirituality can interfere with interpersonal relationships, which can contribute to the genesis of psychiatric disturbance.” Conversely, spirituality can help address various mental health issues (e.g., poor self-esteem, low confidence, lack of self-control, fear of daily tasks, etc.), lending it to be a useful extension to mental health treatment plans. Leading expert in the psychology of religion and spirituality, Kenneth I. Pargament, PhD., refers to “Empirical studies of many groups dealing with major life stressors such as natural disaster, illness, loss of loved ones, divorce and serious mental illness show that religion and spirituality are generally helpful to people in coping, especially people with the fewest resources facing the most uncontrollable of problems.” Spiritual exercises, as asserted by McLean Hospital, can help people increase acceptance, decrease negative emotions, find meaning, and deepen their relationships with others. Spirituality incorporates healthy practices for the mind and body, which can yield an array of positive mental health benefits.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

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