Mental Health and Spiritual Living

 Spirituality and Mental Health

Contents 

• The Modern World 

• Spirituality

• Link between Spirituality and Mental Health

• A Mutually Beneficial Relationship 

• Mental Health Disorders are not Life Style Disorders 

• Symptoms of Disturbed Mental Wellbeing 

• Bottom Line 

The Modern World

The world had a history of believing the earth was flat, once upon a time. It had even believed that earth was at the centre of Solar system. Science based expeditions have grown far and wide and evolved over centuries to prove multiple dimensions of unseen but existential and potential truths of world such as radio waves , photons, viruses, microbes and many more around us. The internet which is a network of all the computers across the world connected through a network of wires, cables, optic fibers or the Wi-Fi radio signals is just an example. Science and technology has imparted its own contribution in developing the quality of one's life ( such as Artificial Intelligence or 5th generation computers) to treatment of new and unknown diseases (such as Covid-19) affecting human life.

 

The valuable knowledge that we got from the researchers/ scientists/ doctors / lab technicians/ engineers / teachers etc., across the globe has made us reach this point where we stand now, proudly, calling oneself as civilized. We see AI based robots giving audio/verbal assistance or reading news or acting in movies, Animation and visual effects (VFX) that adds to the impact of visual media, vaccinations that has saved lives across the world pandemics of dengue, plague, chicken pox, small pox and our latest corona virus. We see aeroplanes, electric trains, satellites, space shuttles and human foot steps to Moon, only due to the hard core energetic truly spiritual research oriented engineering scientist community of our world.

 

Spirituality

Spirituality is not a new topic to humanity. We have had enough educated spiritual leaders to guide us on spiritualism such as Sri Buddha, Vardhamana Mahavira, Swami Vivekananda, Paranahamsa  Yogananda, Sri Narayana Guru, Sridhi Sai Baba and many more. They have paved ways towards methods of enlightenment and awakening of humanity. At the same time, vivid differences in their teachings and concepts can also be noticed.

 

There is definitely a link between the true spirit (soul) of oneself and one' s mental wellness. The idea of Spirituality means different things for different people. One can be non-religious and still be spiritual (SBNR). Some are religious and their Spirituality is linked to their supreme religious beliefs. Nevertheless, Spirituality aims at bringing higher sense of purpose, hope and meaning to life. It also helps to deal with challenging life situations through self control and maintaining moderations in reactive responses.

 

It will be a whole new dimension of experience when philosophically one meets one true self. There, you in search of the eternal truth, meets with something divine of the universe which is unexplainable in human made languages. The Atman (individual soul) is a portion of Brahman (the Universal soul) as per Upanishads. If we think deeply, we can find a simple sole explanation to our whole existence. We being a part of earth, earth being a part of Universe and the never-ending and ever-expanding mysterious universe.

 

Spirituality has its own importance in Indian culture irrespective of religious interventions. Simply identifying, spirituality is nothing but exploring oneself to find the God in oneself. The divine nature of oneself that truly embraces the purpose of our existence as well as life on earth. Spirituality has its own definition of birth, death and prana ; breath in between. The God in oneself - the mighty power of goodness which makes us find solutions to miseries not only in oneself but also amongst others.

• Finding a way to help others,

• being good and respectful in nature,

• overcoming greed and cravings,

• practicing moderation in deeds and beliefs,

• smiling to bring joy in others,

• understanding the misery felt and dealt by other living things both human and non- human,

• valuing other's moral values,

• forgiving and refocus,

• viewing self and others with compassion

• being socially responsible and

• emotionally balanced

• are all part of the true spiritual self.

Uncontrollable feelings, emotions, materialistic cravings, rage, anger, revenge are all to be tamed and controlled by one's mind in spirituality. Spirituality is of no doubt the art of living. The one who finds true self will be awakened in mind and aware about the possibilities of true dedication towards one's life. They have to be mentally strong and to have perseverance and selflessness to pass this messages to others in the form of teachings.

 

Link between Spirituality and Mental health

Researches have shown that having a relationship with God or the Supreme power confers positive benefits in mental health and psychological well being. It can help strengthen certain individuals or communities to overcome the trauma and damages the mind had gone through. Health care providers across the world are now aware how spirituality and religious practices are important in fostering the growth of mental health in recovery journeys. Researches have shown that the 'Attachment framework' to God/Divine can work as a buffer for some disturbed human attachments. (Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney).

 

Mindfulness, Meditation, breathing works, affirmations and Yoga have been identified and embraced by mental health care providers as to be incorporated within relaxation techniques for improving psychological well being. The various concentration, fitness, relaxation and breathing exercises provided by Yoga methods are adopted and recommended among improving concentration and mindful relaxation for the emotional health and well being of individuals.

