Spirituality and depression: the role of spirituality in the process of recovering from depression

Although there is increasing recognition of the influence of spirituality in health and healing, the understanding and provision of spiritual care in psychiatric practice, especially how spirituality helps in recovering from depression, has not kept pace with this trend. This study explored the role of spirituality in the process of recovering from depression. The findings revealed that spirituality played a significant role for participants in their recovery from depression and that it was experienced as connections. Connections enabled participants to form relationships with God/Higher Power, self, others and nature, and through these relationships participants found meaning and purpose in their lives.