Let’s discuss mental health and its relation to brain health. Nobody really wants to talk about mental health. It brings up thoughts of strait jackets and rubber rooms. Let’s put aside the stereotypes and prejudices and discuss the truth behind the importance of tending to our mental health.
Several studies have linked depression, anxiety, and stress to increased cognitive decline. Depression can manifest as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Anxiety can cause excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and sweating. Stress can lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical health problems. As someone who has been diagnosed with all three, this concerns me.
Let me tell you a personal story. I was my wife’s caregiver for several years as she struggled through a severe chronic illness. I helped her through her daily living activities, her medication, doctor visits, at-home medical treatments and tried to lift her spirits through her struggles. (I can actually feel the rise in anxiety as I reflect on this time.) I was already prone to dark periods of depression. When you combined the stress and anxiety of our lives while also raising two young grandchildren, I could tell I was slipping into a serious mental health situation. I began seeking ways to relieve the symptoms through meditation, which helped tremendously, but I also needed to approach my mental health from a medical standpoint. Through tears and shaking, I went to my doctor, shared my concerns, and asked for help. The medication she prescribed has helped tremendously throughout my journey.
The moral of the story is simple. Don’t let depression and anxiety go untreated. Mental health is just as important as your physical health. Untreated, these conditions can lead to increased physical illnesses, isolation, substance abuse, and even early death. Your first step in protecting your brain from mental decline is to tend to your mental health. Talk to your doctor at the earliest signs of depression or anxiety. Seek professional help through counselors and psychiatrists if your situation warrants it. Don’t wait. Your brain health is too important to ignore. By taking these steps early, you can be proactive and in control of your mental health.
Live your life to its fullest.
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