The Depression Spirituality Connection

Here, we discuss the depression spirituality link.

It is an easily observable fact that spirituality offers solace and comfort in times of adversity and crisis. It provides a ray of hope to cling to, thereby creating a buffer against depression and its accompanying emotional storms.

Research conducted on a sample group of 4,000 Americans between the ages 60 and 102 showed that those who attended a place of worship at least once a week were less likely to suffer from depression than those who visited a place of worship less often. Studies also reveal that spiritually inclined people over 60 tend to be healthier, happier and live longer than those who are less spiritual.

This is because spiritually inclined people reach out to God, reach out to others in the community, and reach within themselves in order to find meaning and purpose for their lives. In this process, they receive stellar support to overcome adversity and keep at bay depression and other mental illnesses. This helps explain the depression spirituality connection.

Additionally, spiritualism also helps in the process of personal growth and the expansion of mental and emotional bandwidth, adding to the general wellbeing and spiritual healing of the individual. It helps individuals come to terms with adversities like illnesses, relationship breakdown, financial crisis, etc, and helps the individual take responsibility for his or her own life and circumstances. This in turn leads to eventually seeking happiness and fulfillment after appropriately expressing anger and grief at one’s circumstances. Again, this contributes to the depression spirituality connection.

Prayer and meditation is a key tool that helps individuals express their spiritual core, and provides them a buffer against the emotional upheaval of depression.

Spirituality gently teaches the depressed soul that happiness is a "one-day-at-a-time thing". At the core of spiritualism, no matter what religion or faith one subscribes to, we are taught that all one needs to do is to find happiness in life's small pleasures, to give, to love, to pray and to meditate. Indeed, during depression spirituality is an important weapon.

The need to atone or repent is crucial to the process of healing. Contributing positively to another's life and doing things which are constructive - these, too, are crucial to the spiritual healing process which can permanently banish the feelings of hopelessness and grief that accompany depression.

Even though there are days when the sense of grief or loss is impenetrable to the depressed soul, spiritualism can provide an effective balm and buffer against mental illnesses. It can also pave the way to a happier and fulfilled life for those who seek solace and comfort as well as meaning and purpose within their own deepest selves.

During depression spirituality holds great answers.

Useful Depression Resources