Spirituality & Mental Health
Episode Description
Though spirituality is often associated with religion, it can mean much more than simply attending religious services or praying. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and psychiatrist Dr. Wayne Martinsen define spirituality and discuss its relevance in daily life, touching on ways people experience, express, and cultivate spirituality. They also talk about the link between spirituality, religion and meaning in life.What to Expect
- What is spirituality?
- How to practice spirituality
- How spirituality and meaning can change throughout life
Resources: Learn More
- “Understanding Spirituality and Mental Health,” (mcleanhospital.org)
- “Gratitude Exercises for Adults & Parents,” by Dakota Family Services
Things to Think About
- People can experience and express spirituality in many ways, whether through religious practice, connecting with family, engaging with the arts, or spending time in nature.
- What are some ways that you practice spirituality in your life?
About the Hosts
Dr. Martinsen enjoys working with a wide range of ages and diagnoses. His practice is largely focused on complex clients with multiple health challenges. He diagnoses psychiatric and behavioral health conditions, makes recommendations for treatment, and prescribes/manages medications for clients of all ages. Much of his work focuses on maximizing health, treating illness, and promoting healthy longevity through lifestyle medicine.
Transcript
Spirituality & Mental Health
Featuring Dr. Wayne Martinsen, Psychiatrist, Dakota Family Services
Tim Unsinn:
Welcome to Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services, an outpatient behavioral health clinic, located in Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo, North Dakota. In this podcast, I will talk with our experts about understanding and nurturing our mental health and wellness. I'm your host, Tim Unsinn. Join me each episode as we explore the intricacies of our minds, decrease the stigma of mental illness, learn practical tips for managing our mental health and wellbeing, and recognize when it's time to ask for help. Join me now to mind your mind. Welcome to this episode of Mind Your Mind. I'll be talking with Dr. Wayne Martinsen. Dr. Martinsen is a medical director and psychiatrist in Fargo and Minot. Dr. Martinsen diagnoses psychiatric and behavioral health conditions and makes treatment recommendations and provides medication management for clients of all ages. Our topic today is spirituality. However, Dr. Martinsen it's great to have you on mind your mind. And before we start, I always ask that one question of why do you do what you do?
Dr. Wayne Martinsen:
For several reasons, Tim, I find my work absolutely fascinating. I love working with people, I love making a difference, and it feels like to me sometimes my work is an expression of my spirituality in terms of how can I use my talents to help others.
Tim Unsinn:
Love that answer. And I always appreciate talking with so many of our providers here at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch and Dakota Family Services, the fact that helping others is the forefront of everything that we are about. Spirituality is our topic. How is spirituality defined?
Dr. Wayne Martinsen:
Spirituality would be a sense of transcendence or experience of oneself outside of just the material world. So while our religious faith is the structured way that we live out the rules by which we live, the goals that we set for our faith, it helps us on a particular pathway to be closer to God or the transcendent, spirituality is the underlying sense or experience of transcendence beyond that, and it's a heightened sense of connection to humanity, to the future, to those around us.
Tim Unsinn:
How is that experienced?
Dr. Wayne Martinsen:
It's experienced in a number of ways, and there's a surprising amount of research on spirituality and on transcendence. But when we experience that sense of awe, whether it's looking into the heavens at night and seeing the stars, whether it's seeing the beauty of nature, holding a child or a grandchild, when we see somebody who has done an incredible artwork, it's a sense of gratitude. Not just for something that somebody did in this moment, but for the people around us, for the society around us, when we have a sense of oneness or unity with people around us, those are all various experiences of transcendence or spirituality.
Tim Unsinn:
So we've, we've experienced it. How do we express spirituality?
Dr. Wayne Martinsen:
It's expressed, again, in a lot of ways. It's expressed in that sense of gratitude. It's expressed in how we treat the people around us, the values that we choose to live by. It's expressed in the arts. A lot of times we will hear a particular piece of music that really moves us to think more deeply or we'll read something that's thoughtfully written, whether that's the Bible, other spiritual materials, or whether that's just something from one of the philosophers. Artwork can be an expression of transcendence. The experience of connection with people when we're volunteering or when we're caring for somebody is also ofttimes an experience of transcendence or spirituality.
Tim Unsinn:
You're listening to Mind Your Mind. Our guest is Dr. Wayne Martinsen, and we are talking about spirituality, talking about experiencing that, what it is, how to express it, how do we cultivate it?
Dr. Wayne Martinsen:
Well, a lot of the times we're cultivating it when we're just in a quiet space, when we're walking in nature. Some people will actively try to cultivate it, and what you're looking at is a non beseeching prayer. So using prayer as a sense of connection to God or to the universe, rather than asking in a personal way for something that we want from God. So the experience of spirituality is a part of our religious faith, but it's also in other places, whether we're meditating, whether we're time in nature, and if we have just a non-judgmental openness to the beauty around us and try to focus in this moment on what's going on around us and what's positive. That's also an experience of spirituality.
