Making sense: death, dying, and mental health.

The causation of mental health problems remains burdened with an uncertainty which freely allows a variety of assertions to be made (Pilgrim 2014). It is therefore crucial, in this arena of confusion, that some sense be available. This chapter will bring together sociology, spirituality and philosophy, and describe the human need to seek meaning, arguing the crucial role of spirituality in making sense of mental distress. The concepts of death and dying will be explored with a view to introducing spirituality, before arguments are applied specifically to mental health and the professional’s role in spiritual care.