Finding hope in suffering

Mental illness pushes people into fear, gloom, isolation and nothingness breaking down their spirit, destroying their faith and snatching away from them courage to bounce back. But spirituality can completely turn around and transform their dilapidated psychic state - reunify them with their soul, infuse hope, give a new meaning to their life and make them once again believe in the power of the universe.

Jain Sutras instruct us that whenever misfortune comes our way and we are in deep pain, we must bear the emotional turmoil with a cheerful attitude. Sri Guru Granth Sahib further tells us to consider pleasure a disease and endure pain as medicine because it is only a painful heart that can pine for the Divine, incessantly. The Bible also reaffirms that the only way to move closer to the glory God has promised us is through finding hope in our suffering and keeping faith that tribulations make us perseverant.

Many who suffered mental illness and ultimately found sanctuary in spirituality believed that there was a celestial plan behind difficulties that had engulfed their life. As they pursued a spiritual path, they realised that their illness was an expression of their soul's search for wholeness. While innovations in medicine and psychotherapy are vital in treating mental illness, equally important is helping people re- establish contact with their soul.


World Mental Health Day is on Oct 10