Tim Unsinn:
You know, as you're talking about the experience, the expression, the cultivation, I think so many of the other things that we do, it has to be sometimes intentional in, in what we're doing.
Dr. Wayne Martinsen:
And for, for me, my background is Christian. So when I go to a baptism, when I go to a ceremony that reflects Christmas, the birth of Christ or, or the resurrection of Christ, or when I go to a funeral and they talk about the nature of, of life, of spirit beyond this world, those are all, for me, a part of my spirituality.
Tim Unsinn:
So what's the relationship between spirituality and meaning?
Dr. Wayne Martinsen:
You know, I think the two are linked inextricably. Meaning is a lot of pieces that touch on spirituality. So meaning changes across our life. So for a young person meaning is what job they had, what relationship they connect with, finding a goal in life or a career in life, having children. At some point as we get older, spirituality becomes what we're going to leave for the next generation. What we're, you know, what are we going to do to leave the planet in a better place? How can we volunteer to help a situation around us? So it's, it's really the meaning changes throughout our life, and it can change in the course of a day. So on one day I might come to work and I have a particular patient that I need to help, and the meaning primarily focuses on helping somebody in a difficult spot that day.
Dr. Wayne Martinsen:
Another time, meaning might be a part of being in my community and helping find ways to make the recycling projects in Minot work better, or to be a part of the arts community in my community, or to take care of the grandchildren. All of those are pieces of meaning that might focus us in different ways. And then we have an overarching sense of meaning that it's usually more in line with our values or more in line with our spirituality, such as where's my, where's my life going in sync with my religious belief? Where's it going in terms of a sense of unity with the community, with the future? How will my life affect those around us?
Tim Unsinn:
Love the connection between spirituality and meaning. Really appreciate that, especially when you talk about that from a Christian standpoint. Those things go hand in hand, in my opinion. Any final thoughts on spirituality before we wrap up?
Dr. Wayne Martinsen:
Just, I think it's a part of all of our lives. I think too often we get caught up in America and in Western society on thinking about, I believe in God, I don't believe in God. I'm angry at the church for this, or the mosque for that. And rather than looking at how do we connect more deeply to the world around us and value that as opposed to the rules or the experiences that we had that we did or didn't like.
Tim Unsinn:
Always appreciate your insights. Dr. Wayne Martinsen's been our guest on Mind Your Mind. And before we wrap up-- that final question, and that is, how do you personally mind your mind?
Dr. Wayne Martinsen:
So actually I live out a lot of these things. I meditate daily and have for years. I frequently go for walks with my dog and my wife. Actually I should say my wife and my dog. You know, I try to spend time with my grandchildren. It's an incredible experience to hold a newborn child or to try to think how do I make the world a better place for them.
Tim Unsinn:
Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us. We always appreciate you and always appreciate your insights.
Dr. Wayne Martinsen:
Thank you, Tim.
Tim Unsinn:
Thank you for joining us for Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services. You can't have health without behavioral health. Remember to mind your mind. For more information, links to additional resources, contact information, and much more. Go to Dakotafamilyservices.org.
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How much time do you spend each day looking at your phone? An hour or two? Multiple hours? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn meets with therapist Christy Wilkie to discuss how social media use can impact our mental health, relationships, and behavior. Learn tips for monitoring your child’s internet use, as well as how to manage your own time spent on social media.;
Understanding OCD
While OCD is sometimes perceived as simply a desire to keep things neat and organized, it can actually have much more severe symptoms for those who experience it. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn meets with psychologist Dr. Megan Spencer to talk about who Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects, what its signs and symptoms are, and how to seek help if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with OCD.;
Breaking Bad Habits
Bad habits can be easy to start but sometimes very difficult to stop. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Falan Johnson talk about breaking bad habits, including where habits come from, how to know if a habit is bad, and steps you can take to stop it.;
Finding a Therapist
Are you looking for some help on your mental health journey? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Jessie Mertz talk about how to find a therapist, including what you should know when searching and what questions to ask when you meet a therapist for the first time. They also touch on what the letters after a therapist’s name mean, and how they apply to the type of services or treatment you might be looking for.;
Coping with Rejection
Whether it’s from asking someone on a date or applying for a job, we all experience rejection at some point in our lives. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with therapist April Morris about how to cope with rejection, including the common coping stages, the importance of acceptance, and how rejection can impact people differently.;
Borderline Personality Disorder
Like other personality disorders, borderline personality disorder is a commonly misunderstood and stigmatized mental illness. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with Lucas Mitzel, a therapist at Dakota Family Services, about what BPD is, how it affects someone’s behavior, and where to seek treatment if your child has been diagnosed with BPD.;
Psychological Assessments: What to Expect
Do you think you might be suffering from an undiagnosed mental disorder? If so, a psychological assessment might be able to help. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, psychologist Dr. Hannah Baczynski and host Tim Unsinn talk about what to expect from a psychological assessment, including what an assessment might include, what information you might receive from the psychologist, and what you should communicate with your psychologist before and after receiving an assessment.;
Supplements in Psychiatry
In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and Amanda Daggett explore the topic of using supplements for mental health. In addition to talking about some of the most commonly used supplements like melatonin and St. John’s Wort, they also discuss the benefits, the risks, and the research surrounding various supplements.;
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Community Chat Series)
Feeling like you’ve got the winter blues? If you’re noticing symptoms of depression with the change of seasons, it may be a sign that you’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. In this special Community Chat episode of Mind Your Mind, therapists Christy Wilkie and Lucas Mitzel discuss the common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, how it can affect other mental health disorders, and some useful tips, tricks, and resources for managing symptoms of SAD.;
Trying New Things With Confidence
Join Christy and Lucas, therapists at Dakota Family Services, as they share practical tips for building confidence when trying new things. From managing self-doubt to building resilience, this episode will empower you to approach new experiences with a positive mindset.;
Relationships are Hard
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore why relationships can be so hard. Join them as they discuss the characteristics of both healthy and toxic relationships, talk about the difference between normal conflict and abuse, and help you discover your love languages so you and your partner can best express your love to each other.;
Is Everybody Anxious?
