hope and healing essay

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Hope and Optimism as an Opportunity to Improve the “Positive Mental Health” Demand

Carlos laranjeira.

1 School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal

2 Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal

3 Research in Education and Community Intervention (RECI I&D), Piaget Institute, Viseu, Portugal

Ana Querido

4 Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), NursID, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

Introduction

As the world confronts the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, including an associated mental health crisis, finding meaning and building positive processes and capacities will help strengthen future mental health (Waters et al., 2021 ). Existential perspectives use this basic insight to advocate that suffering is an inherent part of life that must be confronted, rather than avoided or amended (Israelashvili, 2021 ). Positive psychology studies adaptation to adversity and aims to identify factors that favour good psychological adjustment, as well as physical and mental health (Reppold et al., 2015 ; Phan et al., 2020 ). Notwithstanding, the mental-ill health approach is still predominant, with authors suggesting the need to improve “mental health literacy” and promote access to mental health services (Mansfield et al., 2020 ).

Recently, there has been increased interest in assessing the attributes, structure and individual variability of wellbeing and identifying its psychological promotors. This research has begun to clarify the determinants of positive mental health (Gallagher and Lopez, 2009 ; Das et al., 2020 ). Positive mental health encompasses the personal resources to face life's challenges, foster satisfactory relationships with others, and achieve psychological wellbeing, including feelings of satisfaction with life, vitality and energy, and physical wellbeing (Teixeira et al., 2019 ). Applied to Meleis ( 2010 ) theory, positive mental health can facilitate a healthy changeover within a transitional process, since personal, community, and social conditions can foster or restrict healthy transitions and the outcome of transitions.

There is a need for mental health literacy programs that are focused on hope, and provide accurate information about disorders and recovery. Positive expectations for the future, commonly conceptualised as hope and optimism in the literature, can act as potential mechanisms toward achieving positive mental health (Gallagher and Lopez, 2009 , 2018 ). The conceptualizations of dispositional hope (Snyder, 2002 ) and dispositional optimism (Scheier and Carver, 1985 ; Carver and Scheier, 2014 ) share several elements: (a) personality traits, (b) cognitive constructs, (c) reference to general expectancies, (d) relation to significant personal goals, (e) future orientation, and (f) acting as determinants of behaviour (Krafft et al., 2021 ). Hope and optimism, although often used interchangeably in clinical discourse, are in fact distinct constructs, corresponding to distinct mechanisms by which expectations shape human behaviour and produce positive outcomes (Gallagher and Lopez, 2009 ; Schiavon et al., 2017 ).

This opinion paper aims to examine some differences between optimism and hope, and integrate these constructs in the context of positive mental health. We also intend to point out some interventions that promote hope and optimism, where mental and psychiatric health nursing play an important role.

Benefits of Optimism And Hope For Positive Mental Health

Whether optimism and hope can affect physical and mental health has been discussed among academics around the world (Milona, 2020 ). There is empirical evidence supporting the notion that both attitudes contribute to positive outcomes (Schiavon et al., 2017 ; Pleeging et al., 2021 ). In this context, optimism is defined as a cognitive variable reflecting one's favourable view about their future (Carver and Scheier, 2019 ). Optimists generally have more positive than negative expectations and tend to report less distress in their daily lives, even in the face of challenges (Carver et al., 2010 ). What is expected to happen in the future can affect how people experience situations in their daily lives, their health, and how they deal with emotions and stress.

Optimists are more focused on generalised expectations rather than how or why the goal is achieved (Carver and Scheier, 2002 ). Studies has found that optimism is related to fewer symptoms of depression, higher levels of wellbeing, lower attrition rates, and stronger perceptions of social support (Forgeard and Seligman, 2012 ; Schug et al., 2021 ). The positive repercussions of optimism may be related to the greater probability of adopting health-promoting behaviours and coping strategies that enable better psychic adjustment (Carver and Scheier, 2014 , 2019 ). Recent evidence reveals that optimism is modifiable and associated with better cardiovascular health (Boehm et al., 2020 ) and increased likelihood of healthy aging (James et al., 2019 ; Lee et al., 2019 ). In contrast, pessimists have a less favourable perception of the world and are more likely to adopt risky behaviours, such as the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs (Carver and Scheier, 2019 ), and display more harmful reactions and adaptations to adversities, compared to optimists (Forgeard and Seligman, 2012 ; Carver and Scheier, 2019 ).

Snyder (1991, as cited in Schiavon et al., 2017 , p. 2) defined “hope as a state of positive motivation based on three components: objectives (goals to be achieved), pathways (planning to achieve these goals), and agency (motivation directed toward these objectives).” Hope theory emphasises the presence of personal agency related to goals and the recognition of strategies to achieve those goals (Snyder, 2002 ). Therefore, this theory suggests that a hopeful person would endorse statements such as “I will achieve my goal,” but also “I have a plan […] to achieve this goal” and “I am motivated and confident in my ability to use this plan to achieve this goal” (Gallagher and Lopez, 2009 , p. 548). According to recent research, an individual's level of hope is often determined by innate personality characteristics and influenced by psychosocial conditions (success in attaining goals and facing stressors, social support, goal-concordant care), physiological factors (including stress hormones, immune mediators, and neurotransmitters) and environmental factors (Corn et al., 2020 ).

Snyder ( 2002 ) hope theory is not the only perspective that distinguishes hope from optimism: Herth's model of hope assumes that hope is a cognitive and motivational attribute needed to initiate and support action towards goal achievement (Arnau et al., 2010 ).

Currently, mental health literacy programs aim to understand how to reach and maintain positive mental health, recognise mental disorders and their beliefs about treatments, reduce stigma towards mental disorders, and enhance the help-seeking ability, namely when and where to seek help, but also how to best manage and improve one's own mental health (Kutcher et al., 2016 ). As a catalyst for positive change, hope promotes overall mental health and may help heal specific conditions, including severe mental illness, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety and trauma-related disorders (Huen et al., 2015 ; Gallagher et al., 2020 ; Tomasulo, 2020 ; Sari et al., 2021 ). Research also demonstrates that hope promotes wellbeing more than optimism or self-efficacy (individual's belief in their own ability perform task and attain goal) (Krafft et al., 2021 ). In addition, research shows that hope has strong associations with several psychosocial process and outcomes, including positive affect, emotional adjustment and illness-related coping, greater life satisfaction, enhanced perceptions that life is meaningful, a higher sense of purpose in life, quality of life, and social support (Corn et al., 2020 ; Long et al., 2020 ).

