| Popis: |
Religion and spirituality - whether formal or informal, and regardless of doctrine - can be an immense source of strength and comfort when dealing with the highs and lows of bipolar. Faith and religion provide hope, which can bring a sense of control and serenity when times are tough. There are researches on the mental health benefits associated with belief in a higher power, including better coping skills, less anxiety and depression, less substance abuse and a happier, longer life span. Some researches indicate that spirituality can contribute to managing the illness. Believing in divine forgiveness may help ease guilt over the hurtful actions of manic behavior. For example, singing and praying as a group during religious services can provide a sense of community. One study on religious involvement and bipolar, published in the journal Bipolar Disorders, suggests that prayer or meditation may be an important coping mechanism for those in a mixed state (co-existing symptoms of mania and depression).Research has shown that people with a strong sense of religious identity and who participate in their faith seem to do better, on average, than people without an active spiritual life. Belief in a higher power and worshipping in community can be linked to strong elements in recovery, no matter what your faith tradition. Religious rituals fulfill the desire for order and teachings about salvation and forgiveness tap into the need for acceptance. Religion can be supportive by providing social support and resources and the internal means of being able to cope with the impact of the illness on their lives. People who are bipolar often use religious activities, especially prayer and meditation, as ways to cope with distress. If we can understand that religion can be a source of strength and positive self- esteem, then we will be able to help foster the knowledge that the divine is going to be there even in the darkest moments. Here I will show the positive influence of spirituality in work with bipolar disorder. |
