top of page
Search
Writer's pictureFathership Program

The Role of Spirituality in Mental Health: Finding Ground When Life Gets Chaotic


When life knocks you down, it’s easy to get lost in your own thoughts, trying to figure it all out. But honestly, sometimes logic just doesn’t cut it. That’s where spirituality comes in—it’s that deeper connection to something bigger than yourself that gives you strength when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.

For me, spirituality has always been like an anchor. It’s not about following a specific religion. It’s about finding something that grounds me, especially when things get tough. I’ve had plenty of moments where everything felt out of control, and the only thing that brought me back was reconnecting with something greater. Whether it’s through prayer, mindfulness, or just sitting still for a moment, spirituality has always been my way of finding calm in the middle of chaos.

One of the most powerful experiences I’ve had was last year at Sacred Sons, where I greeted the sun with 200 other men. We prayed together in several different languages and from many different faiths. It was one of those moments where you realize that, despite our differences in beliefs, we were all united by something bigger. The energy and connection in that space were incredible. It was a reminder that unity and love are always the right answer—always.

At Fathership, we don’t pretend to know your path. What we do is help you stay accountable to it. Spirituality is deeply personal, and it looks different for everyone. What matters is that you find what grounds you and stick with it. We’re here to help you stay accountable to that, to hold you to the things that matter most to you.

Spirituality isn’t just a nice idea—it’s key to mental health. Research shows that people who have some kind of spiritual practice often report lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress (Vasquez, 2020). Whether it’s meditation, prayer, or just taking a walk in nature, these practices give us a moment to breathe, reflect, and find some peace. It’s not about avoiding challenges but about finding the strength to face them.

When I’ve been through tough times, like losing a close friend or trying to juggle family and school, spirituality was what I turned to. It wasn’t always formal—sometimes it was just walking in nature, letting my mind settle. Nature has always been a way for me to reconnect spiritually. There’s something about being outside that slows everything down and lets me breathe again. And studies back that up: spending time in nature can reduce stress and improve well-being (Garraway, 2021).

Letting go and trusting in something bigger than yourself is powerful. As Steinberg (2024) points out, adolescents often turn to spirituality as they try to figure out their place in the world. That search doesn’t stop in adulthood. Having a spiritual practice helps us find meaning in the tough stuff and gives us the courage to keep going.

Spirituality doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. It’s not always about faith or religion. It can be mindfulness, creative outlets, or just being present in the moment. What matters is finding what works for you. It helps you stay grounded and gives your life meaning. Viktor Frankl talks about this in Man’s Search for Meaning (1984)—even in the hardest times, finding meaning can help us survive. That idea has stuck with me, reminding me that there’s always something bigger than the struggle I’m in.

So if life’s got you feeling lost, I’d encourage you to reconnect with what grounds you. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just be still and present with yourself. Spirituality, in whatever form it takes, can be the anchor that keeps you steady when everything else feels like it’s spinning out of control. And at Fathership, we’re here to help you hold yourself accountable to whatever keeps you grounded.


Work Cited

Frankl, V. E. (1984). Man’s search for meaning. Beacon Press.

Garraway, R. (2021). Resilient man: Conquer self-sabotage and embrace emotional vulnerability. New Horizons Press.

Steinberg, L. (2024). Adolescence (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Vasquez, J. (2020). Emotional intelligence groundwork: Unlocking your full potential. Inner Light Publishing.

ChatGPT. (2024). Personal reflections on spirituality and mental health. Retrieved from interaction with Todd Thomas.

5 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page