Spiritual Gaslighting and Inequality

This term and topic of discussion is defined as the use or imposition of spiritual tools or doctrine to making individuals question their reality in attempt to exert power. This is a form of manipulation used to shame individuals into submission, and of which can and is usually adjoined with other forms of abuse.

Within religious and spiritual circles, it is common to be prescribed prayer, meditation or other rituals as the cure to depression. Although improved wellbeing from practicing meditation and ritual prayers have been observed this advice could have adverse effects. As many individuals do not experience significant improvements once practicing such practices may exacerbate anxiety and depression as individuals may feel alienated from the individual, religious/spiritual community which they are a part and rely upon.

Individuals with mental health disorders may be described as cursed or possessed by evil spirits which further alienates individuals from intimate relations and prevent them from receiving adequate mental health support. Similarly, those with various physical health issues, defects or disabilities are prescribed or stigmatised in a similar fashion. Individuals who experience epileptic fits namely in underdeveloped rural south Asian communities are described as being possessed by 'jinns' and therefore many do not receive potentially lifesaving medical treatment.

Western spirituality and mental health practices have adopted and monetise practices from Buddhism and other eastern religions in a way which does not question the contributing factors leading to their mental health deterioration or adapting to individual contextual experience. Jobs are consuming more of our lives yet providing less fulfilment as they are detached from the needs of workers and the community they are part of. Increased financial instability and dept are another contributing factor to financial stress for young adults is the increasing cost of university tuition, mortgages etc. which has increased considerably. For students and the youth, financialization of the education sector means universities are relying more on funds from tuition and therefore spending more on housing to attract more students rather than focusing on how best to improve the education sector and its contributions to social development. As western societies continue to become more unequal, so does the amount of distrust, lack of community cohesion and deterioration of people's wellbeing.

In order to improve youth mental health through an impactful and holistic approach, a number of issues need to be addressed including those mentioned above and solutions must be formed including diverse perspectives from members of the youth.