 

Spirituality is the beam of light towards one' s insight. Who we are?, what we can be ? and what we should not be ? are all some of the significant questions to be asked all through the sacred journey of mind. At the same time, a vague idea about oneself can only put you through more chaos even if you intend to resolve miseries in life.  In other words, a mentally healthy person is well successful and hopeful to reach their spiritual goals.

Spiritual health assessment is equally important for a person 's mental health assessment.

Lack of values can lead to mental disorders of alcoholism, addiction or substance abuse, eventually leading to depression, mood swings or even in acute conditions, suicidal thoughts. (https://www.webmd.com/balance/how-spirituality-affects-mental-health)

A Mutually Beneficial Relationship

As we have seen, spiritual thoughts or belief in a supreme power can be of utmost help for those religious/secular believers when it comes to resolving mental health issues. Similarly, mentally and physically fit spirituals can contribute a lot to the society and humanity. This is a mutually beneficial relationship and can go hand in hand for the successful development of the community and its beings.

 

There are times when certain immoderate thoughts and extreme beliefs by some can be a hindrance to getting timely and proper treatment for mental illness especially to vulnerable group of people.  This happens because

 

• Vulnerable individuals having mental health issues are made to believe and do certain false deeds which can cause personal or financial losses

• Radicals misuse the social taboo existing towards treatment of mental issues and make the vulnerable believe that it will result in shame for them and their family status.

• Certain illicit rituals are made to believe to be the remedy for all their issues as 'those will please the God' (irrespective of religious backgrounds)

• People with Psychosis symptoms can have hallucinations, delusions etc., that they start to see things that do not exist. Voices tell them to do things and their minds fail to distinguish between reality and thoughts. They mistake certain voices or visions as of that of God or Demonic.

• Some serious mental issues if not given immediate treatments can end up believing in eccentric ideas that can end up in criminal offences or even death/murder of one or many.

Mental health disorders are not life style disorders.

An individual's physical and mental health are the results of higher functions of the brain. Our thoughts, emotions, intelligence, motor functions, cognitive functions, biological functions etc., are controlled by the bio-chemical changes taking place within the brain, contributed by various factors. An individual's pre-dispositions and precipitatory factors have a key role to play in his/her mental break down. Mental health disorders are caused due to multiple reasons of

• stress,

• trauma,

• suppression,

• abuse,

• family history of mental health problems,

• genetic causes and

• the reasons for some cases are even unknown.

Certain bio chemical changes occur in the brain as a result of which bio-psycho-social changes are effected on the person. Truth is, anybody at any point of time is susceptible to mental health issues. The more strong you are at mind, the more control you have on emotional outbreaks, and the more resilient you will be. Still there comes situations such as

 

• immediate loss of a loved one,

• death,

• sudden social or situational change,

• social unacceptance,

• sudden change in social status,

• physical illness,

• non curable or unexpected illness,

• life situations etc.,

that are known to trigger mental disorders. 

Symptoms of disturbed Mental wellbeing

If one is not satisfied by their life or actions and is always disturbed by something unknown, that is keeping him/her from

• concentrating,
• working,
• studying,
• enjoying life,
• meeting people,
• socializing,
• doing things that they usually enjoyed,
• withdrawing from society, 
• feeling lonely,
• depressed,
• sadness all the time,
• worthless,
• useless,
• hopeless,
• helpless,
• loss of appetite,
• alienated or moody etc.,

then there can be two possibilities:-

• He/she can be physically ill or

• If physical problems are ruled out by experts, then issues related to mental health should be checked for. ( Sometimes some serious life threatening physical illnesses such as carcinomas, tumors, heart diseases, cirrhosis, pandemics etc., can push a person's mental health to degrade)

Proper psychological first aid followed by professional help and support is to be provided for those affected by mental disorders. They may get an instant motivation which is not long lasting while being in company of motivational speakers. At this point what he/she needs is

• someone to listen without prejudice,

• understand and support the inner grief that they are not able to adjust with.

• Someone non-judgmental who hears their chaos.

• The problem might appear simple to others but will be of intense severity to the affected. 

• Possible ways of overcoming distress with proper guidance and support

Psychological first aid followed by timely scientific assessment and treatment by qualified Psychiatrists (medical professionals) are among the most important life saving procedures. Parents, family members, teachers, priests, or immediate key people can understand the problems during initial stage and can refer to authentic Psychiatrists. Services of qualified Clinical psychologists, Counsellors, Psychiatric nurses, Psychiatric Social Workers etc., are supportive therapeutic services in mental health treatments.

Counselling and guidance for the relatives, friends and other supportive groups can empower them and can be helpful during the period of study, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation procedures.

Bottom Line 

Mind is a gist of brain function.  Look, Listen, and Link with professional help for the person. It is very important to understand that even in the most common mental health disorders there is imbalance in the production or absorption of brain chemicals that act as neurotransmitters. Most of the times, rebalancing their production in brain is necessary for the normal functioning of the person. The social taboo on approach for mental health treatments should not hinder in making available professional help to the individual.