How Spiritual Practices Support Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

Spirituality can mean a lot of things, but it’s generally rooted in a sense of connection and the search for answers to the biggest questions we can ask about the origins of the universe, the nature of life, and our place in it all.

I like this definition: Spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred.

Although spirituality is important for many people, it is not traditionally included in certain psychological models of well‑being, like the biopsychosocial model of health, which says that wellbeing involves an interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. But a growing chorus of experts argue this framework leaves out an essential part of the human experience. “We’re not only biological, social, and psychological beings, but spiritual beings as well. We have a yearning to connect with something larger than ourselves—something sacred. Traditional behavioral models of psychology often do not fully capture what it means to be human,” says Kenneth Pargament, PhD, emeritus professor of psychology at Bowling Green State University (Abrams, 2023).

Of course, there are many ways to practice spirituality, such as:

• Engaging in organized religion
• Personal rituals
• Contemplative practices like meditation or prayer
• Studying through spiritual teachers
• Sitting in nature
• Reading what spiritual teachers and wise people have written

And there are many different higher powers or larger orders we might believe in, like:

• God
• Nonduality
• A pantheon of deities
• Karma
• The benevolence of the universe
• Fate
• Reincarnation
• The possibility of enlightenment
• The interconnectedness of all beings
• Atheism

Incorporating spirituality into your mental wellness routine may help you:

1. Lower Symptoms of Depression, Suicidality, Substance Use, and PTSD

   Some research shows that higher levels of spirituality or religiousness may be associated with lower rates of depression, suicidality, substance use, and PTSD. Other studies found links between spiritual well-being and quality of physical and mental health.

2. Cope With Trauma

   According to the American Psychological Association, spirituality and religion may help people cope with trauma and be a source of strength when things are hard. Some research has found associations between spirituality and post-traumatic growth, or the positive psychological changes that can occur following trauma.

3. Reduce Stress and Foster Emotional Calmness

   The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) notes that spirituality may relieve stress by fostering a sense of peace and purpose, as well as unity and belonging. As NAMI points out, many spiritual paths encourage practices like meditation and mindfulness, which are known to support mental health. And since spirituality seeks answers to fundamental questions, like the meaning of life, it may also soothe existential angst for some.

4. Strengthen Your Inner Resources

   In my eyes, the beauty of a spiritual connection is that we can lean on something larger than ourselves. When the small, separate self is overwhelmed, we can choose to receive support from a higher power. This connection may also help us tap into an inner wellspring of our own powerful resources: Compassion, acceptance, peace, trust, forgiveness, hope, faith, surrender, gratitude, love. These qualities may make our hearts and minds a more pleasant place to live, bolster us during tough times, and help us relate; to ourselves, our lives, other people, and the world around us with more grace and ease.

5. Find Meaning During Pain and Uncertainty

   We may also lean on our spiritual beliefs to help anchor us through uncertainty and loss, as well as reframe challenges and make sense of our suffering. If we believe that even the most difficult experiences are part of some larger order of things, then we might find them easier to accept. We may be more inclined to trust in the unfolding of life and work towards finding meaning in our pain.

6. Gain Perspective, Humility, and Emotional Resilience

   And, in my opinion, perhaps the greatest unsung gifts of a spiritual life are perspective and humility. When you’re appreciating the interconnectedness of all things, serving people in need, lost in the flow state of a prayer or chant, filled with awe at a sunset, being truly present during meditation, or contemplating how unseen forces shape the universe, you and your problems may not seem to matter quite as much.

A spiritual connection may help us remember that it’s not all about us. (What a relief.) For some, it may be a reminder that we’re just one tiny part of the vast web of the cosmos. That we’re not alone, that we aren’t meant to do it by ourselves. And we can surrender to the beautiful mystery of it all.

This article reflects personal experiences and general information. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional care. If you need additional support, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional.