Mind, Body..... and Soul?

Healthcare today has advanced and evolved significantly to that of previous generations. No longer do we believe smoking is actually good for you, nor that mercury cures syphilis, or any other ailment that didn’t already have a cure for that matter. What we do know now is that the human body is complex, and healthcare should not just treat the physical form we have become. It should encompass mental and spirital health. This is no more prevelent in the treatment of chronic conditions, which can have very severe affects on all three aspects of an individuals well-being.

The biological treatments of conditions such as Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Rheumatoid and all other forms of arthritis are well known. With information offered by various charities and organisations, such as NASS, Spondylitis Association of America, and Arthritis Care UK. Treatments for depression can also be a part of an individuals treatment regime in order to combat the relentless nature of these conditions. But what about spiritual health? Can we offer more help for something so individualised and personal? Is this something that people need help with? Regardless of the religion, does having a faith of some kind help or hinder the holistic care approach?

Religion could have a positive or negative effect on well-being depending on a person’s state of mind. For instance, when diagnosed with a life changing condition did you say “why me god?” or “god will guide me through this”?  The list of examples could go on and on (but I’ll spare you of my ramblings). You don’t need to be medically trained to know that the individual with the positive attitude is far more likely to cope better with their condition, and treatments likely to be more successful.

Many of us know what we need to aid us physically, to help our daily battles with pain and its associated symptoms. How many of us manage our conditions with a balance of all aspects of our health. Is religion part of your regime? Or is spiritual health something that we need to be more aware of as part of our daily treatment plan?

I am very keen to hear your thoughts and feelings on such a diverse subject. Please be kind and respectful to other peoples comments.