Religion and spiritualism

The purpose of religion is to inform us about the purpose of human life, nature of human beings'strengths and weaknesses, as well as ways to deal with problems in order to maintain a healthy wellbeing. Religion, and spiritual beliefs generally, influence belief systems, people's behaviour and their responses to distressful experiences. Religion also influences attitudes and beliefs about the experience of distress, the attributes of mental health problems, as well as the promotion of mental health and means for coping with mental health problems. In general, spirituality and religion can provide people with a philosophical reference and meaning for suffering.

People generally tend to be more religious during times of stress, with the advancement of age, when vulnerable and affected with loss, and when suffering health problems. The tendency to undertake religious activities and values in such situations can be viewed as a coping strategy.

The sharing of spirituality and religious beliefs plays a vital role in reducing social exclusion for individuals with mental health problems, for religion and spirituality become a way of belonging to the whole, and a way of integrating and belonging to a wider community.

For example, religion is significantly important to the Islamic way of life.
Many Muslims are likely to be highly religious in the way they explain mental health problems and seek to deal with the distress that results from them.

Within Muslim communities, religion can play a significant role in promoting social inclusion for individuals with mental health problems. Usually people with mental health problems from Muslim backgrounds will share the same religious beliefs and general perception of mental health problems with their family members and community.

In Islam, both experiences of health and illness are viewed as being determined by God. Whatever natural or supernatural cause individuals face, it is understood as having been sent by Allah. Some individuals might attribute their problems to various causes or spiritual powers, such as Jinn (spirits), envious eye, to be a Qadar or destiny. Illness could be considered a trial, or for strong believers, a blessing. Muslims believe that people who suffer general health problems or mental health problems will be rewarded for their suffering and endurance. For strong believers of Islam, these illnesses are not considered to be a punishment.
The sharing of these perceptions about the attribution of mental illnesses will enhance the inclusion and increase the sense of belonging of individuals with mental health problems within the Islamic community.

Muslims with mental health problems may adopt healing strategies such as reciting the Quran (the holy book for Muslims), using prayers for healing, and practising and applying Islamic traditions such as fasting and the same can be said for many other religions. Religious philosophy would also prompt people to seek help, whether the choice was a traditional healer or medical treatment, which are similar strategies that their family and community would undertake. These strategies will help them to feel they belong.

However, it is always recommended that you seek advice from your local GP too.

This is particularly important so that culturally sensitive care for people with mental illness can be provided. Mental health professionals need to know about religious beliefs and perceptions and talk with their clients about their particular views to deliver quality services to clients from diverse societies. It is also important for mental health professionals to consider religious issues to gain trust and acceptance from religious individuals and religious leaders, as well as from community groups. This will help mental health professionals provide the much needed culturally competent services.

Recognising the importance of religion for people with mental health problems enables greater social inclusion for these individuals.
Acknowledging the importance of spirituality and religion for individuals with mental health problems will also increase their trust and access to mental health professions, as well as enhancing the professional relationship not only with clients but with the community as a whole.