Addressing spiritual aspects of wellness

As mentioned in previous columns, my interest and experience in emotional wellness is strong.

This is a multi-faceted area which will be integrated in future health care delivery systems. The mind-body connection--as it is sometimes called--has finally been recognized for its importance in the total spectrum of human wellness.

What I would like to discuss now is the importance of the spiritual aspects of wellness. These aspects are certainly difficult to measure, but then, so are many other aspects of healing therapy.

Here are some of my thoughts on this subject:

• Individuals seeking techniques to deal with stress should consider the need for something to help them assign meaning to potentially traumatic and extremely stressful situations. Faith in a divine creator can enable us to give up the need to control and can assist in understanding the multitude of human tragedies and stressors that befall us. Recognizing that there are situations beyond our control and understanding we can--through prayer--seek the help of a higher being for solutions.

• Anyone in intense stress needs hope as loss of hope is detrimental to any recovery. Faith in a divine creator's ability to deliver hope can give us the strength to continue--whether it be for one moment, one hour, or from one day to the next. Research is continuing to demonstrate that hope and optimism can heal, can improve the recovery rate from illness, and can increase survival in those that choose to believe.

• Loneliness can be alleviated by strengthening dedication to your faith and becoming active in your religious congregation. Ministers, priests, and rabbis are trained to assist the members of their flock in dealing with stress, anxiety and depression. A closeness to other members of your chosen religious group helps with feelings of detachment which can come as an aftermath of death, divorce, or other types of loss.

• Service to others less fortunate is a strong tenet of a religious faith. Focusing on another's needs or assisting them with their difficulties helps build our own feeling of self-worth and combats feelings of self-doubt.

• Health care practitioners are increasing their efforts to study the relationship between religion and medicine. In his book, "Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine," Dr. Larry Dossey writes about the relationship between prayer, health and healing. This and other ground-breaking efforts are opening up many new frontiers in the area of spirituality and stress.

• Individuals endeavoring to develop an emotional wellness program should consider spiritual development as essential.

I will return to this subject of emotional wellness in future columns.

Copyright c 1994 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.