Taking Care of Ourselves and Others

When people suffer from mental illness, they often look for help from many different areas. Often, the primary source of relief is medication. The pharmaceutical industry has responded to these demands by providing newer and more effective drugs for a variety of mental illnesses. As a result, medication is usually the primary line of defense since they are designed to help specific illnesses. These current drugs are often effective, as they not only help minimize troubling symptoms, but they now address some of the side effects that often characterized the previous generation of drugs.  

However, there may be some other effective ways to help people cope with their challenges in addition to taking medication. In fact, research shows that medication combined with peer and family support, spirituality, meditation, and exercise can be a potent force in helping people begin to feel better and reducing stress in their lives.

Peer and Family Support: The support of family and friends is an excellent way to help those with a mental illness. Family support includes talking with parents, brothers and sisters, and relatives in informal settings such as at home. Peer support, although equally effective, may be more diverse. It involves talking to anyone from all walks of life who is going through similar challenges. Peer support may take place in a variety of places-informal get-togethers, group therapy, or self-help groups. Although each type of assistance may be different in nature, they are similar in that they provide  emotional support, empathy, and helpful information. As a result, people may feel more understood and not so alone with their daily struggles.

Spirituality: Some individuals may also seek comfort by addressing their religious and spiritual needs. Although this approach may not be for all, some people believe that creating a better relationship with a higher power can help them in difficult times. Through this relationship, people may develop a sense of hope that they can effectively deal with the challenges facing them.

Meditation : Meditation is another way to help people deal with the challenges associated with mental illness. This technique, long considered an effective way to relax the body and clear the mind of unnecessary thoughts, is becoming more common in Western society. Among the many benefits of meditation include lower blood pressure, lower heart rates, and decreased energy expenditure. Meditation may also allow people to calm themselves, especially when they are experiencing stressful times. As a result, meditation can bring peace of mind to consciousness and a more balanced approach to healthy living. There are many ways to meditate and it is up to each individual to find the one that best fits their needs.

Exercise : We are constantly told about how important it is to exercise. The good news is that every little bit helps. Aerobic exercise, going for a daily walk, swimming, or riding a bicycle are all beneficial.

Five "Well" Ways to Reduce Stress in Our Lives

1) Live well - Don't clutter up your life with too many things. Enjoy today!

2) Eat well- Try eating more healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.

3) Sleep well - Try and get enough sleep- the world will look brighter after a good nights rest.

4) Exercise well -Try and exercise a bit everyday, such as a short, brisk walk.

5) Relax well - Give yourself a break when things don't go your way. We are all human!

  Warren Copeland