How are faith and good mental health connected? Take 2
Life can often feel like a winding road full of ups and downs. In those hard moments, finding hope can seem like a challenge. But did you know that faith can be a powerful source of comfort and support, especially for your mind and heart?
Think about the messages of kindness and hope you might find in stories like the Sermon on the Mount from the Bible. These stories show what good mental health looks like. They remind people that you can find peace and purpose even in difficult times through your faith.
When you practice things like meditation or prayer, it's like giving your mind and body a chance to relax. Focusing on words from the Bible or simply taking time to connect with God can help you feel calmer and more centered.
Research has even shown that faith can have real benefits for your health. Things like feeling less lonely or having a stronger immune system are just some of the ways that faith can make a positive impact on your well-being.
But faith isn't always easy. Sometimes, you might struggle to understand why bad things happen or feel disconnected from your beliefs. That's okay – faith is a journey, and it's okay to have questions along the way.
Finding meaning in life is another important part of faith. Just like Viktor Frankl, who survived four Nazi work camps, you can find strength in knowing that your life has a purpose, even when things feel hard.
And when you face hard times, your faith can give you the courage to keep going. Whether it's through prayer or leaning on the support of others, faith can help you find the strength you need to overcome life's challenges.
As someone who helps people struggling with addiction, I've seen firsthand how faith can be a powerful tool for healing. Often when people embrace their spirituality, they're able to overcome their addiction. At the same time, they recover emotionally and mentally.
If you're going through a tough time and looking for support, remember that you're not alone. Your faith can be a source of hope and strength, guiding you through even the darkest moments. Take that first step towards healing today – call your Christian counselor in Denver at 720-577-5985 or schedule a free 15-minute consultation. Know that better days are ahead.
More to read on the connection between faith and good mental health:
Frankl, Victor E. “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Beacon Press, 2006.
Luhrman, Tanya M. "How God Becomes Real: Kindling the Presence of Invisible Others." Princeton University Press, 2020.
Stanford University. "Deep Faith: Beneficial for Health." Referenced by https://news.stanford.edu/2020/11/13/deep-faith-beneficial-health/
Springer. "The Relationship between Religion and Mental Health: The Role of Religious Coping Styles and Affect Regulation." Referenced by https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10943-019-00876-w
National Institutes of Health. "Religion and Mental Health: Theory and Research." Referenced by https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8462234/
