Life might be beautiful, but it isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it can be incredibly challenging.Mental health struggles, in particular, can be extremely isolating and leave you feeling confused and abandoned. The good news is that you don’t have to go through difficult times alone. When life is overwhelming and you aren’t sure where to turn, faith might provide you with the support you need to cope withthe mental health struggles you’re facing.
How can faith be a source of strength and comfort in difficult times? We’re going to explore that question in today’s article. We’ll also look at how places of worship can promote feelings of peace and connection in times of uncertainty or doubt.
Faith as a source of comfort
Whether you’re in the midst of a mental health emergency or are regrouping after an unexpected event, healing should be a priority. Don’t try to return to normalcy as though nothing happened to you! Trauma is real and occurs in many different ways. Emotional and spiritual trauma are just as valid as physical trauma, so be kind to yourself regardless of the circumstances. Faith can help you gain your bearings and promote resiliency so that you can adjust to your new normal and enjoy your life.
One of the biggest issues that people face when going through a mental health crisis is the feelings of isolation it can bring. It is easy to feel as though no one truly understands what you’re going through.Faith offers an outlet for the fear and frustration that run rampant in difficult times. You can vent to your divine leader and know that your emotions and concerns are heard and understood completely. This can be especially effective for those who are accustomed to relying primarily on themselves to get through hardships. Everyone needs help sometimes, and if you feel as though the people around you won’t understand your needs or are struggling to reach out and ask for help, faith can be your comfort.
Prayer as a source of strength
Prayer is a core component of faith, so it should come as no surprise that it is an important part of deriving comfort and support during difficult times. Consider this a first step – a base camp, even. Prayer connects believers to their higher power, allowing them to vent their frustrations and worries and feel confident that they are being seen and understood. This confidence serves as an important lifeline during times when you otherwise feel adrift in a sea of emotion and fear. It’s one of the reasons why so many people turn to prayer when they are searching for answers and the best way forward.
Prayer is a deeply personal process, so we can’t provide specific tips to help you along the way. We can, however, give a few general suggestions to ponder. We believe that there are four main ways to integrate prayer into your daily life:
- Consistent daily prayer times
- Meditating on Scripture (or the applicable holy texts in your religion of choice)
- Journaling and reflection
- Community interaction
Start your journey by ensuring that you are consciously making time for prayer in your everyday life. Many people find that setting designated prayer times and clearing their calendars each day is an effective way to begin. If you have a hard time getting started or are looking for more guided reflection, turn to your holy texts! Find your favorite passages or search for new ones that apply to the struggles you are currently facing. Take some time and reflect on the things you’ve learned after your prayer session, perhaps by journaling.
If you’re searching for help strengthening your faith and prayer habits, seek out your local religious leaders. Dr. Esam Omeish is a great option for followers of Islam, and I’m sure that you’ll have no problem finding a leader in your religion of choice even if you aren’t Muslim.
Places of worship as a source of community
If at-home worship isn’t helping as much as you’d like, or if you need an additional source of comfort, local places of worship can help. Sometimes simply knowing that we aren’t alone is all we need to feel better.Sharing the emotional load with a supportive community can help to stabilize us during hard times, and places of worship offer believers a ready-made group of like-minded people.
What do you think about using prayer and faith as tools of comfort, support and strength during difficult times? They might not be the perfect fit for everyone, but millions of people around the world find religion to be a source of great peace. Have you used prayer and faith when you were struggling with mental health concerns?
Let us know what you think!