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Mind, body & spirit
Posted Thursday 14 February 2013
To all outward appearances I am plain old Sarah, ever grappling with the ravages of manic depressive illness, or bipolar disorder as it’s now known. I have sunk to the depths of the oceans of despair and soared higher than heaven itself. Rollercoaster rides would not compare, they would indeed seem tame in comparison to the delights of living with seesaw mood swings tinged with a sprinkling of psychosis.
Go beneath my ever-shifting exterior, however, and you will find my passions. Passion number one: raising my Autistic five year old and passion number two: my spirituality.
Both these passions provide a great many challenges, especially for a manic depressive with a history of chaos. I often find that the two combine rather nicely.
What do I, personally, mean by ‘my spirituality’? I am a spiritual person but not a religious one. I have beliefs that are unconventional and in line with ‘new age’ thinking and belief systems. I don’t pray in church, my heart is my temple. My religion is one of love and acceptance. I seek not to judge but to accept and to love unconditionally.
My own personal brand of spirituality and my personal practices are my mainstay in maintaining some level of normality and stability. I meditate and practice exercises relating to the body’s energy systems in order to maintain balance and promote healing. I work hard to live my life from a place of love and to meet life’s challenges gracefully and courageously.
Sometimes, though, things can get a little complicated! During my last manic episode I was having delusions of grandeur and started thinking I was Jesus’ mother reincarnated. Looking back I can see the humorous side and thankfully I am now fully aware that I am Sarah, mother and ex-teacher, here on Earth and trying to live a quiet life!
I have not encountered much support regarding spirituality in the mental health system. There was a chaplain who visited the local mental health unit, but apart from that there was nothing else, certainly no support for spiritual beliefs as an inpatient. In fact my own brand of spirituality has been looked upon with a modicum of suspicion during my lifetime round of psychiatrists’ offices! My beliefs also come under the category of ‘alternative’ and could even be classed by some as ‘delusional’.
I wonder just how many people with a mental health problem have a strong faith or spirituality yet are shown little support, either in the community or as an inpatient. To me, all paths lead home regardless of one’s particular faith. Spirituality would have been vital to the community in times gone by, much more so than present-day living. Spirituality can be a very healing part of one’s life. Having faith in something bigger than ourselves can be very empowering and soothing. I know there is a fine line, especially during times of psychosis, but there is a place for spiritual practices such as meditation and mindfulness, which can have a beneficial effect on stress levels and negative thinking patterns. Alternative therapies based on spiritual practices should be integrated into care plans too. Relaxation, reiki, spiritual healing, crystal healing, aromatherapy, all examples of practices aimed at promoting wellbeing and calm.
I, personally, would like to see the issue of spirituality addressed as part of peoples’ care plans and programmes if that is what they desire. Spiritual beliefs play an integrated role in the whole person identity, and to create a balanced, whole person it is important to start treating them in a holistic way, not just as an illness. Mind, Body and Spirit, the magic ingredients!
Sarah
Spirituality and your personal beliefs and values can play an important part in your mental wellbeing, and may have an impact on the way you approach and manage a mental health problem. Like Sarah, some people find that complementary and alternative therapies can help.
25 Comments
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Whatever it takes to get some peace in your life where at times it can seem chaotic. I envy those who have any sort of faith. I have also noticed that mental health professionals seem to regard your sort of spiritualness with disbelief. Part of the illness - delusional etc. We have a great chaplain in our psych hospital and she does not stuff God down your throat just exudes compassion and listens. That is what religion should be.
I don't believe in a greater human being but the last few years so many strange things have happened to me that I'm beginning to believe of some 'greater force' than me whatever that may be. Something that keeps me on this earth despite a strong desire within me to depart this earth. Is that spirituality or not I don't know.
Spiritual wellbeing is a necessary part of recovery and keeping well and should be encouraged. Perhaps it would be a good idea to have access to a chaplain or similar as part of the community service. Why have one in the hospital and not elsewhere? We need a whole person approach. It is even more important to have a complete support structure at home than ever rather than just the medical model.
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Hi Jean,
I agree, whatever it takes to find peace, beautifully put. I also agree, love and compassion are what spirituality is all about, regardless of one's religion or beliefs.
I also believe there is a greater force, that we are all a part of this force, that we are all connected. I would call this spirituality.
