Mental health can be attributed to many things, and one of those things is diet. This has warranted the most attention from the mental health community than perhaps any other form of therapy. Nutritional awareness and increased popularity of non-pharmaceutical solutions to health problems has led to a great deal of press and some pretty strong claims on both sides of the mental health argument.

1. Eating Patterns

It’s no secret that eating habits are related to mood – people tend to eat when they are sad or depressed for example. Things like poor nutrition, a failure to eat on an appropriate schedule and other factors are common to both.

2. Low Carbohydrate Diet

Certain diets have a discernible impact on mood and mental health. The popular low carbohydrate diets that are often vaunted as a great means of promoting weight loss, for instance, may increase the risk of depression. This is because foods rich in carbohydrates tell the body to produce chemicals including tryptophan and serotonin. These substances create a sense of well being in a person and their absence can have a dramatic impact on mood. Many people who cut carbohydrates from their diets may experience depressive symptoms as a result of the shortfall in these substances. The impact of carbohydrate intake on depression remains somewhat unclear. Of course, it does serve as an example of the way our bodies interplay with food can influence our emotional state.

3. You Are What You Eat

We have all heard the old clich» that you are what you eat. As with most oft-repeated phrases, its popularity is largely based on its accuracy. What we take into our body does have a profound impact on how well it functions. Although we often tend to think of mental health problems as being divorced from the physical realm, they do originate in the body. It only makes sense to consider how various nutrients and dietary habits may affect depression and other mental health concerns.

4. Vitamins

Certain vitamins also seem to be linked with depression. The B vitamin group, in particular, is often mentioned alongside depression. This is because B vitamins are key to the functioning of our nervous systems. Vitamin B6 is one example. Research has demonstrated that those suffering from depression often have very low levels of Vitamin B6 in their systems (as well as low levels of the aforementioned seratonin). Although most citizens living in industrialized nations generally to manage sufficient dietary impact of B6, certain medications (including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy drugs) actually interfere with B6 ingestion.

5.Overhaul Your Diet

Far too many people eat out. It might shock you to actually discover how many calories are in a single hamburger these days. Eating a healthy and well-rounded diet consistent with recognized nutritional recommendations may be a good way of battling depression. A failure to restrict your diet to healthy choices may make you fat, and being fat might make you more depressed – being depressed makes you eat, and the vicious cycle continues. Break the cycle!

John Morris
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/foods-that-can-improve-mental-health-50295.html

The positive effects of the use of discount vitamins are more prevalent today than in the past. It is estimated that there are approximately 44.3 million people in the United States with a diagnosable mental disorder. These can range from depression, bipolar disorder, and premenstrual syndrome, to schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. In light of those tough statistics, mental health and medical professionals know that keeping the body and physical wellbeing healthy, can actually decrease the symptoms related to most mental illnesses.

The most important step of all is to first see a doctor or mental health specialist, either to be tested and diagnosed or to discuss with them the alternative discount vitamins that are best for your situation. While many of the disorders are rather different from one another, the types of vitamins used to treat them are fairly common.

* Depression – Depression can be a side effect to some other drugs, including oral contraceptives. Your doctor or specialist may want to perform a test on what are called the homocysteine levels in order to check for folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies. If diagnosed with depression, there are several choices in discount vitamins and supplements including folate, vitamin B12, amino acid supplements – specifically the amino acid L-tryptophan, and vitamin B6. Another popular treatment with those who prefer natural medicines is the use of ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo is also used to treat asthma, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease and more.

* Bipolar Disorder – Bipolar Disorder, closely associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder, is naturally treated with some of the same vitamins as depression and anxiety. Most commonly used are a mixture of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin B2 and vitamin B complex. Studies have also shown that these same vitamins in addition to biotin, boron, and manganese and fish oil can be used to treat Bipolar Disorder II.

* Anxiety – As one of the most common forms of mental illness, anxiety at certain levels can also cause fatigue, psychological and physical stress, excessive alcohol consumption and even anorexia and insomnia. Anxiety studies have also shown a links to folic acid deficiency. Many treatments include vitamin B12 and folic acid. In recent years, St. John’s Wort has become a popular alternative due the ingredients hypericin and pseudohypericin, which has also shown to be helpful in ceasing anxiety.

* Premenstrual Syndrome (also know as PMS) – For women, this is one of the most common types of disorders. In recent studies, it has been shown that most women do not take the Recommended Daily Allowance for magnesium, which is now believed to be one of the causes for premenstrual syndrome. Magnesium is known for relating to mood changes, so it is one of the most common supplements used in treating PMS. Calcium and vitamin D are also good for premenstrual syndrome. Four servings of skim of low fat milk is a great way to get that extra calcium needed.

* Schizophrenia – Schizophrenia is a disabling and chronic brain disorder that affects approximately one percent of people in the world. Pyridoxal-5-phosphate, the active form of vitamin B6, is very important to the brain functioning normally. This supplement, along with folic acid, methylfolate, niacin, and vitamin C are some of the vitamin supplements used to treat schizophrenics.

Once there has been a determination of the vitamins that can be used in your specific case, purchasing quality vitamins at a discount price is the next step. These can be found anywhere from vitamin outlet stores, the Internet, magazine and on television through home shopping channels. The Internet, being the most convenient way to shop, offers consumers a world of opportunity in finding the best quality discount vitamins at the most reasonable price. The most desirable sites offer considerable information all the vitamins and herbs they sell, showing that they are committed to the overall health and well being of the customers. These sites break down each vitamin and provide an explanation of how it should be used, the dosage amount and size. In addition, some offer their customers health and wellness articles that can provide the most up-to-date information of discount vitamins, health issues, and alternative medicines, in turn giving each customer the ability to make the right decisions in the purchases they make.

Water is another extremely important part of keeping ourselves healthy. To many, water is just water and nothing else, but recently this has changed. Now called “Functional Water” by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bottled water is now classified by its origin.

* Spring water – spring water derives from the point where ground water flows, sometimes flowing as a result of snow and ice melting or rain.

* Purified water – This water can come from any source (ocean, spring, well, etc.), but is then purified using a process called reverse osmosis.

* Mineral water – Mineral water contains minerals which can alter or change the taste of the water. This water is one of the most popular types purchased, and commercially offered in over 3000 brands.

* Distilled water – Distilled water is used in many ways, most commonly known for being used to clean car batteries. The water becomes distilled by boiling it and re-condensing the steam into a container, thus removing any contaminants.

* Vitamin added water – As one of the most popular types of water available today, this water is available with or without additional flavors, such as strawberry, lemon or grape. The vitamin water contains distilled water, electrolytes, and vitamins such as C, B6, B12 and E.

No matter the choice of discount vitamins chosen or the type of water that best fits your tastes, these simple and inexpensive additions to everyday life can truly change the way you think and feel. Dealing with a mental illness can be one of the hardest things in life, but there is help available. Making an appointment and speaking to your doctor or a health professional today can give anyone the ability to start living a life that is more fulfilling and happy.

Freelance Writer
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/mental-health-and-vitamin-supplements-how-these-work-together-for-an-overall-healthy-you-133844.html

I want you to rate your own mental health.

Classifying your own mental condition is an almost impossible task, according to experts. But, it is a little easier if you go about it from the positive point of view – mental health rather than mental illness.

With the cooperation of The National Association For Mental Health, I have prepared a survey which could be of help to you in deciding whether or not you need help.

Your Feelings about Yourself: Yes / No
1. Do you get honest satisfaction from simple pleasures?
2. Do you have respect for yourself?
3. Can you take disappointment in stride?
4. Can you laugh at your own errors?
5. Do you feel capable of dealing with situations as they come your way?
6. Can you accept displays of your own emotions – fear, anger, jealousy, guilt, worry?

Your Feelings about Others: Yes / No
1. Do you have personal relationships that are satisfying and lasting?
2. Do you trust others and assume that others will trust you?
3. Do you respect people who differ from you?
4. Do you refuse to be pushed around and refuse satisfaction from it?
5. Can you feel you are a part of a group?
6. Are you able to love somebody?

Your Feelings about Life: Yes / No
1. Do you accept as much responsibility as comes your way?
2. Do you plan ahead without fear of the future?
3. Do you welcome new ideas and experiences?
4. Do you put your best effort into what you do and get satisfaction from it?
5. Do you make your own decisions?
6. Do you deal with your problems as they arise?
7. Do you shape your environment whenever possible and adjust to it whenever necessary?
8. Do you set realistic goals for yourself?
9. Do you feel you are making use of your natural capacities?

