What does World Mental Health Day mean to me? I work all day with people who have medical needs. I would say at least 75% of the time, there is an underlying emotional issue or challenge. Whether it’s obesity, migraines, insomnia, or addiction. I’ve worked with a mother who has two babies who suffer from a rare, genetic disease that has horrible consequences. Another mother’s teenage son has a terminal disease, one where he can’t walk or stand, but is a brilliant student with his sight set on the Ivy League. In too many other cases, young people are self-harming or are seriously depressed, causing turmoil and fear within their family. In each case, emotional support needed to be part of the plan for their health.
We can no longer look at the chemical malfunction of the brain, or our environment, as separate from our physical health. A proper diet that protects the biome of our gut is necessary for the production of about 80% of our serotonin. Cortisol levels that rise because we are in fear of losing our jobs or contracting a deadly disease can increase our blood pressure, cause migraines. Even the death of a loved one can cause a heart attack! Lack of regular and effective sleep can lead to obesity, depression, hypertension. Vitamin D from the sun is essential for immunity. We are one body and every part of us affects the other. Until the medical community and society come to terms with this, there will be stigma and lack of funding for necessary research. Yes, some of us have an intrinsic physiologic deficit making us prone to anxiety or depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, just as it would for lack of insulin to lead to diabetes.
As we breathe and see, we are affected by our surroundings. We are by nature, social beings. How we are treated. How we see others being treated. Prejudice evident in words or actions. Negativity of social media. The kindness of a stranger. The laugh of a baby. All of these things trigger emotions, and physiologic reactions whether we are aware of them or not. A hug produces oxytocin, the same substance produced at childbirth.
Currently, the pandemic and political divisiveness in our country are contributing to emotional fatigue and depression. In essence, as we are one person, we are connected to the energy of our world. Given that reality, on this day of celebrating mental health, let us celebrate who we are and strive to honor and celebrate ourselves and others physically, emotionally, spiritually, even financially if able, regardless of religion, color, politics.
Talk. Dance. Share. Laugh. Hug. Love. (for now, virtually or with masks and social distancing)
I wish you all the health in the World!
Debbie Costello Smith