A holistic, whole-person approach would be the ideal. Access to medical doctors but also psychotherapists and alternative therapists so that service users would have a range of treatment options all running side-by-side. Things like relaxation and stress-management are often overlooked and they are a vital part of mental wellness. And spirituality is, for some, equally important, part of the whole package. -
With 6 out of 8 patients on our eating disorder unit identifying as people of faith, we asked whether the therapeutic programme could include a group (optional) for support with the spiritual aspects of recovery. For eating disorders, religious faith can make recovery complicated because of the notion that fasting is good or that following Jesus necessitates denying oneself.
This seemed to be outside the remit of the unit, although they did bring the Christian chaplain in to talk to us. Since she has no experience of working with eating disorders, she found it hard to have a helpful conversation about the things that were troubling us (and some of the group were not Christians and she had no expertise in their faith tradition).
I think that spirituality is an important part of mental health and it is, perhaps, time that the NHS looked at ways in which it can incorporate appropriate support for those who want it. -
And God said,
555 nm x (1 m / 109 nm)
555 x 10¯9 m = 5.55 x 10¯7 mInserting into λν = c, gives:
(5.55 x 10¯7 m) (x) = 3.00 x 108 m s¯1
x = 5.40 x 1014 s¯1And there was light.
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What a wonderful blog, thank you. I've been suffering with anxiety and depression for a few years now and it's very difficult to lean on your faith if people don't encourage you to talk about it. Connecting with something deeper in myself has always helped me to keep going when life has been too much in the day to day sense. I wish spirituality was something we all talked about more in general. Rather than trying to fix each other or prop each other up, it's wonderful when someone reminds you of the strength you already have within yourself and the inner sense of calm that is available to tap into whenever we need it. Thank you for reminding me of that today. Keep going, Sarah. It sounds like you're doing amazingly. :)
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I also agree that peoples beliefs should be in a care plan in hospital and the community.
While my daughter was going through the worst possible level of Scizophrenia , over a period of seven years , I got involved with a church.
The support from my church , through prayer for us both was second to none. I couldn't imagine what I would be like without their support.
My daughter was blessed through my faith at a time when she was in such a tormented state , through hearing voices and unable to concentrate on anything other than the voices she was hearing in her head. Often asking to be prayed over at her lowest times was a comfort to her.
I followed the right path , getting to know Jesus more by
attending church and prayer meetings , most importantly I read the Bible.
Now my daughter is well , is home from hospital and has enjoyed a few visits worshipping at church herself. I actually see the spiritual daughter I gave birth to in the light that was meant for her to show everyone her faith in her heart was always there , it just got buried under mental illness.
Jehovah Witnesses call at the door , I invite them in , we talk about the Bible and the strenghth and promises from God Jehovah. I have met genuine friends , who also have familly with Mental Illness.
Seven years have passed , I have a support plan from people who were strangers and are now called my friends. .....The friends I thought I and my daughter had , disappeared from our lives when Mental Illness took over our lives , but the Lord provided for us , he put us on a better road along with Jesus we met better friends , we are both spiritually fed and growing through our faith. -
Hi Lydia
I can see how spirituality can be complicated with not only eating disorders but with mental disorders in general. Maybe there is a need for moving towards a positive, loving and accepting model of spirituality and maybe even integrating some of the more holistic approaches such as yoga and relaxation therapies into general practice. -
Thanks for your comment, Nick.
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Hi Jules,
thanks for your beautiful comment. It is true, we all have a core of strength, we just have to find it and that's not always easy, To me, a spiritual journey takes us towards self acceptance and inner calm, as you wisely say in your comment. Thanks for sharing. -
Hello Wilma,
your comment was very touching. I am so happy that your daughter is feeling much better and that you both found strength in your church and your spirituality. Not forgetting your own inner strength and courage and your daughter's too. Its an inspiring story, thank you so much for sharing. -
What a lovely blog Sarah, thank you for sharing your joy. You’re love, of self, of life and of people shines out. Wonderful. Your comments, about a holistic healing process are, to me, simply self-evident. The problems begin however right at the very beginning by the term ‘mental health’. I’m no expert and accept that there truly are some persons who experience ‘mental health’ issues which are organic in basis, however I passionately believe that what most people refer to as ‘mental health’ should really be referred to as ‘emotional health’.
