Rev. Colleen Irwin

Bridging spirituality and your mental health doesn’t have to be difficult.  Have you ever felt overwhelmed or alone while navigating your spiritual journey? You’re not alone. Many people struggle to differentiate between the challenges of spiritual growth and the realities of mental health. It can feel isolating, but understanding their interconnectedness can bring clarity and peace.

The Overlap Between Spiritual Growth and Mental Health

When I began my spiritual awakening, I didn’t realize how much it would affect my mental health. Without a supportive network, I didn’t feel safe to explore my spirituality. I felt disconnected and struggled with depression. There was a constant push-and-pull between who I was and the greater connection I yearned to embrace. Over time, I realized that accepting my connection to something greater brought stability, happiness, and peace.

Spiritual growth often brings up unresolved emotions or deep-seated pain, making it hard to distinguish between a spiritual shift and mental health struggles. Feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion may be common, but for me, it went deeper. I couldn’t tolerate the injustices I saw in my life and had to make the difficult decision to move away from that pain.

Finding Support and Letting Go

Healing and growth require the right environment. For me, the right support system appeared when I was ready to receive it. But that didn’t happen without effort. I had to remove negativity and let certain people out of my life. It was a painful but necessary step to create space for healing.

One of the most powerful questions I asked myself was, “Is this what I want, or what someone else wants?” Getting crystal clear on what was true for me allowed me to act with confidence and love. It’s not always easy, but clarity is essential for growth.

Finding a good mentor can also make a profound difference. For me, Jack Rudy was invaluable in helping me learn to love and trust myself. His guidance gave me the strength to embrace my journey with greater confidence and authenticity.

Not All Communities Are Equal

In my experience, not all spiritual communities are supportive. Some environments attract individuals who haven’t done the inner work necessary to truly help others. It’s important to evaluate communities objectively. Trust your instincts when something feels off. Seek communities where compassion is both given and expected in return.

Tools for Balance

Balancing spiritual growth and mental health isn’t about choosing one over the other—they go hand in hand. Journaling and writing have been invaluable tools in my journey. They’ve helped me process emotions, clarify my thoughts, and uncover patterns that needed attention. I’ve written over 1,200 articles on my website, many of which were inspired by my healing process.

If you’re feeling lost, consider finding a good therapist, joining a supportive spiritual community, and committing to doing the hard work to heal and grow. Healing requires patience, but it’s worth the effort.

A Final Thought

Looking back, one of the hardest lessons I learned was that “No is a complete sentence.” Trusting myself and setting boundaries were pivotal moments in my journey. You are not alone, and there is hope. Healing is possible when you approach it with honesty, courage, and self-compassion.

Take a moment today to ask yourself: Is this what I truly want? Then, trust your answer. You’re stronger than you think.