A large longitudinal study among older adults exploring the potential public health implications of hope for subsequent health and wellbeing outcomes revealed that “a greater sense of hope was associated with: better physical health and health behavior outcomes (e.g., reduced risk of all-cause mortality, fewer chronic conditions, and fewer sleep problems), higher psychological wellbeing (e.g., increased positive affect, life satisfaction, and purpose in life), lower psychological distress, and better social wellbeing” (Long et al., 2020 , p. 1).

Long-term, mental health promotion in vulnerable populations is deeply intertwined with hope-based interventions. At a time when predictions regarding mental health are particularly grim, those involved in promoting mental health, need to pay close attention to the relation between evidence, hope and intervention.

Strategies That Promote Hope and Optimism in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing

Psychiatric-mental health nursing is grounded in interpersonal engagement and includes a broad range of helping activities, from teaching to counselling (Hartley et al., 2020 ). Within this interpersonal context, it is well known that expectations about the future directly influence the subject's wellbeing. Given the protective effect of optimism and hope in people's lives, especially with regard to better physical and mental health, two questions must be considered: is it possible to develop or enhance levels of optimism and hope? How they can be mobilized as an intra/interpersonal healing resource?

The techniques grounded in cognitive-behavioural therapy can be an effective strategy to develop more positive beliefs about the future. Using this approach, nurses can help their patients understand the schemes that coordinate their thoughts, behaviours and feelings (Carver and Scheier, 2014 ). Optimism can be activated by training and cognitive restructuring regarding the subject's way of thinking and acting (Carver et al., 2010 ; Carver and Scheier, 2014 ).

The evidence suggests the possibility of applying optimism and hope through different strategies and intervention programs (Malouff and Schutte, 2016 ), especially psychoeducation and cognitive restructuring strategies aimed at extracting positive aspects of everyday situations. Testing such interventions is a first step toward producing and spreading effective programs that underscore the positive effects of optimism (Carver and Scheier, 2014 ).

Mental health, hope and optimism are intimately related, and can be reinforced with simple daily actions that boost mental strength, even in the midst of uncertainty such as currently faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we recommend some evidence-based practices to promote hope/optimism and support better mental health literacy ( Table 1 ).

Strategies to cultivate a hope/optimism mind-set (based on Newport Academy, 2020 ).

In sum, optimism and hope are important adaptive phenomena that foster wellbeing, quality of life, and psychological adjustment in the general population and in specific groups, such as people living with mental health conditions. Optimistic and hopeful individuals adapt better to adversity, have lower chances of developing mental disorders, and exhibit behaviours that are healthier and related to greater satisfaction with life. Given these benefits, understanding how hope and optimism arise and flourish is of great interest, and will help develop promotors of mental health. More evidence is needed to develop hope-based interventions and establish their true efficacy. Ideally, these studies would involve randomized control trials (RCTs) with appropriate sample sizes that compare optimism and hope-based interventions to already validated gold standard treatments.

Author Contributions

All authors listed have made a substantial, direct, and intellectual contribution to the work and approved it for publication.

This work is funded by national funds through FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. (UIDB/05704/2020 and UIDP/05704/2020) and under the Scientific Employment Stimulus—Institutional Call (CEECINST/00051/2018).

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The handling editor declared a shared affiliation with one of the authors AQ at time of review.

Publisher's Note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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The Science of Hope and Healing

“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” Christopher Reeve

WHAT IS HOPE?

Hope is defined by Ratner (2017), as “an individual’s goal-oriented expectations that include both agency (desire to achieve goals) and pathways (finding ways to achieve them).” Hope theory suggests that hope helps motivate behavior in the face of obstacles as well as provides the psychological resources to help people respond to trauma with resilience (Snyder, Rand, & Sigmond, 2018). Hope gives us a way to move beyond our challenges and allows us to focus on what is possible rather than what is wrong. We need to look into our darkness to find the light. This will give us the opportunity to find meaning in life (What is H.O.P.E?).

HOW CAN HOPE HEAL?

Hope can help us to heal from many challenges we are facing or have faced in our lives. Studies show that hope can serve as a buffer against difficult life events and is also related to life satisfaction. Optimism is a strong aspect of hope, which has been found to reduce symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation (Duggal, Sacks-Zimmerman, & Liberta, 2016). Hope can also lead to better outcomes during life threatening health conditions. Research suggests that the brain mechanisms influenced by hope can counteract anxiety. This region of the brain is called the bilateral medial orbitofrontal cortex, which produces motivation as well as problem-solving and goal-oriented behavior (Ratner, 2017).

WHY IS HOPE IMPORTANT TO US?

Survivors, first responders, and helping professionals are facing multiple layers of stress, not only from experiencing or witnessing trauma, but also from the stress that COVID-19 has added to our lives. It can be daunting to live and work in the face of this uncertainty. These current stressors for survivors and first responders are having negative effects on occupational, physical, mental, emotional, and relational well-being. Now, more than ever, cultivating hope is an essential part of maintaining our well-being and thriving in the world.

CULTIVATING HOPE

Here are some ways to cultivate hope (Scharff, 2020):

• Mindfulness: Remind ourselves that we are safe in this moment during times of distress. Activities such as meditation can help us to practice mindfulness.
• Spiritual Engagement: Connecting ourselves to a deep sense of purpose. This could include things such as being in nature or engaging in spiritual practices.
• Engage in activities that bring us joy and finding new activities to try.
• Connect with others who support us and bring us joy.
• Help others in need and perform acts of kindness.
• Find gratitude for what we have and what is going well in our lives.

We are here for you at Resilient Retreat to help you cultivate more hope in your everyday life. Please call us anytime at 941-343-0039 to speak with one of our certified trauma professionals or email us at [email protected].

