Mental Fitness

As we all strive towards enjoyment of physical health, free of ailments, we also wish to experience a comparable state of mental fitness.

Pride in ourselves comes more easily when we know that our body is in good shape, vital and functioning freely without impediment.

Similarly, our self confidence increases when the same principles are applied to our psychological health, when positive, creative thoughts and ideas govern our emotions.

Mental health is becoming recognized as an issue that threatens to dominate medical issues in the community in the future with serious personal ramifications even more distressing than physical disease.

Prevention is the wisest path to follow. This is a relatively simple matter if each of us chooses to become as focussed on the natural rules that must be followed to establish mental fitness as we do in our disciplines to create physical fitness.

       The rewards are great!

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In English we use exactly the same word to denote a sensory physical touch or sensation as for ‘feeling’ meaning emotional mood and experience. Although it is often the case that sensory feeling is accompanied by an emotional state, it is important that we clarify that the following use of the word applies to our emotions. Emotions can directly affect our mental health.

The basic emotions of a human being we know as feelings of contentment, happiness or joy, suffering or pain, sympathy, kindness, anger, envy, jealousy, compassion, irritation, fear, faith, anxiety, hatred, love, yearning, desire, and so on.  In each person these ingredients are developed and exercised differently to make up a different and unique recipe of emotions that define his individuality and which separate him from other people around him.  Many of the basic ingredients may be common but how these ingredients are blended is up to the choice of each individual. These familiar feelings or emotions may be cultivated and blended harmoniously or can be thrown together in a recipe which results in a chaotic and violent emotional disposition.

Untrained emotions are usually a hotch potch of emotional and often unconscious responses to one’s life experiences without having been sorted or cleansed to eliminate the negatives, which regrettably, often predominate. This state continues until the person grows discomforted in being always in anger, depression, fear or other unpleasant emotional states and uses his will to alter his mood.

To alter one’s emotional pattern requires time and patience do all efforts involved in self culture. Success depends upon our own clear goal and also a degree of friendly encouragement from others as we seek emotional equilibrium, a state that allows us to feel in a state where our minds can direct and control our feelings appropriately.

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Memory has two facets. On one hand, memory is a particularly personal faculty that is directly related to our unique life experiences and is therefore subjective.

It is more generally applied in the process of learning and gathering information that can be shared with others and increased by exchange and communication with others on an impersonal level.

Some of us have an especially clear subjective memory upon which we rely as a reminder of our own learning whether physical, emotional or mental. In the deeper levels of our psyche, involving our soul wisdom and our spiritual experiences, we rely entirely upon our own preservation of the secret or sacred private world into which few others are invited.

Some of us have a wonderful capacity for clear recall of what is related to factual or scientific information gleaned through the intellect and by study. This applies to wider issues beyond the personal and embraces information that we share and consider fundamental to reason.

Others possess unusual aspects of memory that we cannot really share or even understand the process involved…..

For instance, the capacity to regress one’s memory back to the birth experience is a rare faculty unless cajoled through the assistance of a psychologist.

The memory of past lives that can occur when regression slips beyond the first consciousness in the womb to remembering past life experiences. This is known to happen under therapy but also spontaneously as a rare conscious function of memory.

Spectacular memory feats have become more generally known to us through individuals who possess extraordinary abilities both or recording information and of recall.

For example, there are individuals who can memorize musical scores or orchestrations of sound through auditory memory or by the visualization of the score.

There is also photographic memory or eidetic memory. Few share the ability but those who can demonstrate it can astonish us with a range of talents ; the capacity used in mathematical calculation; in recording and recalling data with speed to challenge a computer; in speed reading and recall of volumes of books;  in memorizing registration numbers of vehicles; in retention of names of people, and in the many arts, sciences and specific skills that have been known in human culture including the skill of recalling emotional experiences that produce emotional and physical responses enough to make us laugh or to weep – a faculty well known to actors.

Allowing that these wonderful talents exist as a potential in the human brain and mind is one thing.

