I have found peace through prayer and a sense of understanding when seeking answers to questions like “why me?” Trusted church community members continue to guide me through life’s ebbs and flows. My priest offers a safe space to grow as individuals and as a collective. As a member of the communications committee at Eli’s Place, I am honoured to share how I found healing through spirituality and religion, and the support it has offered my mental health journey.
When we look at holistic health, we can examine spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health. Spiritual health was prioritized in my upbringing and I grew up going to church every Sunday with my parents and brother. We learned how to pray, we explored the meaning behind the main holidays we celebrated, and we were surrounded by a community of people with shared values. The church also offered Greek dance lessons, thus I spent time upholding my culture’s traditions and learning dances with my peers.
Losing Connection to My Faith Community
When I went to University, my struggles with managing my mental health began. What I find interesting is that going to church was no longer a priority for me. I distanced myself from the church while I was on this journey of finding myself. Because I had formed a relationship with God growing up, prayer continued to be an element of my life before bed. However, I definitely removed myself from my roots that my parents had worked so hard on developing. I believe being away from home for school contributed to the absence of spirituality. Because I was not around many people who practiced my faith, therefore, there were rare opportunities to connect in this manner.
I recall one day in my first year, I decided to go, by myself, to the local Greek Orthodox Church in my community. I remember vividly waking up on a sunny Sunday morning and walking to church. I participated in the Divine Liturgy, which is the service we hold on Sundays for our community. I walked home after the service feeling calm, at peace, and full of joy. I connected with a higher power that at times is unexplainable. In my religion, we believe in the Holy Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, together as one. You can learn more about this concept and other teachings of the Orthodox faith, here.
The Holy Spirit filled my heart with love that day and looking back, I wish I reflected on the feeling I had leaving church and perhaps then I would have gone back more often.
Health Challenges and Finding Faith Again
In my second year of University, my mental health plummeted and I struggled to find balance and maintain coping skills. I pushed on and graduated successfully but I did so without the support of regular religious practice. After graduation, I entered the workforce in my chosen field but what was already difficult became increasingly so when I faced a new physical illness.
During the journey of treatment and recovery I refound my faith. I learned that God has a plan for us, and he permits struggles in our life for the purpose of our salvation. I leaned into this belief and it brought me comfort as I made sense of why I have experienced so many hardships in my life.
Finding Peace
During times of loneliness, I am reminded that the Holy Trinity, Virgin Mary, my guardian angel, and all the Saints are always with me, watching over me. This spiritual practice comes to my rescue when I feel alone. Recently, I was sitting in a support group and a community member mentioned how during times of heightened anxiety and when the day is not going well, this individual will remind himself that God is there for him. I remember smiling and looking at him with joy because I can relate. I am not the only one who leans on my relationship with God, especially during challenging times in my mental health journey.
Speaking to God through prayer or journaling has also been a tool that has supported me in managing my emotions, coping with the pressures of life, times of despair, and dealing with the challenges of navigating my mental health and my physical limitations. I find strength, hope, faith, love, and life in my prayers. I know that God is always listening to me and is there for me during the turbulence, I simply need to lean on him. He is always reaching out with a hand, all I have to do is reach back. You may find some prayers here that people of my faith rely on, the language is quite beautiful and often reminds me of poetry.
Leaning On Trusted Advisors
The spiritual father, who is the priest at my church has also been a light for me, especially during times when the world around me seems so dark. My spiritual father offers me spiritual guidance, wisdom, accountability, and support. Through attending confession, I am able to address my health concerns and the priest offers me a refreshing spiritual perspective that gives me strength. I do not feel any judgment from this individual, he accepts me as I am and is always willing to speak to me about my internal battles and how he can best support me as I manage them. My priest also aids me in determining what my spiritual gifts are, which allow me to discover how I will contribute to society. His prayers and spiritual guidance have enlightened me and championed my recovery.
Community is Essential
The last point I would like to leave you with, is the element of community that has risen from my spiritual journey. I have met wonderful people with inspiring stories who continue to welcome me to the community. Every Sunday we are greeted by the same people with smiles and prayers. We come together to pray for the world, for those who are sick, for our families, etc. This unites us in a powerful and loving way. There are also many opportunities to volunteer at community events, creating a sense of belonging through helping others.
Community members have opened up to me about their struggles and I have done the same. We support each other, pray for one another, and offer a listening ear through opening our hearts. My church community has seen me at my lowest and many people tried to raise me up, thus supporting my recovery in an inspiring way. Some in the community are my age, and some are older; they all offer unique perspectives and wisdom through compassion and love. You can quickly see the strong community we have created through scrolling through our church’s website here.
Many research studies display the positive correlation between spirituality and mental health recovery. A well documented study portrays the impact on high spirituality for those with depression, anxiety, substance use, suicide risk, and grief and bereavement. Furthermore, the study communicates the connection between faith and congregational participation when building social support systems.
My parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles planted a seed in me as a child. It’s a spiritual seed that has grown into a beautiful, unique flower that is watered daily. My family’s encouragement and guidance throughout my life, and facing illness, have inspired me to focus on my relationship with God on a deeper level. My priest and community further help me cultivate my spirituality and religious intent, as I continue to fulfil my purpose. This focus has supported me through my challenges thus far and has brought a spirit of peace, joy, and comfort.
Constantina Venetis | Eli’s Place Volunteer
Constantina Venetis is an advocate for mental health and recognizes the importance of ending the stigma circulating mental health. She has a business background, specializing in marketing and hopes to merge her passion for wellbeing with her creative background.
- Constantina Venetis | Eli’s Place Volunteer
- Constantina Venetis | Eli’s Place Volunteer
- Constantina Venetis | Eli’s Place Volunteer
- Constantina Venetis | Eli’s Place Volunteer
