Life and Growth: The Spiritual Foundations of Mental Health – A Baha’i View

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that we are in the traditional territory of the Aakw Hwan, the original people of Lingit Aani. We pay our respects to Aakw Hwan Elders, both past and present, and honor the spiritual wisdom they bring to our community.

In today’s world, we all face pressure and stress that can affect our well-being. For some, this means finding ways to maintain balance. For others, it means living with real mental health problems that require medical treatment and support. The Bahá’í Faith offers a balanced perspective that respects both the spiritual and medical aspects of mental health, affirming that the two approaches can work together to promote healing and resilience.

One of the Bahá’í teachings emphasizes that each of us has a noble soul and spiritual purpose. Understanding this purpose can give our lives meaning beyond material concerns and help us find perspective amid life’s challenges. Daily spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation and service are encouraged in the Bahá’í Faith as ways of nurturing the soul and promoting mental clarity and inner peace.

Prayer and meditation are like an oasis for the mind and soul. These practices allow people to pause, reflect, and find solace in a source larger than themselves. In times of stress or anxiety, turning inward through these spiritual practices can bring a new sense of peace and hope, even if external circumstances remain the same.

A unique aspect of the Bahá’í Faith is its emphasis on service to humanity. Service is seen not only as a way to help others, but also as a source of personal satisfaction and goal achievement. During difficult times, involvement in service can be a way to shift attention away from personal worries and instead contribute to the well-being of others. Research has shown that those who engage in community service often experience feelings of happiness and connection, which can have a positive impact on mental health.

While spiritual practices can offer solace and support during everyday stresses, it is important to recognize that true mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are complex conditions often rooted in neurological or biochemical factors. The Bahá’í Faith values ​​the value of science, including the understanding and treatment of mental illness. Just as we seek medical help for physical ailments, mental health problems also require professional help.

Shoghi Effendi (Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith) wrote: “However, this does not mean that we should ignore medical reports and treatment. On the contrary, we must do everything possible to obtain the opinion of specialists and competent doctors.”

Having a supportive network of friends and family who understand the importance of both a medical and spiritual approach to mental health can be a lifeline for those struggling with it. This support system can remind people that they are not alone in their journey and that their struggles are met with empathy, understanding and respect.

Ultimately, the Baha’i Faith emphasizes the unity of spiritual and physical reality. Spiritual practices such as prayer and service can improve resilience and emotional well-being, while medical treatment can help manage the physical aspects of mental illness. This integration recognizes that both dimensions—spiritual and physical—are important to holistic mental health. In our community, we can take comfort in the idea that tribal values ​​contain the same principles.

As we continue to navigate the challenges of modern life, promoting mental well-being is an avenue that can benefit from both spiritual and medical support. By respecting both perspectives, we can create a more compassionate and balanced approach to mental health that values ​​both the soul and the science behind caring for the mind.

• Adam Bauer is secretary of the Baha’i Assembly in Juneau. “Live and Grow” is a weekly column written by a variety of writers and presented by local clergy and spiritual leaders. He appears every Saturday on the Juneau Empire Faith page.