Spirituality and Health

Spirituality and Health

When life throws you a curveball, do you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope? Or do your spiritual beliefs take over and pull you through?

Surveys show that 90 percent of American adults believe in God. Most feel that religion is one of the most important forces in their lives. Faith can give people the strength to cope with serious illnesses, such as cancer.

No matter how strong your faith, though, it's not unusual for it to be shaken by a cancer diagnosis. You may question your own beliefs. You may think that God is punishing or abandoning you. You may feel that your prayers are not being answered.

Spiritual distress can affect your ability to cope with an illness and your response to treatment. If this happens, your doctor may encourage you to share your feelings with a spiritual advisor or counselor. Most hospitals have chaplains who visit and comfort patients. They can be priests, ministers, rabbis and other spiritual leaders. If you are not religious, a mental health counselor may be able to suggest other ways to address your spiritual needs.

You should expect your hospital, doctors and medical staff to respect your spiritual beliefs. They should also show equal respect for your beliefs if you are not spiritual.


Spirituality is the belief in a force greater than one's self. Some people may practice their faith by praying and attending religious services. Belief in the power of prayer gives many people the strength to deal with a crisis. For others, spirituality may not be about religion. It may instead involve a sense of connection to others or a feeling of being one with nature or the universe.

If you have strong spiritual or religious beliefs, your faith may help improve your quality of life during treatment. Studies have shown that prayer gives many people a positive outlook, lowers their stress level and strengthens their will to live.


Spirituality for the non-religious
Are you spiritual, but not religious? Spirituality - with or without religion - has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety and discomfort in some people. It may help ease loneliness and give you a sense of peace.

Meditation, communing with nature or helping others may improve your mental outlook. Or you may find that yoga or tai chi gives you peace of mind.

Your faith and your treatment
Your health care team should recognize and respect your spiritual needs. Yet, people are often unsure how to approach medical staff about their spiritual concerns.

Don't be afraid to talk to your doctors or nurses about your religious beliefs. They need to understand and support your faith and its role in your treatment.