SPIRITUALITY, MENTAL HEALTH, AND SUICIDAL IDEATION: EVIDENCE, INTERVENTIONS, AND CHALLENGES FOR CLINICAL CARE

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between spirituality, mental health, and suicidal ideation, with particular attention to the potential role of spiritual dimensions in suicide prevention and clinical care. Suicide remains a major public health concern, especially among young people, reinforcing the need for preventive strategies that extend beyond exclusively biomedical approaches. Spirituality has been increasingly investigated as a potential source of hope, resilience, meaning in life, and emotional support in contexts of psychological distress. Based on a review of recent scientific literature, this study explores the evidence linking spirituality to mental health and suicidal ideation, as well as the interventions, possibilities, and challenges associated with its incorporation into healthcare practices. The findings suggest that spiritual and religious dimensions may contribute to psychological well-being and provide additional resources for coping with emotional distress, although their effects vary according to individual, clinical, and cultural contexts. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of professional training, appropriate assessment tools, respect for individual beliefs, and ethically grounded practices when addressing spirituality in healthcare settings. Ultimately, the review indicates that spirituality may represent a relevant complementary dimension of mental health care and suicide prevention when integrated into clinical practice through individualized, culturally sensitive, and evidence-informed approaches.