Brain Strain.

A plan to help individuals recover from stress, depression, anxiety and other mental difficulties is being put together by the business sector as well as the more traditional scientific sector.

At the current stages the impact on the economy of mental health of the population as a whole is being highlighted by as much as 4% GDP.  This is estimated for USA, Canada and European countries. The Global Business and Economic Roundtable for Addiction and Mental Health have released a recent report (click for the PDF)   which mentions it's ongoing mission to remove the stigma surrounding mental health.  With more people coming to light as suffering from depression at different stages through their life it is essential to address the need to talk about it in the open.

Bill Wilkerson, mental health expert and co-chair of the research company said "We're trying to get to the point of saying, 'look, this isn't about mental illness, this is about brain function, our immune systems, our cardiovascular health, our recovery from cancer, our avoidance of Type 2 diabetes, our capacity to have productive brain function in an economy where brain skills will be required in three quarters of all of the jobs coming on-stream in the next 5 to 10 years".  He went on to say  "This is a brain economy, depression is a brain disorder with profound implications for the systemic health of human beings and ironically the systemic health of an innovation based economy."

photo by Tracy Frayne

So the purpose of including it in the blog is to highlight how much exercise has been proven to assist those suffering from any attacks on their mental health.  When we get flu, and our bodies get attacked by virus we seek a cure, similarly when our minds get attacked from all the mental junk thrown at us, we must also seek the cure.

Yoga has been proven time and again to release stress and anxiety and meditation has also been shown to improve moods in tests.  You could also try to start with some light walking out in the park.  The change of scenery and fresh air is also very good for you.  If you need to, ask a friend to come with you for company, sometimes it is nice to just be in the company of another without the pressure to talk.  If you would like to talk to me about how we can set up a regular de-stress day at your work place, or a weekend, then contact me.  I would love to hear from you.

Stay Healthy!