If you score a perfect mark – you can assume that you are the lucky possessor of a balanced personality, a mentally healthy one. Just a few NO’s may be regarded as normal. But if too many of your answers are NO – five or more – the chances are that some degree of help is needed. More help than a simple book can give you.

Persons who feel that self analysis is not enough, should contact their local branch of The National Association For Mental Health for information as to where help is available. Other places which may be contacted for information are: the state affiliate of the American Psychiatric Association, family service agencies, state or county health departments, your own general practitioner.

You may also find that there is available in your community one of the growing number of mental health clinics.

Jimmy Cox
http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/a-simple-test-with-which-to-rate-your-mental-health-119604.html

Schizophrenia affects around 1% of the population of this planet. It is a chronic, severe, and disabling mental disorder. It has also been recognized for centuries, maybe not with the same nomenclature, but most likely with the same symptoms. However, the complex mechanisms which cause this condition remain a mystery of their own… but for how long?

History of Schizophrenia: from demons to genes

The symptoms commonly associated with schizophrenia are on the records of many ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. The causes for this mental disorder have been associated with demons, gods, poisonous substances, dark creatures and more â?? but until today, there are still no definite answers. There is evidence, however, to the different treatments tested (and used) in several patients. Drilling holes in a patientâ??s skull and performing dance rituals were some of them.

The term â??Schizophreniaâ?? (derived from the Greek words â??schizoâ??=split and â??phreneâ??=mind) was only created in 1911 by Eugene Bleuler, a Swiss physician. Bleuler changed the term â??dementia praecoxâ?? created by Emile Kraepelin â?? the German physician who first classified mental disorders in categories â?? because the disorder was not a dementia. Later on, both scientists sub-classified schizophrenia into categories based on specific symptoms, three of which were delineated in the DSM-III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders): disorganized, catatonic, paranoid, residual, and undifferentiated. Kraepelinâ??s classification remains influential and it is the basis of the DSM-IV.

Nowadays, it is believed that schizophrenia is caused by a mixture of gene interaction and environmental influence. However, it is not clear how much influence each of these causes wields.

The Symptoms

The symptoms of schizophrenia are divided into three categories: positive, negative and cognitive.

Positive symptoms are volatile, easy to recognise and normally involve some loss of contact with reality. Hallucinations (distortions of the human senses), delusions (false personal beliefs) and movement disorders are examples of such symptoms.

Negative symptoms are harder to recognise as they relate to some loss in abilities such as planning, speaking, expressing emotions or being motivated. These symptoms can easily be misconnected to laziness, depression or other conditions which involve similar behaviour. The term is referred as â??negativeâ?? due to the reductions in â??normalityâ?? â?? both emotional and behavioural.

Cognitive symptoms relate to problems in normal cognitive functions. In many cases these cognitive impairments are only detected through neuropsychological tests. Such symptoms include problems with memory, attention, decision-making and more.

The Causes

As previously noted, schizophrenia is believed to be caused by a mixture of gene and environmental influence. Davies stated that â??schizophrenia appears to be caused by abnormalities in the development of the brain that become manifest in late adolescence or the early twenties, a time when a differentiation and maturation of the central nervous system is at its most complexâ? (Davies 2005 p. 210*).

However, the disorder is not characterised by a single predominant gene â?? it relies on the combination of a group of genes, each exerting a small effect. These gene combinations, along with the presence non-genetic factors such as exposure to viruses or drug abuse, play a key role of increasing vulnerability.

Current research is attempting to identify the genes which could be directly involved with the incidence of schizophrenia and psychotic episodes. There are candidate genes – however there is not enough evidence to prove that these genes in fact increase risk. â??Some genes that have recently been associated with schizophrenia code for enzymes and proteins that help brain cells communicate with each other.

Some of these enzymes and proteins are involved in neurotransmitter systems that have long been implicated in schizophrenia, such as dopamine, glutamate and GABA. Other genes code for proteins involved in the brain development, while others code for proteins of yet undetermined functionâ?. (NIMH â?? National Institute of Mental Health**).