References:

• Snyder, C. R., Rand, K. L., and Sigmon, D. R. (2018). Hope Theory: A Member of the Positive Psychology Family. The Oxford Handbook Hope.
• Duggal, D., Sacks-Zimmerman, A., & Liberta, T. (2016). The Impact of Hope and Resilience on Multiple Factors in Neurosurgical Patients. Cureus, 8(10), e849.
• Ratner, P. (2017). Scientists Find Out How Hope Protects the Brain. Retrieved from: https://bigthink.com/hope-optimism/scientists-find-out-how-hope-protects-the-brain
• Scharff, C. (2020). 7 Ways to Cultivate Hope, Even in Trying Times. Try these simple practices to improve your outlook on life. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ending-addiction-good/202007/7-ways-cultivate-hope-even-in-trying-times
• What is H.O.P.E. Retrieved from: https://hopehealing.org/healing-of-persons-exceptional/what-is-hope/

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• The Connection Between Hope and Mental Health

• Mental Health

In frightening and uncertain times, it’s hard to feel hopeful. But studies show that having hope for the future helps build our resilience—the ability to get through tough times and recover more quickly from setbacks. Moreover, hope can help ward off or reduce anxiety , trauma, and depression.

What if you’re not a hopeful person by nature? That’s okay: We all have the ability to strengthen our “hope muscle” and therefore increase our positivity and resilience, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Are Teens and Young Adults Hopeful or Hopeless Right Now?

As we might expect during a pandemic—coupled in this country with stark political division and civil unrest—young people aren’t particularly hopeful about their future right now. A survey released June 17, commissioned by National 4‑H Council and conducted by the Harris Poll, found that 70 percent of teens are struggling with their mental health. Furthermore, 65 percent of the 1,500 teens surveyed (ages 13–19) said that uncertainty about the future was making them anxious or depressed. On the positive side, 68 percent of teens considered themselves to be resilient—equipped to handle life’s challenges.

As for young adults, a global survey of Gen Z and millennials conducted by Deloitte in late 2019 and early 2020found that this age group’s levels of hopefulness for the world and their future had gone down slightly from the previous survey. After the pandemic set in, however, Deloitte did a “pulse survey” of a smaller number of young adults. This time, not surprisingly, they found a significant drop in hope and optimism.

The Science of Hope

What defines hope, exactly? According to the “hope theory” formulated by positive psychologist Charles Snyder and his colleagues, hope gives people the will, determination, and sense of empowerment that allows them to reach their goals. A large body of research on hope demonstrates its power to support well-being, even more so than optimism or self-efficacy (our belief in our own abilities).

Research over the past decade and more shows that people who are hopeful

• Are more likely to attain their goals
• Do better academically
• Choose healthier lifestyle habits
• Cope with and recover better from illness
• Experience higher life satisfaction
• Have a stronger sense of meaning and purpose .

How Hope Impacts Mental Health in Young People

A recent review of the research on hope and mental health looked at 20 studies involving college students, who suffer from high rates of depression, anxiety, and distress. The study authors synthesized the research, conducted over the last decade. Hence, they found five major themes regarding the role hope plays in young people’s mental health:

• Hope is associated with improved coping
• Improved well-being is also associated with hope
• Depression and negative life events are less intense for those who are more hopeful
• Having hope is a protective factor against suicide and negative, self-deprecatory thinking
• A hopeful person is more likely to engage in healthy behaviors.

“Hope isn’t the alleviation of fearful risk, or the sidelining of anxiety. It’s the choice to see beyond the current circumstances to something better despite the presence of those feelings.” —Ron Carucci, Organizational Change Consultant

Research on Hope: The Impact on Anxiety and Trauma

Along with improving overall mental health, hope may also play a role in healing specific conditions, including anxiety- and trauma-related disorders. A 2020 study led by Matthew Gallagher, associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Houston, looked at the link between hope and mental health treatment for anxiety.

Gallagher and his team studied how hope impacted recovery among 223 adults who were being treated for social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The study concluded that “hope was a common element and a strong predictor of recovery,” said Gallagher.

Research also shows that hope helps to moderate the impact of trauma, whether from military experiences, sexual assault, or other traumatic events. One study found that hope, along with optimism and social support, was associated with reduced trauma symptoms following exposure to terrorism. A 2019 study on survivors of childhood sexual abuse found that hope was associated with post-traumatic growth —positive change that occurs as a result of a traumatic event.

Hope and Resilience

Resilience is key to the connection between hope and mental health. Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back more quickly after adverse experiences, and to learn from those experiences. Resilient people don’t ignore or suppress difficult emotions; they process them, learn from them, and take those lessons into the next phase of their life. Hope and optimism are closely associated with resilience.

In a 2018 study, researchers looked at hope and resilience among 692 teenagers in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades in four high schools located in low-income regions. They found that the teens who were more hopeful were also more resilient.

“The most resilient people—those who can recover quickly from experiences of fear and move toward reasoned action—actively practice hope and optimism daily.” —Erin Lynn Raab, PhD, education and resilience expert

5 Ways to Cultivate Hope and Reduce Anxiety

These powerful, evidence-based practices can help teens and young adults cultivate hope and support better mental health.

• Focus on your strengths. Tapping into our natural strengths cultivates a sense of hope and resilience. For example, if you’re naturally creative, think about how you can use that strength to overcome difficulties as you move forward in life. If connecting with others is one of your strengths, reach out to friends and loved ones as a way to build hope and positive emotions. Remembering and using our personal strengths creates confidence that we can get through whatever comes our way.
• Practice gratitude. Research on gratitude shows that it is more effective than self-control, patience, or forgivingness in creating hope for the future. Try keeping a gratitude journal in which you list big and small things you’re grateful for each day. Or, at the end of every day, think back on three things you were grateful for. Families can do a gratitude practice together during meals, by going around the table and each sharing one thing you’re thankful for.
• Reframe negative thoughts. When you feel afraid or hopeless, try zeroing in on what’s scaring you and looking at it in a different way. For example, if you’re thinking, “I’ll never be able to go to college or get a job during a pandemic,” you could shift that to “It might be more difficult to go to college or get a job right now, so I’ll need to use my strengths to work toward overcoming those difficulties.” Or you might shift the thought “I’m never going to stop feeling anxious about everything that’s going on” to “It’s natural to be anxious right now, and there are things I can do to make it better.”
• Limit media exposure. Both news coverage and social media can have negative effects on hope and mental health. News tends to focus on the most frightening and sensational aspects of what’s happening, and it can make us more vulnerable to vicarious trauma . Social media can help young people feel more connected, but it can also increase feelings of anxiety and distress .
• Spend time with hopeful, optimistic people. According to the science of “emotional contagion,” when you surround yourself with people who are hopeful and positive, you’re more likely to feel that way yourself. Research shows that we can “catch” both positive and negative emotions from others, so choose your friends wisely!

