A Healthy Mind
The Bible says, “Keep thy heart [mind] with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23). Mental health is one of the most important subjects in the field of health. Why is it so? The mind is the capital of the body. It controls the whole man. Every organ of the body is servant to the mind – organs that we see and those that we do not see. There is no operation of any part of the body without the control of the mind. All our actions, good or bad, have their source in the mind. If the mind would stop working, all the organs of the body would cease to work. No instruction would be sent to them to perform the work they are supposed to do. Not only does the mind control our organs, but it is a storage of information. It helps us to have knowledge and to remember that knowledge when needed for use. The mind also helps us to make decisions and choices.
The brain is the organ and instrument of the mind, and controls the whole body. In order for the other parts of the system to be healthy the brain must be healthy. And in order for the brain to be healthy the blood must be pure. In this article we shall attempt to discuss how the mind can be kept healthy, and the risk factors that lead to sickness of the mind.
Mind and Body Connection
In the early 1900s, Ellen G. White, North American author and advocate for natural health wrote the following statements, “All need to become acquainted with that most wonderful of all organisms, the human body. They should understand the functions of the various organs and the dependence of one upon another for the healthy action of all. They should study the influence of the mind upon the body, and of the body upon the mind, and the laws by which they are governed.” – (Ministry of Healing, p. 128, par. 1; Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1905).
“The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize.” – (Ibid, p. 241, par. 1). She wrote again, “In the treatment of the sick the effect of mental influence should not be overlooked. Rightly used, this influence affords one of the most effective agencies for combating disease.” – (Ibid, par. 4).
As early as 1905, this writer understood the relationship that exists between the mind and the body, that if one is affected, the other is affected also. Many a times when one is sick, the influence that the mind has towards either the recovery of the sick, or the aggravation of the sickness, is often overlooked. Many fail to recover from their diseases because of their mental condition. We quote again from the writing of Ellen White, “Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly aggravated, by the imagination. Many are lifelong invalids who might be well if they only thought so. Many imagine that every slight exposure will cause illness, and the evil effect is produced because it is expected. Many die from disease the cause of which is wholly imaginary.” – (Ibid, p. 241, par. 2; emphasis supplied). On the other hand, the mind can play a great role in promoting the recovery of health.
Sickness of the Mind
Again in her book, Mind, Character, and Personality, bk. 1, p. 59, par. 2, Ellen White wrote, “Sickness of the mind prevails everywhere. Nine tenths of the diseases from which men suffer have their foundation here.” – (Southern Publishing Association, 1977). Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression.Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death. If sickness of the mind can be solved, then 90% of all the diseases from which people suffer in the world would be conquered.
Sickness of the mind – stress
Mental stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. In day-to-day life there are many stressful situations such as family problems, work pressure, economical challenges, trauma, and many more. Some are psychological and others are physical stresses. Stress is not a disease per se, but it is a normal part of life which can motivate you to achieve certain goals. Stress is short-term and temporary, it is easy for the body to deal with it; and when dealt with correctly in cannot cause any harm to the body. Mental stress comes in two stages – acute and chronic. In acute stage, your body launches a physical response – fight or flight response. During this response, the body makes a quick decision how it can deal with the challenge. At this stage, the heartbeat and breathing begin to be faster, muscles become tense and the body begins to sweat. There are symptoms that one might experience during the acute stage of stress:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Upset stomach
- Irritability
These symptoms however, do not last long especially if the body manages to deal quickly with the challenge and overcome it.
In cases where the body fails to deal with and overcome the challenges and the stress condition lasts for weeks or months, acute stress develops into chronic stress. Chronic stress is a prolonged activated stress system – the body remains for a long time in the fight or flight response. During this stage there is a constant release of stress hormones, cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline (norepinephrine). A prolonged production of these hormones causes the body to be susceptible to illnesses, and may lead to aging quickly. During chronic stress you might experience the following symptoms:
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Heartburn, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome
- Upset stomach — cramps, constipation, and diarrhea
- Weight gain or loss
- Changes in sex drive
- Fertility problems
- Flare-ups of asthma or arthritis
- Skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis
Sickness of the mind – depression
“Depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 3.8% of the population affected, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years. Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression” – (Depression – WHO, 13 Sept. 2021). Also called clinical depression, major depression or major depressive disorder, depression is a prolonged mental stress condition that causes low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, and can lead to a variety of physical and emotional problems. The most common types of depression are: persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder. Depression is more serious and long-lasting than stress. Symptoms are more intense and can last at least two weeks
Symptoms of depression may include:
- Disturbed sleep or appetite
- Low energy
- Poor concentration
- Withdrawing from other people
- Feeling sad and hopeless
- Lack of energy, enthusiasm and motivation
- Trouble making decisions
- Being restless, agitated and irritable
- Eating more or less than usual
- Feeling that you can’t overcome difficulties in your life
- Trouble functioning in your class or in your personal life
- Thoughts of suicide
Steps to dealing with mental stress and depression
Since depression develops from mental stress, it can be prevented by dealing with stressful situations. The Bible outlines some very important steps that can be an aid in preventing depression and dealing with mental stress. Some of the steps included in this article are from the Bible.
