Live Longer by Making Mental Wellness Your Mission

By Felicia Wong, M.D.

September is National Recovery Month, and this year, SAMHSA announced the first National Wellness Week (September 19-25, 2011) to show why "wellness" is so important.  Did you know, people with mental and substance use disorders die decades earlier than the general population, mostly due to preventable medical conditions?

Each day, we face all sorts of demands and drama which can lead to insomnia, lack of concentration, problems in our relationships, and other mental health issues.  In May, I suggested using these tools to cope better with stress and boost your overall well-being.  Here's my "Top 8 Tips for Mental Wellness;" I hope you will take another look and share with your loved ones this week. 



1) Help Others. People who consistently help others experience less depression, greater calm, and fewer pains.

2) Take Care of Your Spirit. People who have strong spiritual lives may be healthier and live longer. Spirituality seems to cut the stress that can contribute to disease.

3) Stay Positive. Positive emotions can boost your ability to bounce back from stress.



4) Get Physically Active. Exercise can help relieve insomnia and reduce depression.

5) Get Enough Sleep. Not getting enough rest increases risks of weight gain, accidents, reduced memory, and heart problems.

6) Eat Well. Eating healthy food and regular meals can increase your energy, lower the risk of developing certain diseases, and influence your mood.

7) Deal Better with Hard Times. People who can tackle problems or get support in a tough situation tend to feel less depressed.

8) Get Professional Help if You Need It. More than 80 percent of people who are treated for depression improve.

Which tips on this list are missing in your life?  Today is the perfect time to take action!  Your wellness matters. 

Tweet

Make Mental Health Your Priority Every Month

By Felicia Wong, M.D



As the month of May comes to an end, make a promise to yourself that personal mental wellness will remain a daily priority.  Mental Health America has been working for 100 years to promote well-being for all Americans and recently developed a resource called 10 Tools to Live Your Life Well based on extensive scientific evidence.

Each day, we face all sorts of demands and drama which can lead to insomnia, lack of concentration, problems in our relationships, and other mental health issues. 

These "10 Tools" provide proven, healthy ways to cope with stress and boost your overall well-being.  Make a commitment to follow this list and feel more relaxed, fulfilled, and focused long after Mental Heath Month is over. . .  

1) Connect with Others. People who feel connected are happier and healthier--and may even live longer.

2) Stay Positive. People who regularly focus on the positive in their lives are less upset by painful memories.

3) Get Physically Active. Exercise can help relieve insomnia and reduce depression.

4) Help Others. People who consistently help others experience less depression, greater calm, and fewer pains.

5) Get Enough Sleep. Not getting enough rest increases risks of weight gain, accidents, reduced memory, and heart problems.

6) Create Joy and Satisfaction. Positive emotions can boost your ability to bounce back from stress.

7) Eat Well. Eating healthy food and regular meals can increase your energy, lower the risk of developing certain diseases, and influence your mood.

8) Take Care of Your Spirit. People who have strong spiritual lives may be healthier and live longer. Spirituality seems to cut the stress that can contribute to disease.

9) Deal Better with Hard Times. People who can tackle problems or get support in a tough situation tend to feel less depressed.

10) Get Professional Help if You Need It. More than 80 percent of people who are treated for depression improve.

So now you know the tools. . . Today is the perfect time to start incorporating this list into your day-to-day routine.  For more information, go to http://www.liveyourlifewell.org/ . 

Tweet

Finding Meaning in Modern Life - Part 2

By Roberto Blanco, M.D.

Last month, I wrote about Viktor Frankl’s book “Man’s Search For Meaning” and how some of the principles in his book could be applied to modern life. In response to the blog, one of the readers, Mukesh Samani, asked what it was in Dr. Frankl’s book that touched me the most. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Samani for his question and to respond.

What touched me the most from Dr. Frankl’s work was his motivation to live, share his experience, and teach something positive. As a psychiatrist during a time when any type of self-revelation was taboo and frowned upon, he showed great courage in revealing some of the darkest, innermost details of his life to the entire world. He did this so others could learn from his experience.

As a Psychiatrist, I work with many people who may be down on their luck or are the victims of unfortunate situations. Like Dr. Frankl, the ones who are able to discuss their situation, find some meaning from it, and continue to move forward, generally do the best.

Mr. Samani also asked what is special or specific in Dr. Frankl’s model of psychotherapy known as Logotherapy. Mr. Samani, I would refer you back to Dr. Frankl’s book which has a nice summary on Logotherapy. I am not an expert on Logotherapy. However, in short, it is a therapy which focuses on man’s desire to find meaning as the main motivating force in life.

I see following role models, like Dr. Frankl, as a way to find meaning in life. Looking back on your own life, is it clear which people affected you the most in positive ways? What was it about these people that moved or affected you? Did they have some special characteristic that set them apart from others or allowed them to connect with you? If so, finding out what that is and trying to reproduce it with others can give your life more meaning.

I have a lot of admiration for Dr. Frankl’s work and I appreciate the comment from “Mary” about a new documentary coming out on his life titled “Viktor and I.” I’ll be interested to see how he used his experiences in his professional life and what he was like on a personal level from the perspective of his close friends, family and colleagues. Thank you for your comments and questions.

"Green Exercise" 5 minutes a day for better mental health!

by Felicia K. Wong, M.D.



Researchers from the University of Essex found that as little as five minutes of a "green activity" can boost mood and self esteem. Jules Pretty and Jo Barton, who led this study, looked at data from 1,252 people of different ages, genders and mental health status taken from 10 existing studies in Britain.



They analyzed "green activities" such as walking, gardening, cycling, fishing, boating, horse-riding and farming. They found that the greatest health changes occurred in the young and the mentally ill, although people of all ages and social groups benefited.



All natural environments were beneficial, including parks in towns or cities, they said, but green areas with water appeared to have a more positive effect.

Dr. Wong enjoying a spring stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden

Portland Japanese Garden



 

 

 





May is Mental Health month and these are all great activities to do during May and throughout the year!