Is living in the U.S. bad for your mental health?

According to multiple studies cited in Mental Health: Culture Race and Ethnicity, Mexican Americans born outside the United States have lower prevalence rates of lifetime disorders than Mexican Americans born in the United States.  25% of Mexican-born immigrants show signs of mental illness or substance abuse compared to 48% of U.S.-born Mexican Americans.

The studies suggest that there are social dynamics that contribute to mental illness and substance abuse.  Children of immigrants often face unique stresses while navigating a bilingual/bicultural world.  But Dr. David Satcher, a former U.S. Surgeon General, has made the observation that ethnic and racial minorities “face a social and economic environment of inequality that includes greater exposure to racism, discrimination, violence and poverty. Living in poverty has the most measurable effect on the rates of mental illness. (our emphasis) People in the lowest stratum of income…are about two to three times more likely than those in the highest stratum to have a mental disorder.”

If we want to improve mental health, we must also address the social/economic environment in which we live.

 

 

Is it Just Adolescence or is it Mental Illness?

The adolescent years are crazy! Mood swings, emotional tirades (remember Katie Ka-boom?), hormonal surges, DRAMA.  Sometimes, adults look at the behavior and just chalk it up to being a normal teenager–a little crazy, but normal.  But in reality, 20% of teenagers (ages 12-17) have a diagnosable mental disorder–the rates for teenage depression are surging, and self-harm and suicide rates are rising.  Yet, only about 20% of those kids receive help.  In the words of Time magazine, “The kids are NOT alright.”

So, how can you tell the difference between “normal teenage angst ” and a more serious mental health issue? Here are some things that you may observe in a teen that will help to decipher the difference between mental illness and normal teenage behavior. Some concerning behaviors:

• Decrease in enjoyment and time spent with friends and family
• Significant decrease in school performance
• Strong resistance to attending school or absenteeism
• Problems with memory, attention or concentration
• Big changes in energy levels, eating or sleeping patterns
• Physical symptoms (stomach aches, headaches, backaches)
• Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, crying often
• Frequent aggression, disobedience or lashing out verbally
• Excessive neglect of personal appearance or hygiene
• Substance abuse
• Dangerous or illegal thrill-seeking behaviour
• Is overly suspicious of others
• Sees or hears things that others do not

It’s important to remember that no one sign means that there is a problem. It’s important to examine the: nature, intensity, severity and duration of a problem. Source

Matthew 10:29-31 (A paraphrase)

“What’s the price of a sparrow?  They are ‘a dime a dozen,’ and yet God cares about what happens to them!  Isn’t that amazing!?  And understand this: God knows you intimately, down to the very last detail, and CARES EVEN MORE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU!  So don’t believe it when people tell you that you don’t matter or that you are worthless–like scum of the earth.  That is NOT how God feels about you.  To God, you are worth more than a million sparrows.  You are priceless.”

Laughter Heals

“A cheerful heart is good medicine….” Proverbs 17:22

I grew up with Reader’s Digest and I recall laughing uproariously while reading the regular column, “Laughter is the Best Medicine.”  It turns out laughter does indeed have health affects beyond tickling our funny bone.

Studies are affirming the connection between laughter and increased feelings of well-being since laughter produces endorphins in the brain including serotonin.  Laughter also increases vascular function, speeds recovery, and may even increase the activity of NK cells (aka “killer cells”) that attack sick cells within our bodies–including tumors. Laughter has been used as a pain inhibiter and is part of the daily medical routine at the Gesundheit Institute, founded by Dr. Patch Adams.

And research shows that laughter doesn’t even have to be genuine.  You can fake it, and still get the same benefits!  Even a giggle will do you good.

No matter what kind of humor you enjoy, or what kind of laugh you employ, laugh! It’s the best medicine.  Uncle Albert certainly knows how good laughter can be,  and he loves to laugh!

Touch Deprivation and Violence

While doing research on the healing power of touch, I found a fascinating 2002 research study led by Dr. Tiffany Field that showed the link between lack of positive touch early in life and aggression and violence in adolescence and adulthood.

Dr. Field cited a 1990 study by J. W. Prescott that looked at 49 cultures.  Prescott’s research found that that those “cultures that exhibited minimal physical affection toward their young children had significantly higher rates of adult violence, and, vice versa, those cultures that showed significant amounts of physical affection toward their young children had virtually no adult violence.” *

Dr. Field then compared behavior of parents of preschool children in France, which has low adult violence and the United States which has high adult violence, and found that French preschoolers were touched more and were less aggressive than their US peers.  The trend continued into adolescence.

Could the answer to decreasing violence among adolescents and adults be as simple as increasing affectionate touch?  We know that infants who are neglected and given little physical affection do not physically develop and are at risk of death.  We call the condition “failure to thrive.” Now, the research suggests that those same children will be at risk of becoming violent adults.

Parents and caregivers, shower your children with affection. Hug them often. Affirm them with high-fives. Bless them with a hand on their head. Reassure them with a hand on their shoulder. Hold hands.  Cuddle.  It will do wonders for your children’s development AND our society just may be healthier down the road.

