Food for Thought: Exercise Your Mind

Depression is a disorder marked by sadness, low energy, impaired concentration, and feelings of dejection. Some folks believe that depression is normal. Hectic daily activities and the conflict between family and career cause constant stress. Yet depression and anxiety as a response to stress are not normal. They can be signs of illness, which may worsen and cause physical symptoms or an inability to work.

Life was much simpler for the last two generations. Father worked; mom stayed home. This is no longer the model. Some now see families as an"endangered species." There are more single mothers working than ever before. There's greater stress and competition for well-paying jobs. The result: long hours at work, away from the family. Children are raised with limited oversight. Thus we see more children with emotional problems derived from a lack of knowledge as to who they are and what their function is in today's society. Similarly, adults suffer with the reduction of nurturing that family time should supply.

Until recently, mental health was not discussed publicly. However, there's a growing awareness that picking therapy can be useful, even necessary, to deal with today's life. Psychiatric assistance is often sought for the whole family. Today, being healthy means not only having a solid body, but also a sound mind and soul.

People exercise their bodies daily, yet they fail to"exercise" their feelings and emotions. Young guys are taught to hide and deny emotions. Women are reluctant to seek help in dealing with their depression, anxiety, or troubled relationship. The same fitness fanatic who exercises daily, eats right and has two physicals a year will fail the brain until a crisis is reached.

Emotional problems do not just happen, but are cumulative and they can be avoided at times with the same"daily fitness" and"annual physical" approach we use when caring for our bodies.

The Chinese say"the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" Just like it's far better to maintain a healthy heart than recover from a heart attack, dealing with emotional problems is easier before the chaos of a crisis breaks. Think about"exercising your emotions" and provide your mental health professional a call.