Yet, studies have consistently shown that it is various mind-states that are continuously changing the structure of the brain (this is the well known phenomena of ‘neuroplasticity’). So, what people who are highly distressed (considered as “mentally ill”) need is hope, support and other interventions such as training in mind-calming activities – definitely not fancy labels and drugs. I find it fascinating to see the commonsense approaches to treating mental illness once employed by the Indianola Rest Home increasingly being accepted within mainstream medicine. Bringing together the sensibilities and experience of the past with state-of-the-art modern medicine often makes good sense. Most insurance plans view mental illness and addiction as exceptions to standard care, not part of it.

Community provides many elements that are critical to mental health, but here are three of the most beneficial aspects. We’re social beings, and we are not meant to live in isolation. Community is critical for us to thrive, especially for someone with mental illness who is already experiencing the common symptoms of loneliness and isolation.

What we put on our plates becomes the raw material for our brains to manufacture hormones and neurotransmitters – chemical substances that control our sleep, mood and behaviour. If we shortchange the brain, we also shortchange our intellectual and emotional potential. A new study by the UK’s Mental Health Foundation suggests that poor diet has played a role in the significant increase in mental health problems over the past 50 years. Here’s some food for thought – Making the right nutritional choices can affect more than the fit of our clothes; it can have an impact on our mental health.

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That’s because short episodes of stress trigger chemicals that improve memory, increase energy levels and enhance alertness and productivity. But chronic stress has debilitating effects on our overall health.

Good breathing habits alone can improve both your psychological and physical well-being. Understanding where your stress originates can help you decide on a course of action. External stressors, like bereavement or career changes, can be managed over time and with the support of family and friends. Internal stressors, caused by our own negative interpretation, require changes in attitude and behaviour. The link between stress and mental illness has yet to be fully understood, but it is known that stress can negatively affect an episode of mental illness.

• Studies indicate that people use medical services 90 percent less frequently after receiving appropriate mental health care.
• Mental health services also reduce the risk of chronic diseases related to stress, anxiety and substance abuse.
• In fact, the NAMI estimates that, each year, over 18 percent of the U.S. population experiences obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder or specific phobias.
• When allowed to intervene in a timely manner, mental health services can help lower health costs and free up limited resources.

Physically, it can contribute to migraines, ulcers, muscle tension and fatigue. Canadian researchers found that chronic stress more than doubled the risk of heart attacks. The message is not a new one, but it is perhaps the most forceful argument yet for paying more attention to the nutrition-mental health connection.

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People who exercise report feeling less stressed or nervous. Even five minutes of aerobic exercise can stimulate anti-anxiety effects. Physical activity is increasingly becoming part of the prescription for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Exercise alone is not a cure, but it does have a positive impact. We’ve known for a long time about the benefits of exercise as a proactive way to enhance our physical condition and combat disease; now, exercise is recognized as an essential element in building and maintaining mental fitness.

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We should also always remember a MAJOR assumption that is made in these types of articles. Because mental activity is CORRELATED with brain activity, an assumption is made that it is the organ brain that has to be treated.