Brain and Minds Misfiring

The mind is complex, unpredictable, easily shapen and influenced. Some people struggle with chemical imbalances or, as I say, with 'minds that misfire.'

Many find themselves doing battle with their minds on a daily basis, struggling to find their equilibrium as their minds take on a life of their own sliding from here to there.

There are many symptoms and classifications of mental illness with catagories ranging from the pesky depressions and anxiety that come and go to the devastatingly complex like clinical depression, bi-polar or schizophrenia.

Thank God we live in this time and this age. Today mental Illness is widely recognised and the psychiatric community is on top of their research. There are many options for mental illness and a variety of treatments available.

Mental health is something most people take for granted but for those afflicted with a mental health disorder or illness it can rock their world as it becomes disruptive and devastating.

In Recent Mental Health News on depression the National Institute of Mental Health conducted the largest study ever done in the US using brain imaging. The study has revealed that when there is a thinning of the cortex (outer layer) of the right hemisphere of the brain it predisposes one to depression. When the Left side of the brains hemisphere is also thinned the studies reveal that it throws the predisposed into depression or anxiety.

Researchers have studied those that have ADD and those with loss of memory. Results showed that they also have thinning on both sides of the brain’s outer layer. The original studies of families with a history of depression were carried into this study using brain imagery. The results show that the thinning is hereditary and passed down from one generation to the next. It is hoped that finding the root cause will lead to early intervention of progression of the mental health condition.

Many people who experience depression do not even realize that their thought life is the problem. All of us have thoughts running through our minds on a daily basis. Most do not take the time to target their thoughts or even acknowledge them. They are subconscious but never-the-less very powerful. "As a man thinks in his heart ... so is he." Proverbs 23:7

In order to take control of your thoughts you must first become aware of them. Have you ever caught one of those thoughts and wondered .. where in the world did that come from? Ever had a thought like ... your life is over, you are useless, you have no value, you'll never make it, you are such a loser, what an idiot? All of these self defeating, self hatred statements can combine to create a serious depression in your mind and brain.

THE GOOD NEWS: You can change the way you think! Only you can do it. The key is to replace every negative thought with a positive one. If you are thinking - I'm a loser ... capture that thought - render it useless by replacing it with a thought like, I am a unique creation with a purpose to fulfill on this earthplace. If you are diligent about this process you will eventually find yourself pulling out of your depression and into a place of peace.

Most people are not aware of the connection between food and the state of their mental health. Research on the connection between mood instability and food intake is still early on but the results thus far do suggest a very real link. In fact in one study found that a lack of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (This LINK is for those who want to try OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS - BE AWARE quality varies from company to company - I trust the quality of this company.) was a contributing factor to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and ADD and ADHD.

A person who is malnourished will experience moodiness and lack of energy. Changes in your nutritional intake will affect your brain chemistry, specifically the levels of the chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters work to take messages from one nerve to the next nerve cell. Neurotransmitters affect your moods and your ability to think clearly. They can even interfere with healthy sleeping patterns if not working optimally.

The brain requires 20 to 30% of your body’s energy or calorie intake. Make sure you get all of the food groups to maintain strong brain functioning.

The core food groups that your brain requires to maintain mental health are as follows; Healthy Grains, Protein, Vegetables and Fruits, Milk and Healthy Fats.

If you experience depression or mood swings, you would be wise to pay attention to your calorie intake and eating habits. For instance when you eat refined sugars on an empty stomach do you end up on the couch afterwards? Do you snap at your husband or children? If you see a connection between eating sugar and your behavior you need to know that this indicates a reaction from the fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Sometimes people have allergies to certain foods. When you experience mood changes go back and consider what you have just eaten to see if there is a connection.

Do your research, conduct a self study and you will find the connection between healthy nutrition to maintain balanced brain functioning and health.

This hub is in no way the complete answer for those who deal with mental health issues. I have learned that for most health and mental health conditions there are healthy alternatives. The main focus of this hub is to get the word out about the connection between healthy eating, negative thinking patterns and mental health.    

For hard core depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar and other major mental health conditions, I once again thank God we live in this day and age. There are medications, available today, which provide the chemicals needed to balance the brain. I have been privileged to work with many who have been diagnosed with mental illness. In every case, with perseverance and determination, these people are living fulfilled and productive lives.

Don't ever give up on yourself or a loved one. There are treatments and many resources available today. Ask lots of questions, do your homework - use the internet and research and learn everything you can. You WILL find answers as you go forward and persevere.