Accept the situation: Denial is a great negative factor that leads to depression. Many cannot accept situations; and the denial of situations prevents them from dealing with the challenges. The first step to dealing with mental stress and depression is to accept the situation – accept the fact that something has happened and that you have to deal with it. The Bible brings to view this principle in the following words, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).The man Job in the Bible accepted his situation. When his wife insinuated that Job curses God and die because of the suffering which he was experiencing, he said, “What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? [….]” (Job 2:9, 10).Accept the situation and immediately work towards finding a way to solve it.
Do not linger long on “WHY?” immediately move to “HOW?”: While it is important to know the reason why some bad experiences are happening in your life, it also important not to remain in a “why?” position without trying to look for ways how you can deal with the situation. Lingering long on “why?” leads to hopelessness, self-blame, loss of self-esteem, and despondency. In this “why?” position you are prone to conclude that you are the only one with such a problem and that yours is the worst situation. It leads to guilt and self-contempt. At times you may not get answers to “why?” but proceed to “how?”
Believe that you can overcome: Being positive-minded and hopeful in any challenging situation is the greatest secret to overcoming stress and preventing depression. When the mind is positive it supplies the whole system with positive impulses that give strength and life to the body. On the other hand, a negative mind supplies the body with negative impulses that bring weakness and death. The apostle Paul possessed such an attitude. He said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
Release the pressure and speak out: Oftentimes, silence when one has problems is a silent killer. Talking releases mental pressure and gives a feeling of confidence. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). When Hannah in the Bible had stress caused by infertility, she could not shut her problem within herself, but spoke to God about it. We read, “Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard[…]” “And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I [am] a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD” (1 Samuel 2: 13, 15).LikeHannah you can pray and talk to God about your problems. You can talk to your spouse, a friend or anyone in whom you can confide, or you can seek counselling. The bottom line is, release the pressure by speaking out.
Always be cheerful: Cheerfulness is one of the best remedies of the mind. It calms the brain nerves and provides mental satisfaction. No wonder the Bible says, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). “Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul” (Ministry of Healing, p. 241, par. 3, Ellen White, Pacific Press Publ. Ass, 1905). “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).
Engage in physical activity: Physical exercise is a stress reliever. When you exercise, blood circulation is equalized and the brain is relieved from blood congestion. Outdoor brisk-walking, 30 minutes every morning is the best exercise and a good remedy for the mind. Other forms of exercises like gardening are beneficial too. Gardening takes away your mind from worry, care, and fills your mind with serenity and a feeling of relaxation.
Get adequate rest: Sleep calms and restores the body, improves concentration, regulates mood, sharpens judgement and decision, helps to cope with stress, helps the brain to detoxify. 7 or 8 hours of sleep a night will be of great benefit.
Always watch your eating habits: There is a close connection between the brain and the digestive system. The digestive system depends on the current supplied by the brain nerves to efficiently do its work. Stress or depression calls for more blood to be supplied to the brain leading to congestion. When brain congestion takes place, the brain can no longer supply the digestive system with enough current to help it perform its work. This leads to indigestion, constipation, stomach congestion, flatulence, fermentation and heartburn. Eat less food and the kind that is easy to digest. Raw vegetable salads or fruits are the best, or take vegetable or fruit juices, more preferable the ones that are homemade. Practice mindful eating, and skip meals when you feel that you are overwhelmed by stress. Eat nothing between meals, 2 or 3 meals are recommended. Eat well before bedtime. It is good to sleep with an empty stomach.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28, 29). It is rest of the mind that Jesus offers to give to us. Inner peace can only be experienced by receiving peace that Jesus gives to all those that respond to His invitation. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). In contrast with that which the world gives, the peace that Christ gives is an ever abiding peace. This peace is not something that He gives apart from Himself. It is in Christ, and we can receive it by receiving Him. The peace that the world offers changes according to changing circumstances of the world. It is unreliable and we cannot depend on it. Won’t you receive Christ and experience His everlasting peace?