* Prescott, J. W. (1990). Affectional bonding for the prevention of violent behaviors: Neurobiological, psychological and religious/spiritual determinants. In L. J. Herzberg, G. F. Ostrum, & J. Roberts Field (Eds.), Violent behavior–Assessment and intervention (Vol. 1). Great Neck, NY: PMA Publishing Co.

Touch Heals

“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said.”  Matthew 8:2-3

Jesus is constantly touching and laying his hands on sick people throughout the gospels, and they are restored. Many churches have continued the practice of laying hands on people for healing.  But what is the purpose of the practice? Reassurance? Connection? Transfer of Spiritual power?  Science has an explanation.  Skin.

Human skin has pressure receptors that when activated through hugs, hand-holding and head stroking and even a reassuring hand on the shoulder tell the brain to release neuro-chemicals–specifically dopamine and oxytocin.  These chemicals not only make us feel good–they actually decrease blood pressure and inflammation and strengthen our immune systems.   Oxytocin has also been shown to regenerate muscle tissue in old mice.

Unfortunately, touch has been discouraged in Anglo society.  In 1928, John Watson, the influential psychologist who founded “behaviorism,” wrote the popular parenting book, Psychological Care of the Infant and Child.  He advised, “Never hug and kiss [your children], never let them sit on your lap. If you must, kiss them once on the forehead when they say goodnight….” Touch continues to be highly discouraged in our society through such mechanisms as “no-touch” policies in schools.  We have become fearful of touch–the very thing that is shown to reduce fear!

So, apart from an occasional hand-shake or fist bump, many people do not experience touch at all. As a result, more and more people are experiencing what psychologists call “skin-hunger” or “touch-hunger.”  What’s the prescription for skin-hunger and better overall mental and physical health?  Hug more.  According to neuroeconomist, Paul Zak, we need at least 8 hugs a day.  And the more–and the longer–the better!  From experience, we know that the most effective hugs come from someone we already trust.

Jesus was on to something.  Touch heals.

 

God’s Prescription For Wellness: Anointing Oil

Healing in the Bible is sometimes accompanied by anointing the sick patient with oil (see Mark  6:13) The writer of James 5:14, instructs the sick to seek the aid of the Elders of the church who are to pray for them and “anoint them with oil.”

While anointing the sick with oil has long history in the church, there is little consensus about how it works. What is the relationship between the person (the Elder) and the procedure? What is the purpose of the oil? What is the relationship between prayer and the oil?  Is the oil simply symbolic of the Holy Spirit or is there some medicinal property in the oil itself?  If the oil is medicinal, what type of oil is to be used?  We may never have a definitive answer.  There may be multiple answers. However, there is a growing body of evidence on the healing properties of essential oils–plant distillation that is used in aromatherapy.

Beyond just having a pleasing fragrance, essential oils applied to the skin or a cloth and inhaled are shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and relieve anxiety. Lavender, rose, orange, bergamot, lemon, and sandalwood were found to be especially effective.  Other essential oils have anti-fungal properties, aid in digestion, and boost the immune system.

For more information about the healing benefits of essential oils, link to the University of Maryland Medical Center report.

God’s Prescription for Wellness: Furry Friends

Yesterday, traumatized students returned to Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL–many of them showing symptoms of PTSD.  But students and staff weren’t the only ones walking the hallways. Golden Retrievers were there too to provide mental health support.  Nineteen Emotional Support Animals from Lutheran Church Charities K-9 unit have been in Florida since the shooting.  Their presence at the memorial site has aided students and parents with grief.

There is growing use of Emotional Support Animals as a mental health treatment plan. While the data is still being collected, one study demonstrated an 82% reduction of PTSD symptoms through use of a ESA.

Dogs, cats and rabbits are regularly showing up in hospitals and nursing homes to help patients with symptoms of depression, anxiety and even reducing inflammation/pain.  And the benefits go beyond the placebo effect.  Studies have shown that the sound frequency level of a purring cat (20-50 hz) reduces muscle inflammation, promotes bone growth and increases joint flexibility.

God’s Prescription for Wellness: Get Dirty

Gardening is as good–maybe even better–than Prozac!  As we dig in the dirt, microbes are released that when breathed in are shown to increase the production of serotonin, also known as “the happy chemical” that provides us with a sense of wellbeing.  However, some dirt contains toxins like lead, so it is best to get your soil tested before you dig in the dirt.

Don’t have a place to garden that is safe? The Kimball Avenue Church Oasis, at 2324 N. Kimball, is currently filling its waiting list for those interested in organic gardening for the 2018 growing season.  The soil has been tested and is lead-free.  Contact the church if you would like to sign up or to get more information.

Even if you don’t garden, you’re welcome to enjoy the beauty of the Oasis which includes gold fish ponds, an ADA-compliant meditation and prayer labyrinth, fruit trees, and a seating area.

God’s Prescription for Wellness: Take a Hike

Lots of independent studies are showing the mental health benefits of nature and green space.  Cortisol, the stress hormone that is associated with agitation, anxiety and aggression, is found to decrease in the bodies and brains of people who take a walk in a natural area.  Some medical experts consider a hike to be the equivalent of an anti-depressant.  Can’t take a hike?  Take a few minutes to watch a nature video as it has a similar effect.  Here’s one 3-minute nature walk to get you started.