With so many people out there with mental disorders, it is no wonder that there have been many studies as to how these people can be brought to a sense of balance and stability. One of the things that have been found in these studies is that the right diet and exercise program can actually do wonders for mental patients. This tactic would be apart from or in conjunction with medication treatment.
There are many benefits to the right diet and exercise programs, even for a mentally healthy person. However, for an instable person, the benefits are even more drastic. For example, it is well known that exercise will actually temporarily elevate mood, reduce anxiety, and reduce stress. In a person with a mood disorder, the activity can actually elevate or stabilize mood, reduce anxiety and reduce stress for a period of up to twelve hours. This means that someone who is suffering from depression can get some relief through physical activity.
Another benefit to a good exercise regimen is that it gives a person a sense of accomplishment and meeting goals. It establishes a sense of independence that may otherwise be waning. This is one reason why physical activity is so important for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
A good diet is also of importance to people with mental disorders. Eating too many sugars or simple carbohydrates can cause hyperactivity and sleeplessness. In some mood disorders this is already a potential hazard, so it is vitally important that the problem is not exacerbated by adding lots of sugar. Caffeine is also a culprit of hyperactivity and insomnia, and should be completely avoided by those with mental disorders.
In addition, fats should be eliminated or greatly reduced. Eating foods high in fat can slow down the mind and make it harder to concentrate. It can give you a feeling of being lethargic as well, which can induce or make worse depressive tendencies.
In short, it is important for everyone to have a healthy lifestyle, but it is even more important for people with mental disorders. If you or a loved one has a mood disorder or other mental illness, you should contact your doctor to discover how diet and exercise can help you or them to become more independent and mentally stable. Your doctor should have lots of advice on what foods to avoid.