There appears to be an increased awareness of the mental health crisis in the Maltese Islands, which is reassuring: mental health has been neglected by public policy over the past few years and has seen only marginal improvements.
A national survey conducted by the Richmond Foundation to assess the state of mental health of the population found that around 33% of Maltese are worried about their own mental health, and over 40% are worried about the mental health of someone close to them.
The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has added another blow to an already painful wound and served as a reminder of the reality of the crisis: “The mental health impacts remain the most prominent challenge for people of all ages, and the demand for treatment services has increased dramatically,” said psychiatrist Anton Grech.
Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social well-being and affects cognition, perception and behaviour. According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is “a state of well-being in which an individual perceives his or her ability to cope with the stresses of daily life, to work productively and fruitfully, and to contribute to his or her community”.
Wellness therapies often include medication as well as mental, emotional, physical, social and psychotherapeutic support, but often overlook the spiritual aspects that are important to overall health.
Faith and mental health are interconnected aspects of human well-being and can have a significant impact on each other.
Spiritual well-being is the ability to experience meaning and purpose in life through a core belief in connection with oneself and faith in a power greater than oneself. This is known to be the most powerful source of strength, inspiration and motivation in the journey of recovery and healing. Getting in touch with the essence of your soul helps you connect with a more spiritual way of living, lowering levels of anxiety, stress and depression, and cultivating gratitude and positivity.
Spirituality as part of the healing process resonates with Christ’s call: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Seeking spiritual guidance from authentic Christian sources and spiritual leaders can be beneficial and complementary to professional therapy.
Faith and mental health are interconnected aspects of human wellbeing and can greatly affect one another. Faith often offers hope, comfort and a way to cope during difficult times. Belief in a Supreme God who is greater than ourselves can provide comfort and resilience.
Religion and spirituality give people a sense of order, purpose and belonging. Having a community of like-minded people can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and have a positive impact on spiritual help.
Faith can offer unique benefits not available through traditional therapy. Faith addresses the whole person, including the spiritual aspects. In summary, faith can play an important role in mental health by providing hope, community, coping mechanisms, and a sense of purpose. While incorporating faith into therapy remains a complex issue, recognizing its potential benefits is essential for overall health.
Faith in healing means trusting in God’s power, seeking healing through prayer, and maintaining a holistic perspective that incorporates faith into the healing process. As Psalm 147:3 declares, “The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
gordon@atomserve.net
