BRIDGING THE GAP TO REDUCE THE DURATION OF UNTREATED ILLNESS - SPIRITUALITY AND MENTAL HEALTH

Negative outcomes are linked to longer period of untreated illness. Stigma and its perceived consequences may cause a delay in seeking help for mental health conditions. There is no health without mental health and spirituality is integral to biopsychosocial model of care. Seeking help from faith healers and alternative practitioners maybe the initial step for mental health symptoms. Correct early intervention can influence overall prognosis. Hence, there is a need to bridge the gap between clinical approaches with traditional non-medical practices including spirituality. Collaboration between respected qualified knowledgeable religious scholars and trained mental healthcare professionals is essential for better outcomes. This will aid in the early detection of symptoms within the general population, leading to prompt diagnosis and treatment. Informing the public through places of worship and social media, equipped with trustworthy information, will help shorten the duration of untreated illness.