“Spirituality and Full Consciousness: A Path to Happiness” was one of the panels at the International Conference on “Positive Mental Health” organized by the Cape Verdean Ministry of Health. The conference took place over the weekend in the city of Praia, Cape Verde. Father Gilson Frede was one of the speakers on the panel.
Saozinha Vaz – Vatican City.
Father Frede, Patron of the Capuchin Order of Cape Verde, spoke in an interview about the important contribution of spirituality to people’s well-being: Vatican Newsstated that contrary to some psychologists, such as Freud, who believed that spirituality and religion should be banned because they hinder personal maturity, many psychologists since the mid-20th century have considered spirituality and religion to be important influences on people’s lives and mental health.
Prayer and self-reflection are beneficial
According to Fr Frede, spiritual disciplines such as self-reflection, prayer and a positive outlook on life can help people to cope with illness, suffering and death. Spirituality also leads to an awareness of one’s individuality and who one is.
“Recognizing that we all have good and bad sides, good times and bad times, can help us live a happier, calmer and more peaceful life and help us get through stressful situations and moments that could lead to mental disorders,” he added.
Father Frede acknowledged that despite the great contribution spirituality makes to promoting human well-being, alienation and dogmatism can have a negative impact on mental health. To prevent negative effects, individuals, especially religious leaders and health authorities, need to pay attention to what is happening and take responsible action to prevent harm.
Mental health after COVID-19
Referring to the theme of the conference, “Positive Mental Health – a Priority and Initiative for All”, Fr Frede stressed the importance of adopting a holistic approach to addressing human mental health, again emphasizing the importance of everyone taking responsibility.
Asked to comment on the mental health situation in Cape Verde and what prompted him to hold the conference, Father Frede noted the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the population. He praised the country’s Ministry of Health for hosting the conference.
