Spiritual Sensitivity and Inclusion, A Rapid Cure for Mental Illnesses? -By Caleb Onah

In my usual psychosocial support field interaction in a quaint village, I came across a young woman named Maya (not real name), who battled debilitating anxiety and depression. Despite seeking help from doctors and therapists, her condition worsened.

Desperate for relief, Maya embarked on a journey to a popular worship centre in North Bank, Makurdi in Benue State. The trek was arduous, of course due to the distance between the town and her home and current petroleum price, but her determination pushed her forward.

As she reached the worship centre serene abode, she met an old preacher named Guruji. His soothing presence calmed her troubled mind. According to Maya, “Guruji listened to every single bit of my stories and woes and advised me to embrace spirituality”. He taught me how to meditate, encouraging me to connect with my inner self.”

From my interaction, Maya immersed herself in the practices, slowly transcending her fears and negativity. With time, Maya’s mental fog began to lift. The mountains echoed with her laughter, and her heart danced to newfound joy.

When asked about her journey, she noted “I realised that spirituality didn’t erase my problems; rather, it empowered me to confront them with resilience.”

We are in the year 2023, yet I can say mental health and illness is less talked about in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities.

The world has changed a lot in the past 20 years. Technology has advanced at an unprecedented rate, and with it, medical treatments and our understanding of mental health.

In a qualitative study conducted by some researchers, they explored the perceptions of spirituality and its impact on the process of recovering from schizophrenia in individuals, as observed by mental-health professionals and clients.

The findings revealed that both clients and professionals considered spirituality to be an integral aspect of overall well-being, rehabilitation, and one’s life in general.

On a personal level, clients tended to describe spirituality in a more factual, concrete, and short-term manner, emphasising the emotional aspect of their experiences. In contrast, professionals’ descriptions were more abstract, complex, and cognitive in nature.

At the communal level, both parties shared a similar understanding of spirituality, but they differed in their interpretations of its role in mental illness recovery.

For clients, spirituality was seen as a source of giving and receiving love and care. In contrast, professionals viewed spirituality as a means of receiving support and effectively managing symptoms.

Many of us can testify that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that it can be just as debilitating as a demonic ‘possession’ or a possessed person. But while our understanding of mental health is improving, our treatment options have not kept pace mostly in Africa.

According to a research paper published in the National Library of Medicine, attempts to comprehend spirituality have been made, but they often suffer from serious flaws, mainly because spirituality cannot be fully grasped through a materialistic interpretation.

In the context of yoga and meditation, they are commonly understood as practices that benefit the body and mind, enabling stress management and inducing positive changes in brain chemistry and neurotransmitter structures, ultimately leading to a longer and happier life. Additionally, they are seen as effective alternative medicine approaches.

However, the paper argues that spirituality extends far beyond these physical and psychological benefits. Spirituality is described as a potent force that holds the potential for a revolution in consciousness.

It profoundly influences how individuals perceive themselves, the world around them, and their relationships with others. This transformative power of spirituality is yet to be fully harnessed and utilised by modern science and society, as it is still in its early stages of exploration and application.

In the late nineties, mental health was often treated with a combination of ‘spiritual’ and medical interventions. But in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on medical treatments ‘only’, and a corresponding decline in the use of ‘spiritual’ interventions.

There are a number of reasons for this decline. One reason is that our society has become increasingly secularised. In the past, religion played a much larger role in the lives of African people, and it was seen as an important part of medical and mental health treatment.

But today, many people do not have a strong religious affiliation or perhaps focus only on a single aspect of ‘religious treatment,’ and they may not see the value in ‘spiritual’ interventions. Another reason for the decline in ‘spiritual’ interventions is that they are often seen as being unscientific.

People who are struggling with mental health problems may feel isolated and misunderstood. ‘Spiritual’ beliefs, faith in a superior being and practices can provide a sense of community and support for people who are struggling, but if people are not able to discuss their ‘spiritual’ beliefs and faith with their mental health professionals, they may feel like they are the only ones who are struggling.

Also, people may be more likely to turn to harmful coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or self-harm – suicide. They may be more likely not to adhere to treatment plans or drop out of treatment altogether.

Yes, science and technology is taking over the manner and way we treat illnesses, science is making treatment easy but ‘overdependence’ can be an issue and a ‘big’ challenge.

‘Spiritual’ interventions can be an effective way to treat a variety of mental health problems, but if people are not offered these interventions, they may not get the help they need.

The decline in ‘spiritual’ sensitivity in treating mental health challenges is a serious problem, but it is not insurmountable. In the past, there was little scientific evidence to support the use of ‘spiritual’ interventions in treating mental health.

But in recent years, there has been a growing body of research that suggests that ‘spiritual’ interventions can sometimes be effective in treating a variety of mental health problems.

‘Spiritual’ interventions and its therapy can be an effective way to treat mental health problems, and they can also help people to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

We need to find ways to overcome the barriers that are preventing mental health professionals from using ‘spiritual’ interventions, and need to educate the public about the benefits of ‘spiritual’ interventions.

Therefore, it is imperative to include training and sensitization on spirituality in academic programs for mental health professionals. By doing so, we can foster a deeper understanding of the role of spirituality in enhancing mental health outcomes.

This shift away from the prevailing paradigm is essential to fully grasp the breadth and potential of spiritual transformations in promoting well-being.

By integrating spirituality into mental health education, professionals can develop the skills and insights needed to recognize the significance of spiritual aspects in their clients’ lives.

This holistic approach may lead to more comprehensive and effective therapeutic interventions, addressing not only the physical and psychological dimensions but also the spiritual dimension of individuals.

Moreover, exploring spirituality in mental health can open new avenues for research, allowing us to gain further insights into how spiritual practices and beliefs influence mental well-being. This could pave the way for more innovative and inclusive treatments, acknowledging the diverse needs of individuals and their spiritual inclinations.