In summary, hope and mental health are inextricably linked. And we can strengthen both by taking small, daily actions that will help us thrive even in the midst of uncertainty.

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How Hope Can Keep You Happier and Healthier

Hope can erode when we perceive threats to our way of life, and these days, plenty are out there. As we age , we may struggle with a tragic loss or chronic disease. As we watch the news, we see our political system polarized , hopelessly locked in chaos. The coronavirus spreads wider daily ; U.S. markets signaled a lack of hope with a Dow Jones free fall. Losing hope sometimes leads to suicide .

When there is no hope—when people cannot picture a desired end to their struggles—they lose the motivation to endure. As professor emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University, I’ve studied positive psychology, forgiveness, wellness and the science of hope for more than 40 years. My website offers free resources and tools to help its readers live a more hopeful life.

What is hope?

First, hope is not Pollyannaish optimism— the assumption that a positive outcome is inevitable. Instead, hope is a motivation to persevere toward a goal or end state, even if we’re skeptical that a positive outcome is likely. Psychologists tell us hope involves activity, a can-do attitude and a belief that we have a pathway to our desired outcome. Hope is the willpower to change and the way-power to bring about that change.

With teens and with young or middle-aged adults, hope is a bit easier. But for older adults, it’s a bit harder. Aging often means running up against obstacles that appear unyielding—like recurring health or financial or family issues that just don’t seem to go away. Hope for older adults has to be “sticky,” persevering, a “ mature hope .”

How to build hope

Now the good news: this study , from Harvard’s “ Human Flourishing Program ,” recently published. Researchers examined the impact of hope on nearly 13,000 people with an average age of 66. They found those with more hope throughout their lives had better physical health, better health behaviors, better social support and a longer life. Hope also led to fewer chronic health problems, less depression, less anxiety and a lower risk of cancer.

So if maintaining hope in the long run is so good for us, how do we increase it? Or build hope if it’s MIA? Here are my four suggestions:

Attend a motivational speech —or watch, read or listen to one online, through YouTube, a blog or podcast. That increases hope, although usually the fix is short-lived. How can you build longer-term hope?

Engage with a religious or spiritual community. This has worked for millennia. Amidst a community of like believers, people have drawn strength, found peace and experienced the elevation of the human spirit, just by knowing there is something or someone much larger than them.

Forgive. Participating in a forgiveness group , or completing a forgiveness do-it-yourself workbook , builds hope, say scientists . It also reduces depression and anxiety, and increases (perhaps this is obvious) your capacity to forgive. That’s true even with long-held grudges. I’ve personally found that successfully forgiving someone provides a sense of both the willpower and way-power to change.

Choose a “hero of hope.” Some have changed history: Nelson Mandela endured 27 years of imprisonment yet persevered to build a new nation. Franklin Delano Roosevelt brought hope to millions for a decade during the Great Depression. Ronald Reagan brought hope to a world that seemed forever mired in the Cold War. From his fourth State of the Union address: “Tonight, I’ve spoken of great plans and great dreams. They’re dreams we can make come true. Two hundred years of American history should have taught us that nothing is impossible.”

Hope gets you unstuck

Hope changes systems that seem stuck. Katherine Johnson , the black mathematician whose critical role in the early days of NASA and the space race was featured in the movie “Hidden Figures,” recently died at age 101. The movie (and the book on which it was based) brought to light her persistence against a system that seemed forever stuck. Bryan Stevenson, who directs the Equal Justice Initiative , and the subject of the movie “Just Mercy,” has successfully fought to help those wrongly convicted or incompetently defended to get off death row.

Stevenson laments that he could not help everyone who needed it; he concluded that he lived in a broken system, and that, in fact, he too was a broken man. Yet he constantly reminded himself of what he had told everyone he tried to help: “Each of us,” he said, “is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” Hope changes all of us. By regaining his hope, Bryan Stevenson’s example inspires us.

Regardless of how hard we try, we cannot eliminate threats to hope. Bad stuff happens. But there are the endpoints of persistent hope: We become healthier and our relationships are happier. We can bring about that hope by buoying our willpower, bolstering our persistence, finding pathways to our goals and dreams, and looking for heroes of hope. And just perhaps, one day, we too can be such a hero.

This article was originally published on The Conversation . Read the original article .

About the Author

Everett L. Worthington Jr.

Everett L. Worthington, Jr., Ph.D. , is Commonwealth Professor Emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University and co-editor (with Nathaniel G. Wade) of Handbook of Forgiveness , 2nd ed. (2020, Routledge). He studies forgiveness, humility, and other character strengths and virtues within positive psychology.

