Lifestyle

Mind Over Matter

by Fifi Kiwan

Sun, 12 May 2024

Mental Health Awareness Month

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: 

  1. Prioritise Connection:
    Humans are social creatures. That’s why connecting with people and our community doesn’t just feel good, it’s good for our mental health. When we spend time with people we care about, our brain releases higher levels of feel-good neurochemicals including oxytocin – also known as the love hormone. Whether it’s a phone call, a coffee chat or a walk with a friend, these simple dates can help manage stress and promote positive feelings. 
     
  2. Move for Your Mood 
    Physical activity is the ultimate mood booster and a key player in fostering good mental health. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins that reduce feelings of pain and increase feelings of pleasure. Exercise can also help you cope with stress, reduce anxiety and depression, help you think clearer and increase self-esteem. 
     
  3. Engage in a New Hobby 
    Hobbies such as painting, playing an instrument, gardening or reading have been shown to improve mental health by combatting stress and reducing anxiety and depression. Learning new skills not only keeps your brain active and engaged, but it strengthens the brain’s neuroplasticity which promotes overall cognitive functioning and healthy aging. 
     
  4. Practice Sleep Hygiene 
    Quality sleep is not only an important aspect of our well-being, but it’s also fundamental to our brain health. While we sleep, our brain processes memories, repairs and reorganises cells, removes toxins and releases important molecules such as proteins and hormones. Practicing healthy sleep habits like setting a bedtime, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and finding ways to unwind before bed can go a long way towards keeping us healthy. 
     
  5. Get Help If You Need It 
    Understanding our brain and our cognitive skills functioning level is instrumental to recognising areas of the brain that maybe in need of enhancement. The first step maybe to get a cognitive assessment that allows us to understand our performance levels such as, memory, attention, processing speed and logic and resonating and ultimately enhancing those skills through cognitive training. 

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

#WELLBEING #MENTAL HEALTH #BTM MAY 2024 #MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS