Last reviewed
Soul Practices for Mental Health: Meaning, Ritual and Belonging
Mental health isn’t only about symptoms. Practices that build meaning, purpose and belonging can be powerful medicine, especially for LGBTQ+ people.
Earl Johns, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Wellthy Psychiatry & Wellness
✓ Medically reviewed by Earl Johns, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Photos are illustrative and don’t show actual patients.
Wellthy Psychiatry talks about wellth as a balance of mind, body and soul. The soul part can sound abstract, so here’s what we mean: the parts of life that give you meaning, purpose, connection and a sense that you belong to something larger than yourself.
You don’t have to be religious to have a soul life. For some people it’s faith. For others it’s nature, art, activism, chosen family, or quiet moments of awe.
Why meaning matters for mental health
People who report a strong sense of purpose tend to cope better with stress, recover faster from setbacks and have lower rates of depression. Meaning doesn’t erase pain, but it gives pain somewhere to go.
Many LGBTQ+ people have a complicated relationship with spirituality, especially if they were raised in communities that rejected them. Reclaiming a soul life on your own terms can be deeply healing.
Practices to try
Gratitude, done honestly. At the end of the day, write down one thing that mattered, even if the day was hard. It trains your attention to notice what’s working.
Time in nature. A walk among trees or near water lowers stress hormones and can create a sense of awe, which research links to lower inflammation and improved mood.
Creative expression. Drawing, music, writing or cooking for people you love can all be ways of making meaning, not just hobbies.
Ritual. Lighting a candle, a weekly dinner with friends, a moment of silence before work. Small rituals create rhythm and steadiness when life feels chaotic.
Service and community. Volunteering, mentoring younger queer people, or showing up for a cause you care about connects you to something bigger and reminds you that you matter to others.
Reflection. Journaling, meditation or prayer, whatever language fits, gives you space to listen to yourself.
When the soul feels empty
Feeling numb, hopeless or disconnected from everything that used to matter can be a sign of depression rather than a spiritual failing. If that emptiness lasts more than a couple of weeks, it’s worth getting support. Treatment can help bring color back so these practices can do their work.
A gentle next step
Wellthy Psychiatry offers judgment-free, LGBTQ+ affirming care by telehealth across California. A free 15-minute phone consult is an easy way to see if we’re a good fit.
This article is for general education and isn’t medical advice. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911.
About the author
Earl Johns, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner · UCSF-trained · Founder of Wellthy Psychiatry & Wellness
Earl provides LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent-affirming psychiatric care, blending medication management, therapy and whole-person approaches. His background includes inpatient psychiatry and community mental health at Glenn County Behavioral Health and Equity Health, a federally qualified health center. He sees clients in San Francisco and by telehealth across California.
Keep reading
Related posts
Food and Mood: How Nutrition Supports Your Mental Health
What you eat affects how you feel. A practical, non-diet guide to nutrition, the gut-brain connection, and mood.
Queer Sports, Dance and Movement as Community Care
Movement is better together. How queer sports leagues, dance and group fitness support mental health through both exercise and belonging.
Sleep, Nightlife and Mental Health: Finding Balance in Queer Social Life
Late nights are part of queer community for many people. Here’s how sleep loss affects mood, and how to protect your rest without missing out.
Dating Apps, Social Media and Your Mental Health
Apps can help queer people connect, but they can also fuel comparison, rejection and burnout. Here’s how to use them in ways that protect your mood.