An important part of our human journey is creating meaning and connection. Often, we connect with spirituality because it resonates with something deeply intrinsic within. Regardless of a specific denomination, spirituality can provide a sense of understanding, peace, and guidance as we travel through our days. Despite our acceptance of the ways religion and spirituality benefits us, there is often a disconnection in our minds when it comes to our perceptions of the ways mental and spiritual health are connected. This phenomenon isn’t exactly new for us, after all, the fields of physical and mental health were long considered separate entities without much relevant connection. It has been a short span of time in which science has recognized the link between the mind and body. Fortunately, the realization of the spiritual and emotional health connection is also becoming clearer to us as time goes on. In our efforts to understand all that it means to be human, we sometimes compartmentalize spiritual health as “different” and separate from mental and emotional health. As the field continues to build understanding, there is a growing body of evidence that spiritual and emotional health are closely linked.

How Spirituality and Mental Health Complement Each Other

A 2019 study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry showed that participants with spiritual beliefs and practices had a greater sense of inner control of their world. People who are connected with spiritual or religious beliefs also have lower instances of suicidality, and greater sense of meaning, purpose, and identity. The framework that spiritual and religious beliefs provide can also help one’s perception and resolution of problems. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports a wide range of benefits linking spiritual and mental health, including increased connection with community, reduced substance use, a greater sense of structure in life, and a feeling of connection with oneself and the world. Spiritual practices promote mindfulness and self-reflection, can reduce physiological distress, and enhance creative outlets and self-expression. In short, connection with our spiritual lives improves mental health.

Making Room for Spiritual and Emotional Self-Care

It is important to give ourselves time to tend to our mental and spiritual care for the many benefits it offers, but it also may seem impossible to create space in our busy lives for it. That sense of not having time to meet our mental and spiritual needs is a signal that it should become a priority. As we manage the responsibilities of daily life, caring for family, working, and dozens of other obligations, our feeling of purpose, connection, and wellness can get lost. It is important to make time for replenishing our spiritual and emotional health; these aspects of self are deeply connected to our quality of life. Whether we are just starting to learn and explore spiritual beliefs or have been on the journey for many years, the connection between mental health and spirituality are vast and well worth the time and energy.