To train our own memory as we wish, and to be able to rely upon accurate recall remains our personal task and responsibility.

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Patients are not getting the promised results after taking prescribed medication from the range of drugs now commonly known as antidepressants.  Not only are the benefits in question, but also the growing categories of ‘side effects’ that follow a course of these drugs. ‘Antidepressants’ is a misnomer – these drugs can actually cause depression and intensify than the original symptoms for which the medication was prescribed. One clinical trial of the drug Halcion, for instance, resulted in 70% of people trialed, experienced memory loss, depression and paranoia.

However, in spite of the emerging proof of the dangers of these psychiatric drugs and their potential to effect mind changing behavior negatively, even to a point of suicide, most doctors continue to claim that by far the most prescriptions they make out in their practice are for antidepressants for adults, and increasingly Ritalin for ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children. 

Where once our social concern focused upon the dangers of hallucinatory drugs, mind drugs have now become big business, regardless of the damage they cause the brain.

Doctors who once trustingly followed the claims of the pharmaceutical industry are now disenchanted with toxic chemical drugs.  There is a move by some professors in psychiatry to ban their use in the U.S. as has already been done in some other countries where dedicated psychiatrists are inclined to explore the older methods or seek safer, more natural, alternative methods of treatment.

The increasing threat of litigation from patients seeking compensation may serve to motivate this.

This is a serious issue indicated by more than 12 million entries in Google on the Dangers of Psychiaric Drugs.

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When we quietly sit down to meditate and keep our bodies upright but relaxed, close our eyes gently and feel conscious of the only movement being our breathing it has a wonderful and sometimes magical effect. After some minutes of stillness of body, our minds begin to become quieter as the agitation and passing thought activity becomes subdued.  Any clouded state of depression will begin to lift as we focus upon the highest life source we can and even with eyes closed it is possible to ‘see’ a degree of light is we turn our eyes upward.

Stillness becomes a time of interesting experience. We become first aware of our physical comfort or otherwise, then of the constant rhythm of the breath, and of our senses that maintain our increasing awareness of ourselves as we shut out the external world by closing our eyes.

It is worth persevering with the simplest practice of stillness. When we cease external muscular activity, we allow ourselves opportunity to discover more of the natural processes of Nature as it refuels our energies with the natural vital processes and patterns that in their mysterious way, maintain the health requirement for our body and nervous system. We begin to allow a lightness and peace to prevail in our mood as we realize the faith that we can choose to place in the great natural processes of life.

Feel that the sensation of elevation and lightness grows to the extent we surrender to stillness and become conscious of the comforting, positive energies of nature.

Keep practicing this simple meditation.  It will help in many ways and is a direct tonic for depression.

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Mental diseases are usually considered as related to problems of adults. This situation has changed in both America, England, Australia and possibly other countries. The numbers of children being diagnosed with bipolar disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and many other mental states is reaching epidemic proportion.  The fact that in most, if not all cases that are diagnosed, psychiatric drugs are prescribed and administered is a frightening state of affairs.

It is reasonable to suppose that many children who have symptoms related to hyperactivity or learning problems have causes related to normal problems of domestic or school environment. Most families have to cope with children having behavioural problems of some kind. These children are in need of care and counseling rather than drugs – drugs that change the chemistry of their brains and can produce serious long term side effects that cannot be reversed.

The main drugs these children are given are stimulants such as dexamphetamine and methylphenidate or Ritalin.  Ritalin side effects are noted in 986,000 postings on Google. The dangers of psychiatric drugs is becoming a serious issue to concern the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) in the US seek to abolish antidepressants and psychiatric drugs for children altogether.

Some even believe that Ritalin and others such as Fidolin, Neurontin, Concerta, Lithium, and Statin are being used as a legal form of administering drugs that have a propensity for addiction and at worst affect the brain and behavior towards suicide and violence. This has been shown in the cases of violent outbursts and gun killings involving schoolchildren over recent years.

