Since 1949, May has been observed across the world as Mental Health Awareness Month. Board-certified Behaviour Analyst, Fifi Kiwan, helps us understand brain health and its connection to mental well-being on the occasion.
The brain is one of the most complex and fascinating parts of the human body. It is responsible for all functions of the body including how we move, communicate, make decisions and interpret our surroundings. Our brain also processes our thoughts, behaviours, feelings and emotions. This is why we can’t talk about mental health without looking at brain health.
Our mental health is intricately connected to the health and functioning of our brains. The brain is the control centre that regulates our thoughts, emotions, behaviours and overall psychological well-being. When the brain is operating optimally, we are typically able to manage stress, maintain healthy relationships and find fulfillment in life. However, when the brain is not functioning properly due to chemical imbalances, structural abnormalities or other issues, it can lead to the development of various mental disorders.
Looking after our brain health can improve our overall cognitive functioning, resilience and our psychological well-being. It helps us cope with day-to-day stress and live a meaningful life.
One of the primary ways the brain influences our mental health is through the production and regulation of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow neurons in the brain to communicate with each other. Some of the key neurotransmitters involved in mental health include serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and GABA. An imbalance or dysregulation of these neurotransmitters has been linked to conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD and addiction.
Furthermore, the brain’s neuroplasticity, or its ability to adapt and change over time, plays a crucial role in mental health.
Here are things we can do to protect our brain and promote good mental health:
Fifi Kiwan is the partner & Managing Director of Bahrain’s first Cognitive Brain Training centre, Brainy Nation. She is also a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) with a dual master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis. She has worked with a multitude of individuals with Neurodevelopment Disabilities ranging from the age of two to 22 using Applied Behaviour Analysis