Recently, the small church where I worship gathered around a meal, a potluck dinner. It was lovely. The food was delicious. The time together was precious.

Celebrating Life's Milestones

A couple of weeks ago, we hosted a back-to-school ice cream truck for our neighbors and invited folks to write prayers on ribbons that are now attached to a tree on our church grounds. The colorful ribbons flutter in the breeze as visual reminders of the shared lament and joy.

We gather each week for worship, reciting ancient creeds and singing joyful hymns. We hear the stories of our faith proclaimed and are nourished through the sacraments.

While I have long understood that these kinds of church experiences are good, I now realize they are also good for fostering mental health.

Spirituality in America

You may be part of a religious community. You may participate in worship and service through your own church, synagogue, or mosque. You may have regular individual time for devotion, prayer, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines. You may have no affiliation with or interest in organized religion.

It is widely documented that participation in organized religious gatherings has waned over the years. However, according to the Fetzer Institute 2023 Study of Spirituality in the United States, since COVID, most Americans continue to identify as spiritual and religious (88% report they engage in at least one spiritual or religious practice at least one time per week). That certainly rings true for Memphis and the Mid-South, where our faith communities are abundant.

Our Shared Quest

Regardless of how we identify spiritually, we are spiritual beings. We all seek meaning and purpose in our lives, a sense of connection with something greater than ourselves, and a way to understand ourselves and others.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “Religion and spirituality are both rooted in trying to understand the meaning of life and, in some cases, how a relationship with a higher power may influence that meaning … Both religion and spirituality can have a positive impact on mental health.”

The Benefits of Spiritual Practice

An intentionally fostered spiritual life does improve markers of health and well-being, including mental health. There is now a wide body of research lending scientific support to what faithful practitioners have already known - prayer, meditation, and other spiritual practices are good for us. Church communities can dispel loneliness, fostering belonging and emotional support. Spiritual practices, often grounded in mindfulness and contemplation, help us manage stress and anxiety, process grief, practice acceptance, and gain clarity on values. This awareness keeps us focused on what matters most and helps us move steadily in that direction.

As we begin to understand more deeply the connection between spiritual and mental health, faith communities can also be inspired to be places of education and advocacy for mental health issues. 

Seeking Support

If you are interested in practices that foster good mental health, contact the Methodist Healthcare Employee Assistance Program at 901-683-5658 or www.methodisteapcanhelp.org.

Renee Dillard, LCSW, CEAP, DMin

Director of EAP & Community Behavioral Health

Renee Dillard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (licensed in TN, AR, and MS) and a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP). A native Memphian, Renee earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Memphis State University, and Masters of Science in Social Work from The University of Tennessee. An Ordained Minister in the United Methodist Church, Renee earned her Masters of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary and completed her Doctor of Ministry studies in Faith and Health/Pastoral Therapy.

Renee has experience in behavioral health, community based social work, ministry, grief and loss, and nonprofit leadership. She is passionate about promoting healing and hope for individuals, families, and our community. Renee loves time with her family, meaningful conversations, getting lost in a good book, and exploring nature through a long walk on a beautiful day.