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• The Psychotherapy of Hope: The Legacy of Persuasion and Healing

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• edited by Renato D. Alarcón, M.D., M.P.H., and Julia B. Frank, M.D.
• Published by: Johns Hopkins University Press

Table of Contents

• pp. vii-viii
• pp. xv-xxii
• Acknowledgments
• A Note about Citations
• PART I: PSYCHOTHERAPY: Basic Principles
• 1 Critical Thinking in the Design of Psychotherapy Research
• 2 Life Story as the Focus of Psychotherapy: The Johns Hopkins Conceptual and Didactic Perspectives
• 3 Neural Substrates of Psychotherapy
• 4 Restoring Meaning to Psychiatric Diagnosis and Psychotherapy in the Age of Evolutionary Biology
• 5 Cultural Concepts in Persuasion and Healing
• 6 Deconstructing Demoralization: Subjective Incompetence and Distress in Adversity
• pp. 107-122
• PART II: PSYCHOTHERAPY: Current Practices
• 7 Depression, Demoralization, and Psychotherapy in People Who Are Medically Ill
• pp. 125-157
• 8 Demoralization and Hope in Clinical Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
• pp. 158-177
• 9 Psychotherapeutic Communication in Medical Settings
• pp. 178-189
• 10 Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: From Psychoanalytic Arrogance to Evidence-Based Modesty
• pp. 190-214
• 11 Behavioral and Condition-Specific Approaches to Psychotherapy
• pp. 215-237
• 12 Weighing Evidence for Common and Specific Factors in Psychotherapy with Children
• pp. 238-258
• 13 Contemporary Realities of Group Psychotherapy
• pp. 259-280
• 14 Cultural Dynamics in Psychotherapy and Cultural Psychotherapies: Ingredients, Processes, and Outcomes
• pp. 281-309
• 15 Psychotherapy, Religion, and Spirituality
• pp. 310-326
• List of Contributors
• pp. 327-328
• pp. 329-343

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Suffering, Hope, and Healing

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The words “pain” and “suffering” are so often used together in clinical practice they often seem to merge into a single concept, “pain and suffering.” Writing in the early 1980s, Eric Cassell bemoaned the fact that the medical literature contained few studies that specifically addressed suffering, while many hundreds of reports focused on all aspects of physical and psychological pain (Cassell 1982). Since then, the study of human suffering has advanced considerably, in large part due to the development of palliative medicine as a clinical specialty Wall ( 1999 ). Nowadays, clinicians have learned to focus their attention on existential factors not directly dependent on the experience of physical or psychological pain (Kellehear 2009).

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Holding Hope for Patients With Serious Illness

• 1 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
• 2 Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
• 3 Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
• 4 Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• 5 Palliative Research Center (PaRC), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Clinicians often struggle with imparting hope in providing patient care, especially for patients with serious illness. Although clinicians intuitively appreciate the potential therapeutic benefit of hope, concern about taking away hope is a common reason for delaying conversations about poor prognosis. Conversely, clinicians may be concerned when patients have unrealistic hopes for cure or a longer life; they may perceive a need to correct their patients’ hopes to enable more informed decision-making. This tension presents a dilemma: how can clinicians help patients hold onto hope? Should hope be protected, even when being hopeful is unrealistic? Or should clinicians risk a loss of hope to ensure that patients understand their prognosis?

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Rosenberg A , Arnold RM , Schenker Y. Holding Hope for Patients With Serious Illness. JAMA. 2021;326(13):1259–1260. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.14802

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Tomorrow Together: Essays of Hope, Healing, and Humanity Paperback – July 15, 2022

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The twenty-first century hasn't started the way the way many expected. We confront a potent mix of global pandemic, global warming, the resurgence of authoritarianism, white nationalism, and war that once again threatens to consume the planet. It can feel frustrating and hopeless.

But there is hope. We have the resources, wisdom, and most importantly: we have one another.

Writing with warmth and vulnerability, Dye is poignant, challenging, funny, and meditative as he explores friendship, Maryland crabs, island donkeys, mountain storms, the help of strangers, delivering papers, radio, odd advice, strong emotions, the miracle of a modern meal, gas stations, travel, adventure, and more.

Featuring insightful and engaging storytelling, Tomorrow Together reconnects the reader to the beauty and pain of our shared humanity, the wisdom of the natural world, and the hope that, together, we can build our better future.

• Print length 174 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Let's Grow Leaders
• Publication date July 15, 2022
• Dimensions 6 x 0.37 x 9 inches
• ISBN-10 1732264783
• ISBN-13 978-1732264786
• See all details

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Product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Let's Grow Leaders (July 15, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 174 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1732264783
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1732264786
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.5 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.37 x 9 inches
• #25,302 in Essays (Books)

About the author

David m. dye.

http://LetsGrowLeaders.com

David Dye helps human-centered leaders resolve workplace ambiguity so that they can drive innovation, productivity and revenue without burning out employees.

After two decades as an executive and elected official, David, and his wife, Karin Hurt, founded Let’s Grow Leaders, a training firm focused on human-centered leadership development for those determined to get breakthrough results without losing their humanity. Leaders, they found, were hungry for practical tools and leadership development that sticks.

Since 2013, Karin and David have helped tens of thousands of leaders around the world with their live leadership development programs, keynotes, blogs, videos, and books. They also provide clean water to the people of Cambodia through their Winning Wells philanthropic initiative.

David is an award-winning author of four books including:

Courageous Cultures - How to Build Teams of Micro-Innovators, Problem Solvers and Customer Advocates

Winning Well - A Manager’s Guide to Getting Results—Without Losing Your Soul

David also hosts the popular podcast, Leadership Without Losing Your Soul.

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How to Develop Hope When You Feel Hopeless

Science-backed strategies for cultivating hope, happiness, and resilience..

Posted June 25, 2023 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

• Someone with depression, by nature of their illness, may lack hope that they’ll ever feel better.
• Hopeful employees are 14% more productive than their counterparts.
• When you believe that you have the power to make things better, you’re more likely to try.

I often hear people say, “It’s OK to be hopeless.” But, without hope, you don’t have much.

It’s common to lack hope, though. Someone with depression , by nature of their illness, may lack hope that they’ll ever feel better. The parent of an adult child with an addiction might not have hope that they’ll ever change because they’ve seen them go through so many struggles without changing.

Hopelessness feels like a dark hole that is impossible to escape. Fortunately, however, you don’t have to stay stuck there—even though it feels like you do.

You have the power to develop hope, even in the most difficult situations. And when you feel a little more hopeful, you'll also feel mentally stronger, which can help you take positive action that may improve your situation.

Hope Defined

Hope involves a belief that you could create a positive outcome. It’s not wishful thinking—like wishing you’d win the lottery. Instead, hope means you believe that you’re capable of achieving a goal—like you could work hard and get out of debt.

