Meaning making, mental health and spirituality: a positive autoethnographic case study of Evangelos C. Fradelos

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Evangelos Fradelos, Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing at the University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece. Design/methodology/approach In this qualitative positive autoethnographic case study, Evangelos Fradelos uses positive autoethnography to reflect on meaning making, mental health and spirituality, as it relates to his personal and professional life and research. A ten-question Q and A follows. Findings Spirituality is highly relevant to mental health, as it can act as an antidote to depression and anxiety and as a source of resilience and inner strength. At the same time, caring for others can become a spiritual act and a space for meaning. Research limitations/implications The findings from narrative qualitative case studies cannot be generalized. This positive autoethnography reflects the views and experiences of Evangelos Fradelos. Practical implications Numerous practical recommendations as to how to develop mental health, purpose, direction and spirituality are shared. This narrative is of particular interest for those who are battling anger, fear, rejection and feelings of worthlessness and seek practical insight as to how to develop resilience, adaptability and empathy. Social implications Dr Fradelos recounts the devastating effects that village familial social exclusion had on him as a child and highlights the fundamental importance of social connection in human flourishing. Compassionate connections and meaningful relationships can underpin spirituality and are powerful forces in our journey. Originality/value In this original study, Dr Evangelos Fradelos shares for the first time to a wider circle his personal journey of meaning making and spirituality. We learn of his experiences, work and research, from his early childhood in Glyfa, Fthiotida, to his current position at the Laboratory of Clinical Nursing in Larissa, Greece.