What navigating dementia taught me about mental health
In 2023, why does it still seem controversial (and almost taboo) to say mental health is a part of brain health?
We don't separate gut health (the organ) from digestive health (the function), so why do we still separate brain health (the organ) from mental health (the function)?
Let's take a closer look by stepping back
When we view a mountain from a distance, we can't see all the bits and pieces that form it; and when we are fixated on the bits and pieces, we cannot see it as a whole, or how to navigate around it.
Similarly, when I started my mental fitness journey back in 2016, the mountainous problem seemed to be all of the unhealthful outcomes that plague our society physically, mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally.
The problem seemed so obvious, that made the solution seem so simple---better education (right?).
If we can understand what drives our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, then we'll be able to better care for them to get over that mountain (hurrah!).
With that in mind, I forged on by volunteering for several boards and committees related to brain health, DEI+ (diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, justice, etc.), and suicide prevention.
Yet as I got closer, the mountain grew too.
I started to see all the bits and pieces that formed that enormous mountain, with brain health and mental health treated as separate parts in so many areas of health, fitness, and well-being.
I started to realize how MASSIVE this mountain really is, with all of the outdated theories, constructs, and practices we've held onto for so many years, that predate modern science.
I'm reminded of this every time I hear someone say "ego" or "evil" when talking about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (that is especially cringeworthy in the mental health and DEI+ space).
Why is this important to know?
Whether speaking scientifically or historically, we now know that many thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that were at one time (and even currently) shamed and judged as "immoral" are in fact the result of deeper neurological activity, often associated with people living with developmental differences, health conditions, trauma, diseases, or disorders (with many related to homelessness and incarceration).
The moral judgment that we have ignorantly placed on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have resulted in this mountain of fear, shame, and stigma we face today (driven by our unconscious stress response) that prevents the understanding, access, and care we need.
It's time to find our (neuro)pathway
One major step we can take to healthfully navigate this mountain is to understand the mind as a function of the brain, and care for it as such.
In fact, the same health and fitness practices that reduce shame and stigma also reduce one's risk of mental illness and dementia by regulating and reducing the impact of unconscious neurological stress that contributes to or exacerbates many conditions (whether a neurological disease, disorder, or mental illness).
To help make this (neuro)connection, here are twelve things I learned about mental health from caring for a person living with dementia, that promote understanding and care for your brain, mental function, and nervous system:
Your unconscious nervous system matters.
Your neurochemistry matters.
Your perception matters.
Stress reduction matters.
Safety and comfort matter.
Having something to look forward to matters.
Trying to control everything is stressful.
Trying to make sense of everything is stressful.
Your feelings matter more than your thoughts.
Words are only as helpful as we interpret them.
Don't take life too seriously.
You are more than your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Healthful mental fitness practices that support all of the above include:
Find a safe and comfortable space to calm your sympathetic nervous system.
Eat well and drink water to promote healthful digestion, nutrition, and neurochemical activity.
Prioritize sleep to promote cellular growth and shed toxic neurochemicals.
Play games to fuel healthful neurological activity.
Listen to uplifting or calming music to stimulate healthful neurological activity.
Do something creative to promote adaptive neurochemical activity.
Learn or try something new to increase adaptive neurological activity.
Increase oxygen and blood flow with physical movement and breathing exercises.
Practice gratitude to calm your sympathetic nervous system.
Think hopefully about the future to promote healthful neurochemical activity.
Seek the help and resources you need to heal and regulate your nervous system.
Maintain emotional safety and support.
Learn more about mental fitness practices that connect brain health with mental health, and DEI+ with well-being.