Once this shift in emphasis is made then a holistic approach becomes the only logical approach and should tap into people’s spiritual and/or religious faith, as it is through their faith that they regain/find/exorcise well being and balance (I use the term balance here in the sense of inner quiet). Curiously (or not) I have often found that those persons who have experienced emotional health concerns and subsequently found a way forwards usually have a much greater sense of self, a much greater sense of spirituality (in your terms I think) and consequently a greater capacity to love and be loved. Thank you.
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Hi Paul,
thanks for your supportive comments and positive outlook. I do believe that there is a place for conventional medicine but I also feel that there is a huge emotional component. I would like to see, for example, more access to psycho-therapeutic services instead of just reliance on medication alone. I like your expression 'emotional health' as i feel, personally, the emotions and mental processes are intricately linked. I would never suggest to anyone to stop taking their medication, but I would encourage techniques such as meditation, as well as psychotherapy or counselling or any practice which enables a person to get in touch with the emotional and psychological issues which exacerbate their condition, in a safe, controlled environment however as some of the issues can run pretty deep.
Thanks for your very positive comments, Paul, much appreciated. -
Oh, Paul, I meant to add that I read a really interesting book which examined mental health from four different perspectives, one of them being a spiritual healer. It was fascinating and could even link the types of disorder with certain chakra activity. And, of course, emotional disturbance from an energetic level. I liked what you said about having a greater sense of self and the greater capacity to love and be loved. After all, In my opinion that is what being spiritual is all about! Namaste!
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I have suffered from a very serious depressive illness, even to the point of needing neurosurgery, (which by the way is a very discreet operation that does not change your personality in any way!) I am also a Christian. I have never had any support as far as my faith is concerned except there was a chaplain while in hospital.
However thankfully I have had plenty of help outside from my church. I agree spirituality is important and should be recognised, but I am not sure how this should be catered for. I enjoy mindfulness meditation within my Christian faith, but I wouldn't want to do some of the other things. The need for holistic practice is great within the NHS but I wouldn't want my spirituality to be prescribed for me & I certainly
wouldn't want to be pressured into doing things I didn't want to do.Now that I am well, I strongly believe that my faith in God helps keep me that way and I know whatever happens in the future, He will never leave me or forsake me which is very reassuring.
I agree we need a more accepting approach to faith & spirituality. Thankyou everyone for posting and to Sarah for writing her piece.
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Nick - love that! I often find that the more beautiful bits of maths and the complexities of science strengthen my belief that someone set it all up to work that way.
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Thank you Sarah for your blog. You are right on the money as they say with your concept of spirituality and I am right there with you on this one. I meditate to listen to my inner wisdom and to experience peace. It's so true that when you have recovered from mental illness you do have a greater capacity to love and be loved as another reader/writer said. I think it is because you value life and your own self more. Strangely through severe depression and psychosis my self belief has improved and following lots of reflexology, writing, listening, spiritual healing and meditation and medication I keep well. Being spiritual is about being connected with nature with our families and with our friends. Keep writing Sarah:)
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Amen to that! We are on the same page.......although I really wouldn't discount this experience "started thinking I was Jesus’ mother reincarnated"......... Best wishes, Jessica
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Spiritual needs should not be taboo in the NHS as spirituality supports the person and makes sense in their lives. It is like coming home to where you feel safe and thats the most important place to be.
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An important topic and good to see it written about, particularly with such sensitivity and humour. When I've been at my worst, a sense of faith and spirituality have seen me out of it. Too many people equate belief with a belief in something unquantifiable, that doesn't exist but I think faith is much more than that. It's about emotionally setting your heart on something, an ideal that helps see you through. And whilst I have never believed in God, faith that there is something important and meaningful in life has seen me through some very black times. Often this is simply believing that life is worth living, resting my faith on the fact that there are some beautiful things in life worth coming back to, things that for the most part get ignored by people living their daily lives but which are no less special or rarified for that fact.
Either way, having faith keeps me smiling and keeps me coming back. And I'm glad it gives other people the same benefits. :) x
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Thanks for your blog Sarah. I have had three episodes of psychosis over the years and in each case I have developed spiritually-based delusions, of me being an enlightened being, etc. These have tended not to end well for me so I am now extra careful when contemplating the spiritual, and try to ask myself if there is in fact some issue in my personal life that I am trying to hide from. Nowadays I focus more on practical guidelines regarding sleep, exercise, and so on. I do pray regularly, almost daily, but don't bother contemplating whether or not anyone is listening. Prayer in itself I find helpful, whether there is a God or not!
