Marta, a 16-year-old high school teenager, has been depressed over a recent break-up with her boyfriend.  Marta, accompanied by her mother, is seen in the community mental health clinic.

QUESTION

CHAPTER 7, Spirituality in Psychiatric Care

In completing the case study, students will be addressing the following learning objective: Explore reasons for the resurgence of interest in the spiritual aspects of healthcare.

• Marta, a 16-year-old high school teenager, has been depressed over a recent break-up with her boyfriend.  Marta, accompanied by her mother, is seen in the community mental health clinic.  A mild antidepressant is prescribed for Marta with weekly counseling sessions.  Marta and her mother ask if it would be beneficial for Marta to attend a 1-week church camp to begin in 2 months.  Marta would like to reconnect with her religion and voices a belief that the camp experience will help her. The psychiatric nurse practitioner informs them that research reveals that involvement in religious activities has been helpful in social support and in coping with depression.  Marta appears relieved and said that she will register for the church camp.

(Learning Objective: 2)

a. Why might Marta want to reconnect with her religion, and how will attendance at the church camp benefit Marta?

b. If Marta attends the church camp, will this pose a problem to counseling sessions?

ANSWER

Exploring the Resurgence of Interest in the Spiritual Aspects of Healthcare: A Case Study on Marta

Introduction

 In recent years, there has been a noticeable resurgence of interest in the spiritual aspects of healthcare. This case study focuses on Marta, a 16-year-old high school teenager who is experiencing depression following a break-up with her boyfriend. Marta and her mother seek help from a community mental health clinic, where a psychiatric nurse practitioner suggests attending a 1-week church camp. This essay aims to explore the reasons why Marta desires to reconnect with her religion and how attendance at the church camp may benefit her. Additionally, the potential impact of the camp on counseling sessions will be discussed.

 Marta’s Desire to Reconnect with Religion and the Benefits of Church Camp: Marta’s desire to reconnect with her religion can be attributed to several potential factors

Emotional Support: Religion often provides a sense of community and social support, which can be particularly valuable during challenging times. Marta’s recent break-up may have left her feeling isolated and emotionally vulnerable. Reconnecting with her religion may offer her a supportive network of individuals who share similar beliefs and values.

Sense of Meaning and Purpose: Spirituality and religious beliefs can provide individuals with a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Marta may be seeking solace in her religious beliefs to find answers to existential questions and gain a renewed sense of direction.

Coping Mechanism: Engaging in religious practices and rituals can serve as a coping mechanism for individuals facing emotional distress (DeRossett et al., 2021). By participating in religious activities, Marta may find comfort, solace, and a sense of inner peace that can aid in her recovery from depression.

Personal Beliefs and Values: Marta’s desire to reconnect with her religion may stem from her personal beliefs and values. Religion often plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s identity, providing a framework for moral guidance, and influencing their worldview. By attending the church camp, Marta may have the opportunity to reinforce her beliefs and strengthen her connection to her faith.

Attendance at the church camp can benefit Marta in the following ways

Emotional Healing: The supportive environment of the church camp can provide Marta with an empathetic community where she can express her emotions and receive comfort from individuals who share similar beliefs. This emotional healing can contribute positively to her overall well-being and help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Social Support: The church camp offers Marta the opportunity to build new relationships and establish connections with like-minded peers and mentors (Umberson & Montez, 2010). These social interactions can enhance her social support network, which is crucial for individuals struggling with depression.

Personal Growth: Engaging in religious activities, such as prayer, meditation, and reflection, can foster personal growth and self-awareness. Marta may find the church camp environment conducive to exploring her spirituality, gaining insights into her emotions, and developing a greater sense of self-acceptance and resilience.

Coping Skills and Resources: Church camps often provide guidance on coping with life’s challenges through religious teachings and practices. Marta may acquire new coping skills, such as prayer, meditation, or engaging in acts of kindness, which can help her manage her depression more effectively.

 Impact on Counseling Sessions

Attending the church camp does not necessarily pose a problem to Marta’s counseling sessions. In fact, the integration of both experiences can complement each other and contribute to Marta’s holistic healing. However, some considerations should be taken into account:

Collaboration and Communication: It is essential for the psychiatric nurse practitioner and Marta’s counselor to establish clear lines of communication. Sharing information about Marta’s attendance at the church camp, the activities involved, and any insights or experiences gained can help both professionals coordinate their efforts and ensure a comprehensive treatment plan.

Scheduling and Balance: Marta’s counseling sessions can be adjusted to accommodate her attendance at the church camp (World Health Organization, 2013). The frequency and timing of sessions can be discussed with the counselor and psychiatric nurse practitioner to ensure a balanced approach that addresses both Marta’s spiritual needs and her therapeutic progress.

Integration of Learnings: Marta’s counselor can encourage her to reflect on her experiences at the church camp during counseling sessions. Exploring how her spirituality and religious practices have impacted her mental health can provide valuable insights and aid in tailoring counseling interventions to align with her beliefs and values.

Conclusion

The resurgence of interest in the spiritual aspects of healthcare has led to an understanding of the potential benefits of religious involvement for individuals facing mental health challenges. In Marta’s case, her desire to reconnect with her religion and attendance at the church camp can provide emotional support, a sense of meaning, coping mechanisms, and personal growth opportunities. By integrating Marta’s religious experiences with counseling sessions, a holistic approach to her well-being can be achieved. Collaboration and open communication between the psychiatric nurse practitioner and counselor will be vital in ensuring an effective and balanced treatment plan that addresses both Marta’s spiritual needs and her therapeutic progress.

References

DeRossett, T., LaVoie, D. J., & Brooks, D. (2021). Religious Coping Amidst a Pandemic: Impact on COVID-19-Related Anxiety. Religious Coping Amidst a Pandemic: Impact on COVID-19-Related Anxiety, 60(5), 3161–3176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-021-01385-5 

Umberson, D., & Montez, J. K. (2010). Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(1_suppl), S54–S66. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146510383501 

World Health Organization. (2013). PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE COUNSELLING PROCESS. Counselling for Maternal and Newborn Health Care – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304189/