Healing the Mind: Buddhist Mental Health in Hospitals

Abstract

This study focuses on analyzing the integration of Buddhist principles with mental health care in Thai hospitals through literature review and document analysis. The study found that Buddhist principles can significantly enhance the effectiveness of mental health treatment in hospitals. The application of mindfulness, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path in treating mental health patients shows interesting results, particularly in reducing depression, anxiety, and improving patients' quality of life. This study presents an integration model that connects Buddhist concepts with contemporary mental health care to create a treatment system that aligns with Thai cultural context and responds to patients' spiritual needs. The study results show that such integration not only helps reduce clinical symptoms but also enhances psychological resilience, reduces social stigma, and increases treatment satisfaction among patients and families. Implementing this approach requires appropriate preparation of medical personnel, creating conducive environments, and developing comprehensive support systems.