If your children display behavioural problems or give you concern as parents that you cannot cope with, then seek assistance through psychologist and counselors before allowing any drugs to be given as medicine to your children.

To quote psychiatrist, Harvard graduate Peter R. Breggin, M.D. Director, International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology

“The drugging of children has gotten so out of hand that America is waking up to this. This is a national catastrophe. I’m seeing children who are normal who are on five psychiatric drugs.”

 ……………………………

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Physical fitness is a common subject and can be described relatively easily as a state of well being without pain or disease and an ability to participate in physical activities.

Mental fitness is more subtle but equally is a state of mental comfort, without stress or psychological disturbance, and an ability to participate in intellectual exchange and activity.

Both aspects of health are expressed in an abundance of energy both in physical vitality and in mental interest and enthusiasm.

Although there are many factors to consider in the concept of a healthy mind, basically it is a state where all mental faculties are functioning well. The mind is capable of rational decisions as well as being able to utilize its creative faculties. We would also include in our expectations, that a person who is mentally well is relatively free of stress, is inclined towards optimism and is kind, and able to express the finer qualities of human character.

Most certainly mental fitness is a condition where the mind is also free of fear, violence and moods of depression. The owner of such a mind knows no inward mental or emotional disturbance and finds their inner world comfortable.

Mental health is a positive and pleasant state of being when life seems good, when we are enthusiastic about our life enjoyments and enterprises and can face its challenges without shirking.

We express our vital mind by evidence of its creative ability in planning or designing, or just producing wonderful, new ideas.

Personal fitness of mind we display by our intellectual ability, our common sense, emotional control, kindness, humour in a confident, decisive and balanced personality. Are you in that category?

Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: The Complete Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions. Read more…

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Thousands of people suffer from stress, depression and mental disorders of various kinds. There are many attempts by individuals and groups in the community to answer their calls for help. But if we are personally seeking assistance we must have confidence that the doctors, psychologists, therapists and organizations offer treatment methods that have proven to be effective. We must explore the nature of their services and use discrimination in our selection of professional therapy.

Some organizations offer systems based upon technology that works with the brainwave patterns of consciousness with promises to ‘increase longevity, slow ageing and lower stress’ and we can understandably be a little sceptical. However new approaches may advance to have the answers and perhaps will be able to  ‘…put you safely, quickly and easily into states of deep relaxation and stress release’ so that we will have immediate ‘increased feelings of well being.’

However with basic systems upon which we have relied for decades and that have proven to be effective we cannot go far wrong. We would not be inclined to doubt a system of mind training that was based upon simple disciplines embracing relaxation, concentration and meditation. Relaxation therapy is always a pleasant learning experience and effectively reduces stress in our psyche. Concentration helps us improve in self confidence as we gain in mental strength and positive self image. Meditation helps us to arrive at new and stimulating states of mind as we allow our ego tensions to melt away to enjoy the peaceful consciousness of just being.

Whatever system we choose to follow, we must undertake some form of mind training that will equip us to maintain our mental faculties and intellectual structure, as we must do when training for physical fitness. Just as we must have a picture of our aim for physical fitness, we must also have a concept of our aim for mental fitness. As exercise plays a dominant role in keeping physical health, so it is important in acquiring mental fitness as we seek through movements and contractions of thought to extend both our strength and our flexibility as we acquire greater development of our minds and consciousness.

 We cannot however expect instant success as we have to have time to develop different habits of thinking and feeling. Above all, we need to learn to be good friends with ourselves.

Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: The Complete Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions. Read more…

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The healthy state of a child’s mind begins at home. Early years are very important both for the development of emotional life as well as thought patterns and intellect. All development is easier if there is a foundation of robust physical health.

When infants display signs of irregular or erratic behavior, stress reactions and nervous problems that are indicative of some imbalance in the psyche it can cause parents great concern as to the means of correction. Sometimes the causes are not known or whether the problems are the result of physiological chemistry or deeper neurological or psychological factors.

