Elizabeth M. Lykins points to spirituality as a recovery tool after trauma

A new study in BMC Geriatrics found earthquake survivors with higher spiritual well-being had less fear and lower frailty, adding to evidence that spirituality may support recovery after trauma. Elizabeth M. Lykins says the findings align with her work helping people build resilience through meaning, reflection and spiritual practice.

Why it matters: - New research suggests spiritual well-being may help people recover emotionally and physically after trauma. - The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking spirituality with resilience, optimism, lower anxiety and post-traumatic growth. - The topic matters as communities face disasters, conflict, economic uncertainty and mental health strain.

What happened: - Elizabeth M. Lykins, an author, spiritual guide and licensed medical provider, highlighted a peer-reviewed study published in BMC Geriatrics. - The study found earthquake survivors with higher levels of spiritual well-being reported less fear and lower frailty. - Lykins said spiritual well-being can help people cope with trauma and support both physical and psychological recovery after disasters. - Lykins is the author of Reflections on Transcendence: Everything You Have Been Searching for Is Already Inside of You.

The details: - Lykins says spiritual practices can include prayer, meditation, reflection, gratitude and cultivating a sense of purpose. - Lykins said those practices can help regulate stress while fostering hope during adversity. - Lykins describes spirituality as a meaningful relationship with something greater than oneself, not as religious affiliation. - Lykins says trauma changes people but does not have to define them. - Lykins says a spiritual foundation can help people find inner strength when life feels uncertain. - Lykins argues that meaning can bridge the gap between surviving trauma and healing from it. - Lykins says people should build spiritual practices before crises arrive.

Between the lines: - The research does not claim spirituality is a cure for trauma, but it points to a possible protective factor in recovery. - Lykins is using the study to reinforce a broader message from her own work: resilience often grows from meaning, purpose and inner stability. - The release frames spirituality as a complement to mental health recovery, not a replacement for medical or psychological care.

What's next: - Lykins says she will continue helping individuals overcome anxiety, build resilience and reconnect with their inner wisdom through mindfulness and spiritual growth. - Lykins is available for interview. - More information is available on Elizabeth M. Lykins' website.

The bottom line: - The new research adds support to a simple idea: spiritual well-being may help people steady themselves after trauma, especially when combined with broader resilience and recovery efforts.