Spiritual Care in Mental Health
I work in a residential mental health facility as an Activity Director, and over time I began to notice something quiet but consistent among the people I serve. Beyond activities, schedules, and structure, there was a deeper craving—a longing for spiritual care. It wasn’t something they always put into words, but it showed up in their questions, their restlessness, and their desire to sit with something meaningful. I started simply. I played church services online so they could watch together. We added gentle spiritual activities into our week, creating space for reflection, peace, and connection. Something shifted. The room felt calmer. The conversations felt softer. It felt like a need was being honored. Recently, I asked my pastor if she would be willing to come visit. When she arrived, she sat in a room with 16 residents who weren’t quite sure what to expect. You could feel the uncertainty at first. But as she spoke, listened, and simply showed up with presence and compassion, the room changed. Love filled the space in a way that can’t really be explained—you could feel it. Now my residents keep asking, “When is she coming back?” And today, my heart is so full. It reminded me that spiritual care doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just about creating space, inviting love in, and trusting that it will meet people exactly where they are.