Physcial Health and Mental Health 

Mental health is becoming an common issue in the united states. Suicides, shootings, and abductions have grasped the public's attention as of late. Statistics given in the National Institute of Mental Health NIMH reports nearly 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness (46.6 million in 2017).  The younger population (18-25 Years) is effected the highest 25.8% on the scale and declines with age and more in women population than men. (See figure 1 below) As you take a look at these statics and even as you turn on the news at night and hear about the shootings, suicides, etc. I am often puzzled at the WHY? These tragic situations are often times associated with a mental illness.

Figure 1: NIMH- Mental Health prevalence in U.S. 2017


In an article, Good Mental Health for All , provided by the Mental Health Foundation states, "A clear distinction is often made between 'mind' and 'body'. But when considering mental health and physical health, the two should not be thought of as separate. Poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems. Similarly, poor mental health can negatively impact on physical health, leading to an increased risk of some conditions". 

Lifestyle Factors 

I do know that mental illness is real and there isn't an easy fix, but I firmly believe that exercise, eating a balanced diet, limiting technology would help decrease the ever increasing rate of mental illness as well as other health related issues. The article also discusses individuals with the highest levels of self-rated distress vs. lowest rates were 32% more likely to have died from other related disease depression, cancer, coronary heart disease etc. The article states, "This is because people with mental health conditions are less likely to receive the physical healthcare they're entitled to. Mental health service users are statistically less likely to receive the routine checks (like blood pressure, weight and cholesterol) that might detect symptoms of these physical health conditions earlier. They are also not as likely to be offered help to give up smoking, reduce alcohol consumption and make positive adjustments to their diet.

We are living in a world today where we are swarming with technology. This is also a high contributing factor in the world of mental health. Cell phones, computers, i-pads, gaming systems, and social media, etc. 

When you go to the doctors office, grocery store, or even restaurants you look around and see the kids have been given a cell phone to keep them quiet and entertained. I have to say that when I am busy trying to get something done like homework, paperwork at the doctors, or even enjoying an evening at a restraint I have found myself in the situation of handing my kids the electronics. I fell like I have a constant battle inside going on that raises so many questions. Does electronics affect our mental health? How much electronic time is too much? Does it effect kids, adolescences and adults the same? All of these are great questions. Although there is a definite answer to these questions, but an article I read Effects of Technology on Mental Health  show that studies indicate an overall negative effect on our mental health. 

Mental Health, Healing, and Prevention 

In order for us to improve out physical bodies it takes time to exerecise, workout, feed out bodies properly, meditate etc. Likewise I feel it is so important to implement these same elements into our lives in order for us to have a healthy mental state. This requires us to find balance in our live in today's world. 

Our mental is our overall well being of how we feel about our self, how manage our emotions and feelings, and our abilities to deal with everyday stresses. If we allow balance into our lives and take care of our mental state as we do our physcial health we will see a significant decrease in our mental health issues. Patricia Harteneck, Ph.D., MBA in her article,9 ways to improve your mental health today  provided 9 ways to see improved mental health. 

Ways to improve mental health

• Tell yourself something positive- What we think about ourselves has great impact on how we feel. 
• Being Grateful- writing down and thinking about the things we are grateful for help to improve out well being, mental health, and happiness. 
• Focusing on one thing (the moment)- allows to be present and let go of any negative emotions and feelings from the past. 
• Exercise- our bodies release endophines before and after our workouts, which is why it is a power antitdote to stress, anxiety, and depression 
• Eating balanced meals- Patricia states," Carbohydrates (in moderate amounts) increase serotonin, a chemical that has been shown to have a calming effect on your mood. Protein-rich foods increase norepinephrine, dopamine, and tyrosine, which help keep you alert. And vegetables and fruits are loaded with nutrients that feed every cell of your body, including those that affect mood-regulating brain chemicals. Include foods with Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in fish, nuts, and flaxseed.) Research shows that these nutrients can improve mood and restore structural integrity to the brain cells necessary for cognitive function."
• Open up to others- building connecting relationships and feeling valued by others help to impove our mental health
• Serve others- Helps to enrich our lives and build self esteem.
• Take time to breath- Taking moments to breath help to deal with stress effectively and feel better overall. 
• Going to bed on time- Regular routine habits, turning off screens and avoid caffeine hour before bed all help to prevent sleep deprivation thus improving our mood overall. 

Resources

Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.
Physical Health and Mental Health
Effects of Technology on Mental Health 
Mental Health should matter as much as our Physical Health
9 ways to improve your health today


*****Disclaimer***** Class assignment, not a real blog