Hope is also different from optimism. Essentially, optimism is about thinking good things might happen while hope often involves thinking about the action you’ll take to make those good things happen.

Optimism involves thinking about positive outcomes, regardless of the role you play. So you might be optimistic that it won’t rain this weekend. But if you have hope, you might hope that you’ll throw a good party even if it does rain.

Hopeful Feelings Can Lead to Behavior Change

When you’re feeling hopeless, not only will you feel awful, but you might not do anything to make things better. After all, you’ll believe you can’t do anything to make the situation better.

When you cultivate a shred of hope, you might take action that either addresses the situation or addresses how you feel about the situation. Even if you can’t fix the problem, you can always take steps to fix your emotional state.

You don’t necessarily need to tackle a giant obstacle or try to move mountains when you have hope. Instead, you might take one small step that could improve your life. Here are some examples:

• You tell a family member you are experiencing a lot of stress and you’re concerned about your mental health. You hope that they’ll validate your feelings, provide emotional support, and assist you in getting help.
• You tell your boss you feel overwhelmed with your workload. You hope your boss will understand and make some adjustments to your workload.
• You call the college admission’s office to talk about signing up for classes. You hope that you’ll learn skills that will advance your career .
• Your landlord says your rent is going up next month. You can’t afford the increase right now. But you stay calm and look at your options—increasing your income or finding a new place to live. You have hope that you’ll find a solution.

Why Hope Is So Important

Hope often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you believe that you have the power to make things better, you’re more likely to try.

What you hope for, however, might change over time. Rather than hope something good will happen, you might find yourself hoping you can handle the outcome—whatever that outcome may be.

For example, if you’re experiencing a health issue, your initial hope might be that a doctor will treat your condition. But, you might soon learn you have a chronic health problem and your new hope might be that you can live a rich and full life with the condition that you have.

Hope is an important factor for living your best life. Research shows the more hope you have:

• The less likely you are to experience depression and anxiety .
• The more likely you are to be satisfied with life.
• The more likely you are to report improved overall well-being.
• The more productive you’ll be. Hopeful employees are 14% more productive than their counterparts. Lopez, S. J. (2013). Making hope happen: create the future you want for yourself and others. New York, Free Press.
• The more likely you are to do well in school. Hope is a better predictor of academic achievement than IQu, personality , and even prior academic achievement.

Combine Hope With Gratitude

One of the best ways to cultivate hope is by combining hope and gratitude . While the two are related, there are some big differences.

Gratitude is about being thankful for something that happened in the past—or someone who has been involved in your life. Being hopeful is about looking toward the future.

In 2018, researchers asked participants to spend a few minutes writing about a time when they felt hopeful something would happen and then felt grateful when the thing they hoped for actually occurred. The participants were asked to identify the people they felt gratitude toward during that time as well.

After that quick 15-minute writing prompt, the participants reported they felt significantly happier and more hopeful about the future.

Cultivate Hope When You Feel Hopeless

You find you feel hopeful in some areas of your life but not others. You might feel hopeful about a new relationship while feeling hopeless about the economy. Or maybe you feel filled with hope about your financial situation while you’re struggling to stay hopeful about a loved one’s health.

When you feel hopeless about something, take a few minutes to do a writing exercise.

• What’s a similar situation you’ve endured in the past where you had hope and things worked out?
• What were you grateful for?
• Who are the people who helped and how are you grateful for them?

When you’re done, notice how you feel. Are you happier? Do you feel more hopeful about your current situation?

If you still lack hope, you might shift your focus about what you’re hoping will happen. Instead of trying to become hopeful that things will work out OK, you might focus on developing hope that you’ll be OK despite whatever happens.

You might start a hope journal where you do this exercise whenever you need a little boost in hope. Just reading through your past entries might help you cultivate hope when you need it the most.

Rahimipour, M., Shahgholian, N., & Yazdani, M. (2015). Effect of hope therapy on depression, anxiety, and stress among the patients undergoing hemodialysis. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 20(6), 694–699. https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-9066.170007

Day, Liz & Hanson, Katie & Maltby, John & Proctor, Carmel & Wood, Alex. (2010). Hope uniquely predicts objective academic achievement above intelligence, personality, and previous academic achievement. Journal of Research in Personality. 44. 550-553. 10.1016/j.jrp.2010.05.009.

vanOyen-Witvliet, Charlotte; Richie, Fallon J.; Root Luna, Lindsey M.; and Van Tongeren, Daryl R., "Gratitude Predicts Hope and Happiness: A Two-study Assessment of Traits and States" (2018). Faculty Publications. Paper 1464. https://digitalcommons.hope.edu/faculty_publications/1464

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and the author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do .

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At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.

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Hope Is A Great Healer (Essay Sample)

Hope is a great healer.

Human beings are faced with various difficult times and situations in their lives. Such difficult times require the resources that would in turn, enable them to have a positive attitude and the hope to overcome the difficult. Therefore, this means that whenever an individual has hope, then it is almost fully guaranteed that they will receive healing because hope acts by enabling a person to be honest with themselves, stay focused to achieve a particular goal and, as well as the courage to achieve such goals.

Being honest with oneself is the key to healing from a particular situation. Therefore, having hope enables a person to be honest with oneself in whatever decisions that they make. A good example is when an individual is faced with money-related issues. In such a case, the individual requires hope that, in turn, provides them with the necessary honesty in order to make the right decisions such as spending and saving. However, without such hope, then it would be difficult for them to make the right decisions. Therefore, having hope guides a person into being honest and in turn healing from the situation that they were facing.

In addition, having hope enables a person to heal from a situation because it provides the focus that is necessary when it comes to issues that ensure the achievement of goals. Different situations that human beings find it difficult to solve only require them to have priorities and set the right goals. As a result, this calls for hope in order to stay focused on achieving the goals. Once the goals have been achieved, then it means that the individual has healed from the situation that was bothering them. Hope creates a positive attitude in an individual hence making it easy for them to use the available resources to ensure the achievement of the goals. A good example is a situation whereby, an organization is facing employee conflicts and, in turn, leading to poor productivity. Through hope, such an organization can focus on goal achievement which, would turn out to be a success. Therefore, hope is a great way of healing.

