Throughout my work as a life coach and in my personal journey, I’ve seen how deeply intertwined spirituality and mental health can be. Spirituality, in its broadest sense, is about seeking meaning and purpose in life. It’s about connecting to something bigger than ourselves, whether that’s through religion, philosophy, or simply finding purpose in our daily lives. For many people, including myself, spirituality serves as an anchor during tough times. It can provide the clarity and hope needed when we feel lost or overwhelmed. And when it comes to suicide prevention, that sense of purpose can be life-saving.
Suicide prevention is an issue that is incredibly close to my heart. I’ve seen firsthand the devastation that suicide leaves behind, not just in the life lost but in the lives of those who cared about the person. It’s a tragedy that often stems from feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and despair. But I truly believe that when we are connected to a deeper sense of meaning, it can help us find our way through even the darkest moments.
The Role of Spirituality in Mental Health
Spirituality offers a path toward healing that goes beyond traditional mental health treatments like therapy or medication. While those treatments are essential and can be life-saving in their own right, spirituality fills a gap that they sometimes miss. It helps answer the existential questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose? What is the point of all this suffering?
For some, spirituality is rooted in religious faith—a belief in God, a higher power, or an afterlife. For others, it’s about finding peace in nature, meditation, or connecting with the universe. Regardless of the form it takes, spirituality helps people build resilience by offering them a sense of belonging, of being part of something larger than themselves.
In my experience, spirituality also helps create a mental space where we can confront the harder aspects of life without becoming overwhelmed. It encourages us to take a step back and look at life from a broader perspective. Sometimes, the daily struggles, the financial stress, the relationship issues, or the internal battles we face can seem all-encompassing. Spirituality reminds us that there’s more to life than just our current problems. It helps us see our challenges as temporary and gives us the strength to keep going.
Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life
One of the biggest protective factors against suicide is having a sense of purpose. When people feel they have a reason to live, it gives them hope. Hope is powerful—it’s the belief that things can get better, that the future holds potential for change. Finding purpose, however, can be one of the hardest things to do, especially when you’re in the midst of depression or suicidal thoughts.
That’s where spirituality comes in. It can be the guiding force that helps us discover our purpose. For some, it’s about dedicating their lives to helping others. For others, it’s about personal growth, learning, or creating something meaningful in the world. In my own journey, I’ve found purpose through my work as a coach, helping others navigate their own struggles and find meaning in their lives. Every time I see someone discover their own purpose, it reaffirms my belief in the power of spirituality as a life-saving force.
I’ve worked with clients who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, and one of the first things I try to help them explore is what gives their life meaning. It’s not always easy to answer that question, especially when life feels overwhelming. But even small moments of connection—whether through family, friendships, or a passion project—can offer a glimpse of purpose that pulls someone back from the edge.
Spiritual Practices That Support Mental Health
While spirituality is a personal and often deeply individual journey, there are spiritual practices that I’ve found to be incredibly effective in supporting mental health and suicide prevention. Practices like meditation, prayer, or mindfulness help ground us in the present moment. They quiet the mind, reducing the chaos of negative thoughts, and make room for peace and reflection.
Mindfulness, in particular, is something I incorporate into my daily life. It’s the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment. When we’re mindful, we’re not consumed by regrets about the past or anxieties about the future. We’re simply here, in the now. For those who struggle with suicidal thoughts, this can be incredibly powerful. It creates a space between their emotions and their actions, giving them time to pause and reconsider.
Connecting with nature is another spiritual practice that has proven benefits for mental health. There’s something about being in the presence of nature that reminds us of life’s beauty and resilience. I often encourage clients to spend time outdoors, whether it’s taking a walk in the park, sitting by the ocean, or hiking in the mountains. Nature has a way of putting things into perspective. It reminds us that life is constantly evolving and that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.
Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health and Spirituality
Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma around both mental health and spirituality in many parts of society. People are often reluctant to seek help for their mental health struggles because they don’t want to appear weak or “broken.” Similarly, discussions around spirituality can sometimes feel uncomfortable or out of place in a world that values logic and reason over belief and faith.
But if we are serious about suicide prevention, we need to break through these stigmas. Mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness, and spirituality is not some outdated concept. Both are essential components of a healthy, fulfilling life. We need to create spaces where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health without fear of judgment. And we need to recognize that spirituality can be a valuable tool in helping people find purpose, meaning, and hope.
A Lifeline of Hope
In the end, spirituality is not a cure-all for mental health struggles, but it is a lifeline that many people desperately need. By connecting with our deeper selves, finding purpose, and exploring practices that bring us peace, we can navigate even the darkest moments of our lives. For those facing suicidal thoughts, spirituality can be a light in the darkness, offering hope where there once was none.
As someone who has witnessed the power of spirituality in both my own life and in the lives of others, I believe that finding purpose is one of the most important steps we can take in preventing suicide. When we know that we have something to live for, we are far more likely to keep going, even when the road gets tough. I encourage everyone to explore their own spiritual path, wherever it may lead, because finding purpose truly can save lives.