Facts and the treatments

Schizophrenia is a chronic and disabling disorder, but nevertheless misinterpreted by the general population. In fact, between 25 and 40% of people who experience a psychotic episode not only recover, but never experience a second episode. In many instances, patients enter hospital care voluntarily, and are able to function normally when not experiencing an episode. Although people with schizophrenia are more likely to attempt suicide, they are not particularly prone to violence or crimes.

Over the last few years, new anti-psychotic medications have been developed â?? such as clozapine, risperidone and olanzapine. These drugs do not cure schizophrenia, but they effectively alleviate its symptoms and extrapyramidal side effects (such as rigidity, muscle spasms and tremors) which used to appear in older drug treatments.

Psychosocial treatment is also important in the management of schizophrenia. Rehabilitation and substance abuse treatment are helpful in integrating the patient to the society, and improving the patientâ??s capability to counteract the degenerative effects of the disease. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) can also help. This treatment seems to be effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and decreasing the risk of relapse in patients which symptoms persist even when they take medication.

Furthermore, the efficacy of treatment can be vastly improved with the participation of family and friends. Because the positive symptoms of this mental illness are easy to distinguish, both patient and relatives are able to act when noticing the prevalence of different behaviour.

Overcoming schizophrenia: too far or too close?

The future of schizophrenia runs parallel to most research in mental health. With the advent of new brain mapping and scanning technologies, such as PET, MRI, fMRI and the developments in genetic research â?? scientists are narrowing their focus to the interaction between neurons and how each of our cognitive functions affect neurotransmission at a molecular level. With this in hand, there are expectations that the approach to schizophrenia will be more specific and efficient â?? but to predict cure at this stage, is a long shot.

Nevertheless, there may be more excitement in the other side of the spectrum. Identifying the exact gene combination which increases the incidence of this condition, and the role of non-genetic factors, may still seem distant. However, another solution could effectively help the vast population suffering from the symptoms of schizophrenia.

The general thinking is that the best way to combat an illness is to develop a cure. What about instead of finding the cure, combating the symptoms? That is the approach used for most illnesses which cure is yet to be discovered, and it could be a temporary solution to improve the lives of millions. Cognitive enhancers, such as nootropics (cited in a previous edition of this ezine) and cognitive enhancing methods â?? such as the use of electric waves in specific brain regions â?? could counteract some of the debilitating symptoms of schizophrenia.

Most of these techniques are still being tested, but they are much closer to reality and have already predictions to reach the market within a few years. Although there have been some studies in cognitive enhancing drugs, new drug classes are on the scene â?? and brain science and pharmacology are allowing further discoveries in the field. What will be the next step? That might not be the one million dollar question, but perhaps it holds the answer which over 65 million people have been waiting for.

Sources *Davies, J. (November 2005) A Manual of Mental Health Care in General Practice, Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra.

** National Institute of Mental Health Website (www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/schizresfact.cfm).

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Pedro Gondim
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/mental-health-disorders-schizophrenia-139841.html

Mental health counselling can be an effective therapy as part of a wider treatment plan for an individual who is suffering from depression or an anxiety related disorder, or for people who have experienced a traumatic event in their lives and are finding it difficult to cope with, or for those who are struggling to deal with specific problems and issues. It is often a doctor who will recommend mental health counselling, however, many individuals will seek the services of a counsellor themselves, either by asking their doctor for advice or by approaching a counsellor directly.

What is counselling

Basically, counselling can be described as a type of talking therapy. It is usually delivered in a safe and private setting so that the individual concerned can relax and talk openly and freely about their particular problems or issues and the emotions or feelings that can accompany them.

It is described as a talking therapy because the counsellor will listen empathetically to an individual in order to understand the situation from the individuals point of view. In doing this a trained counsellor will be able to encourage an individual to see their situation more clearly, perhaps from a different perspective, and will be able to help them identify new ways of coping with their problems or circumstances. Counselling usually does not involve giving advice or telling someone what to do with their lives, it is more about exploring problems, identifying possible solutions and choices and obtaining clarity.

For counselling to be effective, it is essential that an element of trust develops between the counsellor and the person or persons receiving the counselling as only in this way can there be an open and free dialogue. It may take time for a person receiving counselling to lose any initial feelings of distrust, fear and embarrassment so quite often counselling will be offered over several sessions in order for a relationship to develop between the counsellor and the patient or client.

