by Marlene Bricker

Created on: March 15, 2009

Some scientists might argue with linking spirituality to anything. Yet, there should be a link between spirituality and psychiatry. In fact, let us remove the "should" and say there is a link between the two. There is an absolute connection as one can see if the Twelve Step programs or any addiction program is analyzed.

In psychiatry, the venue is typically a dose of drugs. Those drugs get regulated now and then. Sometimes counseling is required. Many times counseling is not mandatory in conjunction with the drugs. Most patients attain enough relief to move through their everyday lives. Yet, many more continue to keep their head above water.

Over the years, for myself, a very strong theory has evolved. I believe that one will not achieve any psychiatric healing until the patient has attained a spiritual connection. In fact, I will go out on a limb and state the mental issues we are facing in the world today are caused from the lack of spiritual connection.

Why would I say this now? We are in the midst of a technological world. We have amazing computers and phones that do everything. We have talking cars and Skype. Everything is bigger and better than ever and yet, depression is on the rise daily. We have kindergartners who are bi polar!

What has happened to our world? Spirituality is an absolute in my personal world. For me, I recognized early that I would never feel better until I was able to connect to the root of my soul. I saw no meaning to my life. It became clear to me that until I could connect to something outside of me, nothing would change. That was depression. I went to counselor after counselor. I even separated from my husband for a while. I tried some mild medication. Nothing worked.

One day I let out a cry from my soul. I knew if I did not find the purpose for my being on the planet, I did not desire to be on it. That is when the serious search for my existence began. I studied many things. I participated in many spiritual studies. Now I am firmly rooted in the study of Kabbalah.

My feeling is that one should never believe anyone else. I know there is a link between spirituality and psychiatry because I have personally experienced the lack. Without my spiritual connection, I had no hope. Now I am filled with the knowing that the spiritual laws that are working even when I am not aware, are far more powerful. I just continue to make discernments and continue the search for the root of the existence of humanity.

The sadness comes from our lack of purpose. Psychiatry cannot give us a purpose. Only spirituality can do that. However, psychiatry can be the catalyst to move one towards his or her spiritual journey. To summarize, I say I definitely know from my personal experience spirituality is mandatory in psychiatric treatment. And there it is!

Learn more about this author, Marlene Bricker.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.