Misc in Psychiatry

 

Exercise: 

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Exercise has been greatly underestimated and underrepresented in pharmaceutically oriented psychiatric field of medicine. Exercise greatly improves brain function by improving cognitive agility and memory. It boosts creativity and focus. Through varies mechanisms, it also enhances self of well being, reduce depression and anxiety, lower stress and enhances relaxation. It can greatly improve sleep, calm obsessions and anger. Regular exercise can improve self-esteem, improve social exposure and confidence. And we have not even started talking about its impact on physical health!! Please commit to regular exercise for huge number of important reasons. Minimum 45 minutes of light aerobics or 25 min or more high intensity Interval training (HIIT) 3 - 4 times a week. 

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Sleep:

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Just about everything said about exercise above could be said about sleep. Please see link on the left side for healthy sleep habits. 

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Diet:

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Evidence has been accumulating over the recent years regarding the impact of diet on mental health especially strong negative impact on mental health from foods that causes inflammation. Recommend the following vid. There have also been convincing, positive studies on Mediterranean diet and depression. 

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Light Therapy:

 

I Recommend Northern Light Technology's BOXelite OS (roughly $200) or Carex's Day-Light Classic or Classic Plus. 

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How to Use: Begin between 5am - 8am depending on time of awakening and use for 30 - 90 minutes. Keep bottom third of box at eye level tilted so it hovers at an angle of 30 - 45 degrees over head and keep eyes within 12 - 14 inches from box. You can read, eat, use internet etc... 

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Use caution if you have eye condition and do not look directly into the box.

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Faith:

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For majority of psychiatric history, religious beliefs were thought to be associated with a form of neurosis, and that those who adhered to such belief system had higher incidences of mental illness. Over the years, we now have accumulated large volume of epidemiological studies (in the hundreds) that has compared those with religious beliefs and those who don't. Overriding conclusion of those studies suggests that those with religious beliefs have significantly better mental (and physical) health outcomes than those without. 

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Faith and religiosity creates a sense of belonging and social connections with others. They help people cope with life challenges we all face. They teach compassion and sense of gratitude through ongoing practice of mindfulness and self-reflection. They encourage structure and guideline on how to live and brings comfort when faced with life challenges. 

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For Natural Options:

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Please click the Natural Icon on the right.