Hope provides healing by creating courage in individuals whenever they are faced with a difficult situation. Such courage makes it possible for the individual to deal with any obstacles that come along their way and act as barriers to their achievement. Without hope, then it would be difficult for an individual to have the courage of overcoming difficulties due to the lack of the believe that they are able to achieve the goals. As a result, this means that the individual will not recover from that particular situation. A good example is the case whereby a nation is facing high levels of depression or inflation. As a result, the nation requires hope in order to have the courage of implementing the various solutions that can correct the situation. Hence, hope is a key factor in the process of healing.

Hope is a great healer because it enables people to be honest, focused and courageous enough to overcome the situation that is facing them. Being honest leads to the correct analyzing of a situation and in turn, making the right decisions to overcome the situation. Among such decisions are goals that require a lot of focus and courage in order to be able to use the available resources necessary to overcome the situation at hand. Hence, it is important for everyone to know that one of the key factors towards the process of healing from a situation is having hope that it is possible to overcome the situation. Therefore, above all factors of healing, one should have a lot of hope that it is possible for them to heal.

Pathways through Prostate Cancer: Resilience, Hope, and Healing

This essay about the challenges and triumphs faced in combating prostate cancer sheds light on the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. It emphasizes the importance of proactive screening and informed decision-making, highlighting various treatment options available, from surgery to targeted therapies. Through personal anecdotes and medical insights, the essay underscores the human aspect of the prostate cancer, acknowledging the emotions and support networks involved. It also emphasizes the significance of community resources and education in empowering individuals to navigate this with resilience and hope. Ultimately, the essay conveys a message of optimism and unity in the fight against prostate cancer, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the advancements in medical science.

How it works

In the realm of men’s health, prostate cancer emerges as a formidable foe, impacting countless lives worldwide each year. Its presence casts a shadow of uncertainty and trepidation, yet within this daunting reality, lies a journey characterized by resilience, enlightenment, and optimism for those grappling with this disease.

Prostate cancer, originating in the small gland nestled beneath the bladder, often develops stealthily, eluding detection until later stages. The significance of proactive screening through tests such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) exams and digital rectal examinations (DREs) cannot be overstated, particularly for men over 50 or those with heightened risk factors like familial history or ethnicity.

The diagnosis of prostate cancer sets individuals and their support networks on a multifaceted journey, navigating a labyrinth of medical terminology, treatment alternatives, and emotional fluctuations. From the initial biopsy to subsequent imaging studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone scans, each step necessitates careful consideration and a blend of medical expertise and personal intuition.

One pivotal aspect of this odyssey is determining the most suitable course of treatment. Factors such as the cancer’s stage, aggressiveness, overall health, and individual preferences all influence this decision-making process. Treatment options span a wide spectrum, ranging from active surveillance—where the cancer is vigilantly monitored but left untreated unless it progresses—to surgical interventions like radical prostatectomy, involving the removal of the entire prostate gland.

Surgery may evoke feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, yet advancements in medical technology have ushered in less invasive approaches, such as robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery, promising improved outcomes and expedited recovery times. Alongside surgery, a myriad of treatment modalities exists, encompassing radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, each with its unique benefits and potential side effects.

Amidst this journey, it’s crucial to recognize the human element—the individuals and families grappling with uncertainty, fear, and profound decisions. For some, the path may be punctuated by moments of solitude and introspection, confronting existential questions and the fragility of life. Others may find solace in the steadfast support of loved ones, drawing strength from shared experiences and acts of empathy.

Community resources, including support groups and online forums, serve as invaluable lifelines, offering guidance, camaraderie, and practical advice on navigating the emotional and practical complexities of a cancer diagnosis. These communities foster a sense of belonging and empowerment, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their journey.

In the realm of prostate cancer, knowledge serves as a potent weapon—a catalyst for informed decision-making and proactive self-advocacy. Education and awareness initiatives play a pivotal role in empowering individuals to seize control of their health, fostering a culture of prevention and proactive engagement with healthcare.

Despite the hurdles that lie ahead, there is also room for optimism—optimism in the relentless pursuit of scientific progress, optimism in the resilience of the human spirit, and optimism in the unwavering dedication of healthcare professionals. Each step forward represents a triumph over adversity, a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.

In the tapestry of the prostate cancer journey, there are no shortcuts or easy solutions, only a mosaic of experiences shaped by resilience, compassion, and hope. As we navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, let us stand united in solidarity, driven by our shared vision of a future where prostate cancer is conquered—a tribute to the power of human ingenuity and the triumph of the human spirit.

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Pathways Through Prostate Cancer: Resilience, Hope, and Healing. (2024, Mar 18). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/pathways-through-prostate-cancer-resilience-hope-and-healing/

"Pathways Through Prostate Cancer: Resilience, Hope, and Healing." PapersOwl.com , 18 Mar 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/pathways-through-prostate-cancer-resilience-hope-and-healing/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Pathways Through Prostate Cancer: Resilience, Hope, and Healing . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/pathways-through-prostate-cancer-resilience-hope-and-healing/ [Accessed: 22 May. 2024]

"Pathways Through Prostate Cancer: Resilience, Hope, and Healing." PapersOwl.com, Mar 18, 2024. Accessed May 22, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/pathways-through-prostate-cancer-resilience-hope-and-healing/

"Pathways Through Prostate Cancer: Resilience, Hope, and Healing," PapersOwl.com , 18-Mar-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/pathways-through-prostate-cancer-resilience-hope-and-healing/. [Accessed: 22-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Pathways Through Prostate Cancer: Resilience, Hope, and Healing . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/pathways-through-prostate-cancer-resilience-hope-and-healing/ [Accessed: 22-May-2024]

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Nebraska bishop shares mental illness story, offers message of hope 

May 17, 2024 Catholic News Agency News Briefs 2 Print

CNA Staff, May 17, 2024 / 17:14 pm (CNA).

After seven years of heading the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, Bishop James Conley found himself “buckling” under all of his duties and experiencing severe anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Several years later, after addressing his mental health needs, the bishop shared his reflections on mental health and Christ in a May 16 pastoral letter in which he emphasized the importance of support from his friends, family, medical professionals — and his golden retriever, Stella.

