SPIRITUAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH





The mind controls all the decisions and actions one takes. In the words of the WHO: “Mental
health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her potential,
can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to
make a contribution to her or his community.”1

The leading clinical conditions that have negative effects to mental health, according to the
WHO, include depression, stress, drug addictions, eating disorders, and suicide. Harold
Koenig, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral science, led a team that did a systematic
review of data-based quantitative research published in peer-reviewed journals between 1972
and 2010 on religion, spirituality, and health. It found that spirituality had an overall inverse
effect on suicide, anxiety, depression, and almost all psychiatric conditions. Spiritually inclined
people had positive character traits, a good sense of control, and generally scored high on a
happiness index regardless of denomination.

Good spiritual health allows one to believe Jesus, as when He told His disciples, “Peace I
leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your
heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). In claiming such promises, we can find
mental and emotional peace. Communion with God is essential to our emotional and spiritual
health. Many of us do not fully understand how prayer works or how to harness its power.
Most do not fully understand how the phone connects people across oceans, yet we connect
all the same. In the same manner, prayer is a powerful means of connecting with our Father
in heaven and letting Him connect us with others. With our current knowledge of the effects of
lifestyle choices such as foods, life partners, media consumption, physical activity, etc.,
Adventists, through the Spirit of Prophecy and the Bible, have always had access to these
counsels. Anyone whose spiritual commitment allows them to claim the promise of Jesus in
John 13:17, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them,” is likely to enjoy
spiritual health from obedience to His Word, and balanced health in all aspects of life.
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1 www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/