Why Mental Health Support Needs a Spiritual Perspective

When we talk about mental health, we often hear about therapy, medication, self-care, and support systems. But what if I told you that something important is often missing from these conversations?

As a mental health social worker/ Mental health practitioner, I’ve always worked with the biopsychosocial model, which means looking at a person’s biological, psychological, and social factors when assessing their mental health. This model has shaped my work for years, helping me understand and support people in different life situations.

But deep down, I’ve always felt that something was missing. And that missing piece, for me, is spirituality.

Mental Health Is More Than Just the Mind and Body

Mental health affects all of us, no matter who we are. Anxiety, depression, and stress don’t discriminate. They can come knocking at any time, whether you’re a parent juggling work and family, a student overwhelmed by deadlines, or someone simply trying to figure out life.

Looking back, I now realize I’ve personally experienced anxiety but at the time, I didn’t recognize it for what it was. I managed to get through those tough moments, not just because of my knowledge as a mental health professional, but because of my faith. My relationship with God gave me strength and peace in a way that therapy and practical strategies alone could not.

That’s why I believe the biopsychosocial-spiritual model is so important. It acknowledges that we are not just minds and bodies we have souls too.

The Struggle of Keeping Faith Out of My Work

In my profession, there are strict boundaries about what we can and cannot say. I completely respect that, and I would never impose my beliefs on my clients. After all, people come from different backgrounds, and my job is to support them in the way they find most helpful.

But here’s where it gets complicated. I’ve met many people who lean on their faith during hard times. They say things like, “I pray when I feel overwhelmed” or “Reading my Bible gives me peace.” Yet, in many professional settings, when a person expresses their faith, there’s often an assumption that it could be a sign of paranoia or delusion. This has always bothered me.

If someone finds strength and hope in their faith, why do we dismiss it? If we’re truly practicing a person-centered approach, shouldn’t we embrace what helps them—just like we do when people say that sports, music, or mindfulness help them cope?

Faith is a Source of Strength, Not a Symptom

This is where I think we need a mindset shift. Faith is not a mental illness. Believing in something bigger than yourself is not a symptom of paranoia. In fact, for many people, it’s the very thing that keeps them going.

Of course, there are ethical considerations, and we have to be cautious about unhealthy religious influences or radicalisation. But when a person is positively using their faith, finding peace, hope, and motivation through their spiritual beliefs why should we ignore that?

I firmly believe that spirituality should be part of the conversation when we talk about mental health. Not forced, not imposed but included. Because for many people, it’s not just a belief system. It’s a lifeline.

A More Holistic Approach to Mental Well-being

We need to stop treating mental health like a one-size-fits-all formula. Medication and therapy are helpful, but they aren’t the only tools people use to heal. If we truly want to support people, we have to recognize that mind, body, and spirit are all connected.

If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, depression, or stress, I encourage you to reflect on what truly grounds you. Maybe it’s faith, maybe it’s a community, maybe it’s something else entirely. But whatever it is, don’t let anyone tell you that what gives you strength isn’t valid.

For those of us who work in mental health, I challenge us to take a more holistic approach. Let’s respect different beliefs and recognize that faith can be a powerful source of resilience. Because mental health is not just about psychology it’s about the whole person.

What Do You Think?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Have you ever felt that faith played a role in your mental health journey? Let’s start a conversation in the comments.