“I was overwhelmed by my responsibilities as bishop and relying too much on my own strength,” Conley wrote in a May 17 introduction to his pastoral letter in the Southern Nebraska Register . “As I received good professional care, I learned that weakness is part of the human condition, but the more we rely exclusively on ourselves, the more those weaknesses are exacerbated.”

Mental health is a growing concern in the United States. The percentage of U.S. adults diagnosed with depression has risen almost 10% since 2015, reaching 29% according to a 2023 Gallup poll , and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that almost half of U.S. teens report experiencing persistent sadness and hopelessness.

The Catholic Church is taking steps to prioritize support and resources for those struggling with mental illness and challenges. From Phoenix to Washington, D.C., dioceses are offering Masses and retreats for people struggling with mental illness, while the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (CMHM) is establishing mental health resources in parishes worldwide .

A bishop’s healing

In his pastoral letter, Conley shared about how stress, overwork, and self-reliance led to the deterioration of his mental, physical, and spiritual health. The road to wellness would be a long one, but when Conley shared why he was taking leave of absence, he received overwhelming support from the people of his diocese.

“About seven years after becoming bishop of Lincoln I started buckling under my episcopal duties,” Conley wrote in the May 16 letter. “The people of this diocese have a beautiful faith, and I wanted to be the strong, invincible leader I thought they deserved. Day in and day out, I tried to fix the problems brought to me instead of surrendering them to the Lord.”

Overwhelmed by the work, Conley noted that overtime, he “slackened in taking care of my own physical and mental well-being.”

“The first thing to go was my sleep because my brain would run nonstop,” Conley wrote. “All night I would lie in bed rehashing the day’s events, wrongly believing everything depended on me, that I was responsible for all the outcomes in the diocese. Although the wear and tear of this lifestyle was taking its toll, I kept trying to muscle through.”

An experienced runner, Conley eventually had to stop running his biannual half-marathons “due to a lack of energy.” He was hardly sleeping and ate “irregularly or not at all.”

“My physical deterioration led to emotional and psychological decline and, before I knew it, I was barely holding onto the last thread of my spiritual health,” he recalled.

Eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, anxiety, and tinnitus, which can be amplified by stress, Conley “was forced to confront my denial.” But unsure if he could take time off for mental health issues, Conley said he “minimized my problems.”

“Thankfully, my sister, friends, and medical professionals helped me recognize that it wasn’t selfish to take care of myself,” Conley noted.

At the end of 2019, Pope Francis granted Conley permission to take a leave of absence to recover from his mental health issues. Though it was “extremely hard to step away,” Conley said he received an “outpouring of support and prayer” from his diocese.

“I would need all that grace since the hardest part of my journey was still ahead,” he said.

While Conley was recovering, COVID-19 hit, causing the bishop’s “three anchors” of Mass, the rosary, and the Liturgy of the Hours to have “little solace” for him as he often had to offer Mass alone. Thrown into spiritual darkness, Conley “grappled” with the question “Where was God?”

Through meditating on his reliance on Christ, Conley began to recover from “unhealthy self-reliance” while developing his trust in God.

“I started to experience the freedom of surrender as I gradually allowed Jesus to shoulder burdens I had been carrying on my own,” he wrote.

“The last gift of this difficult healing season was my dog, Stella,” he continued. “My good friend Bishop James Wall of Gallup was in the process of getting a puppy and he convinced me to do likewise. We took a seven-and-a-half-hour road trip to El Paso to pick up four 8-week-old golden retrievers, two for us and two for other friends.”

“Looking back it’s funny to think that a 10-pound puppy was crucial in beginning to bring joy back into my life,” he continued. “Stella goes nearly everywhere with me now and is loved by all. Since I live alone, she provides needed companionship and ensures I get outside every day for walks.”

Conley ultimately returned from his leave of absence in November 2020, recovering with the help of several qualified Catholic doctors including a psychologist and psychiatrist. He shared his story with CNA in a 2020 interview .

Catholicism and mental health

Preserving faith through depression can be a challenge, but according to a 2012 study , being religiously involved can help people recover faster from depression. Resources for Catholics struggling with mental health vary; some parishes offer retreats or group ministries, while others provide referrals to therapy or other resources.

Conley noted that in times of spiritual despair, we “must protect” the “treasure” of hope that comes from God.

“When hope wanes, let us remember the countless ways God has blessed us, the particular instances in our lives where he has ‘come through,’ and the dark times when he felt absent but, in hindsight, we could discern his presence,” he wrote.

“A Catholic view of mental health is necessary because it defines well-being according to reason and revelation,” Conley wrote.

“One might rightly ask, if we don’t speak of a Catholic physics or a Catholic biology, why do we need a Catholic understanding of mental health?” he continued. “The answer is because any notion of mental health is laden with beliefs about the human person, about true human anthropology … But notions of human flourishing depend on one’s beliefs about the human person’s origins, purpose, and destiny.”

Allison Ricciardi, a psychotherapist and counselor who launched the website CatholicTherapists.com in 2001, helps connect Catholics with therapists who are dedicated to the Catholic faith and its teachings.

“The teachings of the Church are really solidly grounded in an understanding of the human person,” she told CNA in a phone call. “Between Scripture and teachings of the Church, [they] really do help us to understand human nature and how grace perfects that nature.”

Many saints have struggled with mental illness, Conley observed, and their lives are a reminder “that God is active in every life at all times in history.”

“How comforting to know many saints struggled like us — St. Ignatius of Loyola contemplated suicide, St. Jane Frances de Chantal suffered from depression for over 40 years, St. John of God had a mental breakdown that resulted in hospitalization, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton struggled with anxiety and depression,” he wrote. “They all grew closer to God through their struggles and so can we.”

“Both body and soul must be attended to, for we reflect and glorify God through both,” he continued. “In this understanding of the human person, we can see how issues in body or soul potentially harm mental health.”

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• Bishop James Conley
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Awesome. God bless Conley for sharing his cross to help others being crucified in this way.

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