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore anxiety. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder, what you can do to decrease your anxiety, and how to best help loved ones struggling with anxiety.;
Is Everyone Feeling Sad
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore depression. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, what you can do to help yourself feel better, and what you can do to help your loved ones. They will talk about coping strategies, therapy interventions, and ways to help you identify when your child might need extra help.;
Change is Hard
Change is inevitable. Join Christy and Lucas as they explore big and small changes and how they impact you. Learn why change can be so hard, even good change, and discover ways to manage it effectively.;
We Need to Talk About Suicide
In this episode of "Is It Just Me," Christy and Lucas discuss the very important topic of suicide. Listen to learn about risk factors, warning signs, and what you can do to help a loved one who is struggling. Remember, you are not alone. If you need immediate assistance, call 911. If you need to talk to someone, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.;
Do We Need to Get Outside?
Join Lucas and Christy as they explore the power of spending time outdoors on mental and emotional well-being. Discover practical tips, personal anecdotes, and expert insights on the benefits of getting outside and reconnecting with nature.;
Exploring ADHD
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?" Lucas and Christy discuss ADHD, shedding light on its prevalence and impact on daily life. Learn practical strategies for managing symptoms and understand why your friend or loved one with ADHD does the things they do.;
Internet Safety and Mental Health
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", join our hosts Christy and Lucas as they delve into the complex relationship between the internet and mental health. With the digital age bringing information and social connections to our fingertips, it also presents unique challenges and opportunities for our safety and psychological well-being.;
Boosting Self-Esteem: From Marathons to Daily Triumphs
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", Christy and Lucas discuss how common it is for people to see themselves differently from others. Using their own personal triumphs and challenges as examples, they outline the things that shape our self-esteem. Additionally, they share simple daily practices to help listeners recognize and celebrate their own personal victories. This episode is filled with tips and engaging stories aimed at encouraging listeners to undertake challenges that foster self-growth and personal confidence.;
Therapy Unveiled: What to Know Before You Go
In this episode of "Is It Just Me," Lucas and Christy talk about what it's like to begin therapy. Feeling apprehensive about starting therapy is normal, but surmountable. Together, Lucas and Christy unravel common myths about therapy and emphasize the role of therapy in disrupting negative life patterns and routines that are no longer serving you.;
Coping with the Back-to-School Blues
In the latest episode of “Is It Just Me?” Christy and Lucas tackle the transition from leisurely summer days to structured school schedules with warmth and wisdom. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking guidance and strategies to help navigate the shift with confidence. Learn how to handle changes in routine, the importance of communication, and strategies to help the entire family adjust to and embrace the new normal. Listening to this episode can be your first step toward making back-to-school a season of growth and positive change for all.;
The Art of Overcoming Trauma
In this month’s episode of the "Is It Just Me?" podcast, Lucas Mitzel and Christy Wilkie, Dakota Family Services, dive into the complexities of trauma and its therapy. The episode sheds light on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and the importance of creating a trauma narrative as a cornerstone of healing. The thoughtful discussions aim to educate listeners on the intricacies of trauma, the innovative methods used in therapy, and the role of caregivers in the recovery process. Through expert insights and compassionate storytelling, Lucas and Christy provide practical advice and real-world examples for individuals who have experienced trauma.;
Navigating Life Through Mindfulness
In this episode of “Is It Just Me?”, Lucas and Christy delve into the world of mindfulness and relaxation techniques. From body scans to mindfulness exercises, they provide a soothing experience to help you unwind and distress. Discover practical tips and advice on incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine and learn how to prioritize mental well-being in today's fast-paced world.;
Mindfulness: Body Scan
In this special additional episode of “Is It Just Me” join therapist Lucas Mitzel as he gives listeners a transformative journey within their own body and mind. In this episode, Lucas guides listeners through a soothing body scan to promote calm, mindfulness, and inner peace. This episode offers a unique mixdown of gentle narration, and relaxation techniques, leaving you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more connected to yourself.;