HLT 310 Module 3
Spirituality is the way you find meaning, hope, comfort and inner peace in your life. Many people find spirituality through religion. Some find it through music, art or a connection with nature. Other cherish their spirituality as their principles and values. Medical studies has shown that people who describe themselves as spiritual exhibit fewer self-destructive behaviors (suicide, smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse, for example), less stress, and a greater total life satisfaction. Spirituality has been shown to reduce depression, improve blood pressure, and boost the immune system. Spirituality is more individual, and has to do with a sense of peace, purpose, and connection to others, and beliefs about the meaning of life. (Kevin G, 2013)
Serious illnesses may challenge a patient's beliefs or religious values, resulting in high levels of spiritual or psychological distress. Talking about this distress with a caring health care provider or with a multidisciplinary team, spiritual service/ counselor who is familiar with the illness and treatment may help the patient feel better, even if they are not healed.
Example of my personal crisis: In 2012 my 39yrs old brother was diagnosis with stomach cancer, He was very health conscious about many things including his diet, exercise, and staying healthy (non- smoker and non-alcoholic). Many times my family including my brother fined our self-questioning god even anger at times with him. My brother always say” I am a strong believer in god and with him all thing are possible”. As Christian and a care giver I believed that having faith and a spiritual background help me to believe that prayer, meditation, support from family and religious leader (pastor, priest, or Rabbi) is a great assets in any health crisis.
Knowing where to turn to for help is important when contemplating health crisis, coping with grief and depression, or facing another personal