The Mental Health Benefits of Spirituality

Dr. Lisa Miller, author of The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child, has spent decades researching the links between spirituality, mental health, and the human brain—and the findings are stunning.

Here are some key insights from her research:

• Adolescents with a strong personal spirituality are up to 80% less likely to experience depression.

• Adults with a high level of spirituality have up to 75% protection against recurring depression, particularly those with a family history of the illness.

• Spirituality is a significant protective factor against adolescent substance use and suicide.

• Spirituality is associated with significantly lower levels of anxiety. In one study, spiritual support was linked to a nearly 40% reduced risk of developing clinical anxiety.

• MRI studies reveal that spiritual practices are associated with greater cortical thickness in brain regions linked to resilience, emotional regulation, and decision-making.

The evidence clearly indicates that spirituality is a powerful protective factor for mental health.

So, what is spirituality?

Dr. Miller defines it as a lived connection to something greater than yourself. In its most potent form, it’s a relationship with a higher power or a felt sense of being held, guided, and loved.

This is not necessarily about a specific religion—or even religion at all. It might be a connection to nature, love, purpose, community, the divine, or inner wisdom.

Dr. Miller’s work affirms what I’ve seen across 25 years of resilience research and training:Spirituality is not an add-on. It is a core pillar of emotional wellbeing.

So, today’s invitation is to take a few minutes a reflect on your spiritual life:

• What helps you feel connected to something greater?

• How do you nourish your spirit—daily, weekly, or seasonally?

• Could a simple practice—like stillness, gratitude, prayer, or awe—become part of your mental health toolkit?