What does mental health really mean?

Today, more than ever, mental health has become both a hotly debated topic and a cause for concern.

We hear the term "mental health" almost everywhere, but few of us truly understand what it really means.

We can no longer talk about health in general without first discussing mental health. 

From my therapeutic experience and work with patients, mental health has a major impact on quality of life in terms of physical, social, and personal health.

From my perspective, mental health is based on several pillars without which we could not discuss the subject, namely: physical health, sleep hygiene, effective stress management, essential brain nutrients, an active social life, and, very importantly, self-esteem.

In over 13 years of experience, both in the healing process and in maintaining health, mental health is the main pillar in this whole process. 

A positive mental attitude and the desire to heal are the two absolutely essential elements in both mental and physical health.

The most common mistakes I encounter in my practice related to mental health are linked to fear of illness and fear that the patient will not find effective treatment. These two mistakes lead to feelings of despair. 

There are no magic formulas, no secrets! We just need to have a sincere desire to heal and a positive mental attitude, and then, in this positive process, the chances of healing or maintaining health increase by over 60%.

Therefore, we must do everything in our power to remain positive, and then we can talk about mental health.

The link between mental and physical health: what you need to know

Many of us face various physical ailments, some more complicated, others easier to treat. But did you know that any ailment, regardless of where it manifests itself, first manifests itself mentally and emotionally? 

The link between mental and physical health is concrete! For example, prolonged severe stress causes the stomach lining to become inflamed and irritated. If not treated in time, the stomach lining remains irritated and gastritis develops.

I have diagnosed thousands of patients with various conditions, some acute, others chronic, all of which originated exclusively in the mind.

Other examples of conditions that I frequently encounter, with stress as the primary cause, include irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis, autoimmune thyroid disease, menstrual disorders, anxiety disorders, erectile dysfunction, and many other conditions and organ dysfunction disorders.

In this article, I will address the emotional cause of gastritis. Feelings of anger toward a situation or person that are inhibited and internalized, as well as frustration at unfulfilled expectations, are the emotional causes of gastritis.

Gastritis is also characteristic of people who show an excessive tendency to worry about the future. 

An exercise that I recommend to all patients suffering from gastritis, especially in the chronic stage, in addition to treatment, is breathing exercises.

They are very easy to do but have a great effect: in the morning and evening, in silence, lying on your back with your eyes closed, inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, and then exhale for four seconds. Repeat five to seven times. This exercise relieves nervous tension, balances the heart rate, and calms duodenal spasticity.

The link between sleep and mental health.

What does it really mean to sleep properly?

Quality sleep has become a treasure these days! Over half of Americans suffer from sleep disorders. Either they can't fall asleep, they don't get enough sleep, or they wake up frequently during the night.

Billions and billions are spent on sleeping pills. And yet, not everyone who turns to chemicals solves their problem, and the side effects are not absent.

Sleep problems are the most common issues faced by patients who visit my office for the first time. 

Sleep hygiene has an impact on mental and physical health, concentration, decision-making, work capacity, and hormonal health.

But what does it really mean to sleep properly?

Proper, healthy sleep lasts at least 7.5 hours, without interruptions or waking up during the night. After 7 hours of continuous sleep, lymphatic fluid is released into the brain. This fluid "cleans" the brain and is released during deep sleep. 

In-depth studies by the University of Rochester in New York State have shown that poor sleep quality increases the incidence of dementia by more than 30%.

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland. This hormone begins to be secreted at sunset, as it gets dark, around 9 p.m.

That is why it is very important that starting at 9 p.m. we stop using our phones and gadgets, avoid being nervous, avoid arguments, and prepare for rest.

It has been proven that blue light from gadgets (especially blue light) affects melatonin secretion.

9 p.m. is the start of preparing for quality sleep, and by following the tips above, you will definitely have a better night's sleep.