A New Old Resource for Addressing the Global Mental Health Crisis

In an era defined by escalating mental health challenges, it's imperative that we explore every viable path to well-being. This isn't the time to ignore ideas or interventions. The problem is too big and too urgent for that.

This was obvious to me when I was part of the launch of a new study about mental health in the era of AI at the beginning of October in London. I was there to spotlight Faith and Wellness: The Worldwide Connection Between Spirituality & Wellbeing, a groundbreaking new study from Gallup and the Faith and Media Initiative that has thrown the door wide open for a more sophisticated dialogue around this overlooked topic.

What happened in London both surprised me and confirmed what I knew: There is a huge appetite for data and understanding around a topic as complex as this one.

The body of research explored an underreported, yet transformative link between religious and spiritual practice and overall mental health across five cornerstone areas: positive coping, purpose in life, faith-based social connections, community and civic engagement, and structural stability. The data speaks for itself: individuals with spiritual or faith-based practices consistently report better health and well-being outcomes.

One critical hallmark of this study is its inclusive scope. By considering all forms of practice, from regular worship in a building to less structured forms of observation, the research reveals a consistent link across all ways we gather for a higher purpose. This matters profoundly because the improvements in mental health are not the sole purview of any one doctrine or dogma; they're available to anyone who participates in any spiritual community.

As a long-time advocate for building meaningful connections in both personal and professional spheres, I find this framework illuminating. It aligns with my own convictions about the empowering effects of community while challenging communications professionals to do a better job in building bridges around these topics. The security that comes with knowing that you belong to a supportive network creates a unique form of resilience, a bulwark against life's inevitable challenges and hardships.

While the human costs are the most important, there are related costs all over society. What does this augur for the business community? It comes down to economics as well as ethics. Some estimate that poor mental health is costing the global economy $40 billion in lost productivity. Executives, that is more than a wake-up call; it's an imperative. Further, there's an opportunity here to deepen our understanding of holistic well-being within organizational culture. Given the demographic diversity of the modern workplace, religious tolerance ought to be woven into our DEI programs as a matter of course. It is good for business and good for people.

The urgency couldn't be clearer. We need a more complex and comprehensive dialogue about both spirituality and mental well-being. Indeed, as we grapple with the complexities of global mental health, the collective power of our varied beliefs and supportive networks becomes not just an asset, but a necessity.

As mentioned earlier, the conversation around the launch of this data at the 2023 Wellbeing Conference in London was a milestone moment for me. I was inspired by the deep dedication to meeting the mental health crisis head-on and the thoughtful ways everyone was able to blend technical knowledge with humanity. The more we can meet people where they are, the more likely potential solutions will have measurable impact. Every voice, every tool, and every supportive network counts.

The world is increasingly filled with uncertainty, which can have devastating effects on each and every one of us in ways both visible and invisible. We need to keep the global conversation about mental health and wellness front and center. Spirituality is not peripheral to this conversation; it is key. Faith and Wellness: The Worldwide Connection Between Spirituality & Wellbeing offers a proactive blueprint. It reminds us that the power of community, the value of shared purpose, transcends cultural or spiritual boundaries. In these fractious times, that is a message we can all get behind.

So, with this in mind, here are three suggestions for how to act on the findings of this report:

1. Join a group with a shared purpose. It is not necessary to be part of one specific faith group to learn about others — although some of the most significant improvements to mental health do come from being a part of a faith community that you identify with as your own. But you can also find a group that syncs up with your interests and is focused on collective well-being, from an exercise group to a local monthly volunteer meeting. Just being part of a group with a shared purpose can help fortify a person when challenges arise.

2. If you are part of something, reach out more. Being part of a spiritual community can provide an invaluable supportive network, offering both emotional and structural stability. This works both ways; a person can benefit from offering support to their community members just as much as they can from receiving help. Either way, it reinforces the idea that you are not alone.

3. Expect well-being in the workplace. For business leaders, recognizing the link between spirituality and mental health is both an economic and ethical imperative. By acknowledging, respecting, and intentionally making space for the diverse spiritual practices of employees, businesses can create more inclusive, supportive environments that will show meaningful returns in employee satisfaction and retention.

It's been heartening to see the attention that the report has already received. Here's to better understanding and more thoughtful solutions to the worldwide mental health challenges we face. Here's to forging new, inclusive avenues in our collective pursuit of better mental health.

After all, we are and always will be, stronger together — across all facets of life.