The Connection Between Faith and Mental Health with Dr. Anita Phillips
Understanding the Role of Spirituality in Emotional Well-Being
Spirituality and mental health have long been seen as separate, sometimes even opposing forces. However, as Dr. Anita Phillips—a mental health counselor, PhD holder, and faith leader—explains, these two aspects of our lives are deeply connected. On Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, Dr. Phillips breaks down how faith, emotions, and mental well-being interact, offering powerful insights and actionable steps to bring harmony between them.
The Disconnect Between Faith and Psychology
For years, psychology and faith have often been at odds, each skeptical of the other. Many religious individuals have felt wary of psychology, viewing it as dismissive of faith, while the field of psychology itself has historically stigmatized religion. Dr. Phillips explains that this gap is slowly closing, but understanding how spirituality fits into mental health requires deeper reflection.
She encourages people to examine their spiritual beliefs beyond labels like ‘religious’ or ‘spiritual.’ Instead, she asks: What do you believe about what you can’t see? This core question allows individuals to explore their own faith in a way that resonates with their personal experiences rather than simply adhering to structured religious doctrine.
Faith as an Anchor in Times of Crisis
One of the most pressing issues of our time is emotional resilience in the face of uncertainty. Dr. Phillips emphasizes that belief systems significantly impact our ability to navigate crises. For those who believe that life should always be free of suffering, hardship can feel devastating. On the other hand, those who see faith as a source of strength during challenges are often better equipped to endure difficulties.
“What do you believe about suffering?” she asks. “Do you believe you will always be protected from hardship, or do you believe that faith strengthens you to withstand life’s trials?” Answering this can reframe how we handle emotional pain and unexpected adversity.
The Power of Emotional Awareness in Mental Health
A key takeaway from Dr. Phillips’ approach is the necessity of emotional awareness. She identifies four core human experiences:
- Emotional pleasure (joy, love, fulfillment)
- Emotional pain (sadness, grief, heartbreak)
- Physical pleasure (comfort, security, physical wellness)
- Physical pain (illness, hunger, discomfort)
Recognizing which of these experiences we prioritize helps us understand our moral compass and purpose. Some people are driven to minimize physical pain in the world, leading them to causes like fighting hunger or medical research, while others seek to maximize emotional pleasure, focusing on fostering joy and connection. Identifying where we stand allows us to live with greater intention and fulfillment.
Journaling as a Spiritual and Emotional Tool
Dr. Phillips introduces an insightful five-element journaling technique that integrates spirituality and mental health. She suggests writing reflections on these five key questions:
- What do I believe about a higher power? Whether it’s God, the universe, or another force, defining this belief helps ground us.
- What do I believe about life after death? This shapes how we process grief and mortality.
- What do I believe about morality? Exploring our core values helps us align our actions with our beliefs.
- What is my purpose in life? Understanding this prevents us from conflating purpose with productivity.
- How do I integrate these beliefs into daily life? Practical application ensures our faith supports our mental health, rather than existing separately from it.
Why Emotions Matter More Than We Think
Dr. Phillips shares a deeply personal story that transformed her understanding of emotions. When giving birth at home, she tracked her labor progress not by traditional medical signs but by her emotions—knowing that feelings of elation, seriousness, and eventual surrender signaled different stages of labor. This experience solidified her belief that emotions are not to be controlled but listened to as guiding signals in life.
“We conflate thinking and believing, but they’re not the same,” she explains. “We get emotional not about what we think, but about what we believe.”
This distinction is crucial because it explains why some people are deeply affected by hardships while others remain resilient. Our emotions are a direct reflection of our deeper spiritual beliefs.
Rethinking Trauma: Finding Strength Through Faith
For many, faith is tested in times of trauma. Dr. Phillips’ own journey, growing up with a sister who struggled with severe mental illness, forced her to confront painful questions about suffering and faith. Ultimately, she realized that while suffering is not always part of a divine plan, faith provides the strength to endure it.
“I don’t believe everything happens for a good reason, but I do believe that good can come from anything that happens,” she shares. Rather than searching for justification in pain, she encourages people to seek ways to transform hardship into purpose.
Final Takeaway: Define Your Own Beliefs
Dr. Phillips’ message is clear: Whether you identify as religious, spiritual, or somewhere in between, defining your beliefs about the unseen world shapes how you navigate life. Understanding what you believe about suffering, emotions, morality, and purpose will help you live more intentionally and with greater peace.
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