Question

Is religion or God important to you? Or, do I find a source of strength or meaning in another area? Will my views impede my ability to provide assistance to a client who requires assistance in making contact with their spiritual group?

Answer 1

Ans) Spirituality refers to much more than just going to church. When people face life threatening illnesses, spiritual issues can be both a source of concern and comfort. Spiritual distress may result in feelings of depression, low self-esteem, loneliness, anger, bitterness, fear and unrelieved physical symptoms.

- Spirituality is linked to many important aspects of human functioning--spiritual people have positive relationships, high self-esteem, are optimistic, and have meaning and purpose in life. Spiritual people self-actualize.

- Spirituality is that part of yourself that helps you find meaning, connectedness and purpose in your life. Research shows that spirituality is related to better health outcomes. Spirituality seems to help people cope with illness, suffering and death. Spirituality also influences end-of-life decisions.

- Five themes of spirituality are identified helping individuals to overcome profound loss and despair in recovery, including: positive meaning towards mental illness; hope for recovery; forgiveness; social support, and spiritual coping. Spirituality is found to have positive effects on mental health recovery.