In seeking a remedy, the obvious first attention is to nutrition. Although parents try their best to provide good food and sufficient for their children’s health, basic poor nutrition is frequently unrecognized but must be addressed. For decades the familiar cry of nutritionists that American and Australian children are ‘overfed and undernourished’ has failed to be generally understood as being based upon the necessity for quality. It refers to the need for natural, fresh, wholesome and unprocessed or vitamin -rich food that provides nutrients for the brain as well as body.

The psychological needs of children although simple and well known in theory, are sensitive issues in practice when family life is generally complex.

Comparatively little quality time is given by busy parents to nurturing the subtler aspects of each individual soul in the family group, through private discussion, generous affection and personal encouragement to each. How to accomplish this is the task of each family aided by the hard won experiences of previous parents, grandparents and by reference to the enduring values common to every generation.

However, without discipline in the home it is not possible to fulfil any parental plan and modern life presents many opportunities to exercise extensions of it in dealing with such new factors as mobile phones, television, electronic games and all other technological toys and ‘advances’ that we are persuaded will make our life happier.

There are some people who offer hints to remind us of some success in households that have instituted quiet meal times and disciplined conversation to provide one answer as does the bedtime story tradition, now often rejected because of television.

It may be easier to consider the nature of our home care opportunities to fulfill the child’s needs than be able to find the time and the wisdom in applying the theory. It is our ability to achieve time management that will influence the results and give evidence in happy, well adjusted children.

Reminders are simple –

Need to give and receive affection

Instill the values you believe are a priority – kindness, truth, helping others etc.

Encourage the exercise of their natural skills and talents Provide opportunities for them to develop constructive and creative hobbies

Nurture their self understanding and self confidence Give them a concept of potential careers and work requiring present and future skills

Help them to formulate simple mental affirmations to strengthen or assist their needs and desires

Read to them thoughts that will help them later formulate their own philosophy

Provide a sense of security in the home that protects them and encourages a sense of self worth both as an individual and within the bounds of family life.

Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: The Complete Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions. Read more…

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Mental illness in our young people is a serious problem with 27,000,000 postings on the internet under ‘Mental Disease in Children’.

Symptoms of mental illness range from nervous tension or stress, temper, crying, hyperactivity, digestive disorders, to more serious signs such as hallucinations, nightmares, fear, anxiety, depression, self-arm and intellectual impairment.

Baffled by the extent of psychological disturbances or behavioral irregularities, psychiatrists and doctors are now prescribing potent drugs for many mental health problems diagnosed in infants and children even before the age of puberty. This is a dangerous practice that cannot replace the long term needs and simple disciplines that are possible within a loving home environment.

We are now hearing more about bipolar disease that manifests in symptoms of mood changes that fluctuate between depression and mania, or euphoria.  It is not hard to apply these symptoms to an adult and that possibly many in our population are suffering in this way as a result of stressful modern conditions, but in the U.S. there are 800,000 children diagnosed as suffering bi-polar disease and given drug medication accordingly, even though they are aged less than ten years of age.

In Australia at a forum involving child psychiatrists from Australia and New Zealand, 90% were of the opinion that Bipolar disorder is over-diagnosed and therefore overmedicated. We are fortunate that there is a more conservative attitude that allows common sense to remind us of the many contributory factors influencing young minds and the psychological make up of pre-puberty infants and that our professionals are still capable of being shocked to think that there is basis for a report of bipolar being diagnosed in babies of only 2 years of age.

All psychiatric drugs have a downside, both in the immediate and long term side effects. In addition, many cause severe reactions when withdrawing from their use.

We trust that it is the majority of both professionals and members of the public that remain cautious about exposing children to mind changing chemicals that could stimulate future litigation based on the possible claim of physical violation or medical abuse of children.

Not only for ourselves, but as parents we should demand to know the statistics related to any drug prescribed, as with any other health measure, including vaccinations. We should have this information before allowing action so that we can assess for ourselves the risk and degree of risk of side effects and long term use of any medical technique offered in general use by the medical or naturopathic profession.

Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: The complete Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions. Read more…

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