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Can I just say a huge thank you to everyone who read this blog and took the time to comment. There have been some interesting viewpoints expressed here. Its been wonderful to see that spirituality does play an important role in the lives of many. For me, its all about balance and wellness. Whatever it takes to maintain that balance for the individual is crucial. Having a spiritual dimension to one's life can bring a sense of peace and harmony. Spirituality may or may not include religious beliefs. That is an individual choice and all paths do, in my opinion, lead 'home'. So thanks again for all your participation and support.
Namaste! -
Well, Sarah I have deep spiritual beliefs (in fact it's the only thing that gives me hope that this suffering might not be for nothing and it helps to control my 24/7 anxiety) and I get no support at all. I hold down a part time job by the skin of my teeth and despite my best efforts, I have never found any support offered to be of any help whatsoever. I felt patronised by the so called Crisis Team (people like me are 'time wasters' and most are scroungers and liars to boot) and they did nothing. My psychiatrist prescribed a horrible medication that nearly wiped me out and my doctor doesn't understand at all and if I go and see her all she says is 'why have you not had your smear test done?' I just feel like a burden on society and there is no place for me here. I do not even have any children which appears to render me useless and unimportant and I am about to be penalized for that fact by way of having my rent shoot up because I have two bedrooms and there are only two of us in the poky, dilapidated flat we live in. I need that bedroom to keep me sane, but I don't matter. If I had a child it would be fine. If I had two or three children, I would get a bigger, better home. Crazy because if I had kids it would cost society more, not less. I hate England. There was an unemployed woman on TV today who has 11 kids, and the council are kindly building her a brand new 'mansion' to house her and her offspring. Apparently she is so poor she owns a horse. How fair is that? She should have her kids taken off her if she can't house them or feed them herself.
I have since given up on trying to get help as there is none for me (but there is help for others it would seem) and I self medicate and simply 'put up and shut up' and take internet bought sleeping tablets every night. I hear they shorten your life. I hope so I will be unable to afford to heat my home and eat at the same time in the not too distant future. I am not afraid of being dead, it's just the dying part I am not looking forward to. I want to go 'home' and if it were not for the fact that I have a husband whom I love and who would be devastated if I died, I would give up living.
Thank you for sharing your story.
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I can relate to this so much. I sometimes go thorugh phases of feeling this intense "connection" with life, and to me, its certainly spiritual.
I have been grappling with the "ultimate questions" recently and im not sure if this is due to a mental health issue or just who i am. Its getting to the point now where im not coping too well with it all, but luckily i have found an extremely interesting school of thought which allows me to consdier these questions in what I believe to be the best framework.
It has been so helpful just to know that others are having similar experiences, I'm not alone after all! :)
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I fully understand how spirituality can and does help when you have mental health issues. I'm a christian and respect others beliefs and their right to choose. what works for them is great. I have always felt alone. now I have Jesus for me he led me to seek the help of mind a great place to turn. My drop in center does consider a persons spirituality and are great at backing up our beliefs without imposing their own thoughts on us.
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Jenny, Hi There,
one thing about depression to note, is that we can sometimes think we are saying all that needs to be said, when really we are feeling so insignificant that we actually say very little. So when we go to the doctors, if we don't have a good relationship with them, then we tend to not realise we have folded up, so to speak. Now, it should be for the doctor to recognise this, but they don't always do it, so I would suggest going back to your psychiatrist and telling them that the prescription they gave was too strong and you need to describe the symptoms you had when on the medicines, so the psychiatrist can re prescribed something based on your individual needs.It is normal for it to take time to get your medicines and therapies right for you, but the only way of doing this is to go back to a professional you feel comfortable with and telling them ALL the problems you are having, do not feel like your problems are too insignificant to explain, this will stop you from getting the right help. You must pluck up courage to take the time to say 'this medicine is not right for me'. Medicines affect individuals differently, it can be difficult to get the right dose, right first time. Don't give up, use your spirituality and your love for your husband to give you strength to go back to a professional and say 'this medicine/treatment/therapy is not quite right for me, what can we do about it?'
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