Spirituality, the heart of caring

Abstract

‘We are all born into a particular tribal culture. Beginning life as part of a tribe, we become connected to our tribal consciousness and collective willpower by absorbing its strengths and weaknesses, beliefs, superstitions and fears. Through our interactions with family and other groups, we learn the power of sharing with other people. We learn how painful it can be to be excluded from a group and its energy. We also learn the power of sharing a moral and ethical code handed down from generation to generation.’ (Myss, 1997)We are all aware that, since time immemorial, there has been world‐wide stigma and discrimination against those unfortunate enough to suffer from mental ill health. Governments, as well as their electorates, have stigmatised and discriminated against those who suffer most.Many of those who have been entrusted with the care and support of mentally ill people have all too often taken a discriminatory line in their approach, which has not aided patients' recovery. Clergy of all faiths and beliefs have very often been at the forefront, receiving calls for help from families in despair, unable to cope with a son, daughter, husband or wife suffering from a mental illness. Yet they are often ill‐equipped and untrained in how to respond appropriately.