There are several types of mental health counselling services available, each drawing on its own particular theory of human psychology and development. There are also many different types of counsellors, some of who are trained to deal with a particular problem or circumstance. For example bereavement counsellors, counsellors who specialise in eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, and counsellors who understand the issues surrounding drug and alcohol addiction, as well as many others.

Counselling can take place on a one to one basis, or in group sessions, face to face or over the phone. It can last for just one session, a specific block of sessions or be open ended with no time limit at all. Regardless of the particular type of mental health problem involved, the first step to recovery is recognising that there is a problem in the first place.

When mental health counselling can help

Mental health counselling can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have a tendency to repress feelings like guilt, frustration, anger, resentment, sadness and so on and who find it difficult to cope alone and who for whatever reason, perhaps do not want to discuss how they feel with their friends and family. It can help an individual to gain new insights into their own particular circumstances and problems and to achieve clarity and direction in life. Most of all it can help an individual cope and improve their quality of life.

There are numerous circumstances where someone might seek the services of a mental health counsellor or be referred for counselling by their doctor and these include but are certainly not limited to:

Relationship problems, including separation and divorce
Problems at work or financial worries, dismissal, redundancy
Physical, sexual and/or mental abuse
Bereavement
Depression and anxiety
Post natal depression
Eating disorders
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
Alcohol and drug abuse
Phobias
Panic Attacks
Dealing with stress
Post traumatic stress

Finding a counsellor

In order to get the right kind of help it is important that you access the most appropriate type of counselling for you and as there are so many available options, it can be problematic if you decide to go it alone.

In the first instance, it would be advisable to speak to your doctor as he or she will be able to take into consideration your full medical history before recommending any particular type of therapy or counsellor. If you decide to seek the services of a trained counsellor independently, it is up to you to check out the cost and the credentials of any potential counsellor before you start.

Many voluntary organisations have counsellors and there are numerous private counsellors advertising in the press, phone books and on the Internet. However, you can find an accredited counsellor from the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy website at bacp or from the National Board for Certified Counsellors at nbcc if you live in the USA.

Simon Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/mental-health-counselling-is-a-great-idea-186977.html

Mental disorders that are noticed during childhood or a person’s adolescence are usually seen to last in that person even after the person has turned into an adult. Researches say that mental syndromes developed during childhood seem to affect the person’s attitude and lifestyle harmfully in the later stages of his life. This includes physical ailments like asthma or allergies, persistent pain, headaches or migraine, epilepsy and even heart disorders.

In some children vision and hearing problems have also been noticed who have underdone some sort of mental health disorders. Among the adolescent range these mental disorders have been found in the range of depression, substance and anxiety disorders, or personality syndromes in the categories of paranoia or schizophrenia. Children who have been subjected to stress at earlier ages have been seen to show the symptoms of this condition.

Although parents might not be able to understand the reasons behind their children’s stress, there are a lot of ways in which a child can be subjected to stress. Most of the stress is observed in children from external agents like friends, school and family. But it may even include serious issues like child abuse, or discrimination or may be, even self generated stress. This stress or anxiety can even be observed in kids as old as two years to kids who are in the pre-school level leaving their parents for the sake of their education.

In recent years, there have been several studies and researches regarding mental health issues in which people with health disorders in their childhood had been compared with people who were in good mental health. The research was based on the questioning of the volunteering participants, in which they were asked questions about their lifestyle, their physical and psychological heath condition, their relationships and about their everyday home and office chores. The research results have shown that the participants that had past records of ill-health were in worse physical health in their adulthoods compared to the ones who had not gone through any of the mental health disorders.

The ones with mental disorders were also investigated to have had relationship problems and personality disorders in their adulthood in greater number of occasions than the ones that haven’t undergone these syndromes. Some of the reported problems that the adults with health disorders faced were poor psychological conditions together with problems with their communities and insecurity of their lives and homes. These patients have been observed to suffer more in all the aspects of their lives than the ones who were mentally healthy. With the improvement in technology and medicine together with the growing concern of people towards teen mental disorders, we can rescue the future or our present world by treating these adolescents at early stages by recognising the symptoms and the signs.

With early diagnosis and good care, these children can overcome these mind barriers and start living their lives happily, being fruitful to the society and themselves.

Wouter Van Dyck
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/teen-mental-health-140528.html