Spirituality is about mental wellbeing

Spirituality
Questions to ask
Common concerns

Spirituality includes religions, but extends beyond religions and encompasses all beliefs and those who have no firm religious beliefs

Spirituality

“Spirituality is multidimensional and relational, encompassing meaning and purpose, self reflection, hope, faith, beliefs and a sense of sacredness and separateness” ( from Liz Grant et al BMJ 2010;341:c4859)

Questions to ask

  • What’s the most important issue in your life right now?
  • What helps you keep going?
  • How do you see the future?
  • What is your greatest worry or concern?
  • Are there ever times when you feel down?
  • Is religion or faith important to you?
  • (Murry et al PallMed 2004;18:39-45)

Common concerns

  • Searching for meaning  – What was the purpose of my life?
  • Searching for validation – Was my life worth living and did I live it well enough?
  • Asking for forgiveness – Can I be forgiven and absolved of the past?
  • Searching for a sense of redemption and restoration to wholeness
  • Searching for reconciliation of memories, and of broken relationships. Reunion and community spirit  among all relations
  • The quest for peacefulness and searching to make peace with others and with self
  • Asking for permission to leave this world
  • ( Liz Grant et al BMJ 2010;341:c4859)