Content warning: this article will discuss elements of mental health issues. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek the help of a healthcare professional. If you feel unsafe, please contact the emergency services or see a healthcare professional. 

The pandemic has shone a light on many aspects of physical health and we are more aware than ever of its importance. However, with many finding themselves isolated, losing jobs and income and facing distressing news about loved ones, there has also been a tangible impact on the world’s mental health [1]. The intricate connections between mental and physical health have been known for some time but, as the evidence grows, so too does the necessity for promoting positive mental wellbeing.

Why is good mental health and wellbeing necessary?

A famous quote by Dr David Satcher simply states: “There is no health without mental health”. Positive mental wellbeing is a key component to overall health; it is necessary for healthy functioning of the brain and, therefore, impacts on virtually everything we do. During a typical day, we experience a wide variety of thoughts, moods, feelings and mental challenges- in order to navigate these, we need the ability to process in a healthy and dynamic way. 

In addition, our mental health has a profound effect on our physical health- and vice versa. Poor mental health can impact everything from sleep and appetite to pain, the immune system and severity of existing illnesses. Conversely, physical health can modulate mental health, shown by the associations between exercise, diet and chronic disease on mental health [2] [3]. 

As a result, if the aim is to achieve total and holistic wellbeing, then mental health cannot be ignored. The upside is that aiming for good mental health will promote a general approach to health, improving all aspects of an individual’s life. 

Positive mental health and wellbeing strategies

There are various “domains” that make up health but, given the complex interplay between these factors, adopting healthier mental health strategies will have positive knock-on effects on these other domains. Everything from social interactions to diet, sleep and stress management can be improved and addressed with the overall goal to be a positive holistic picture of health.

Some simple ways to promote positive mental wellbeing include things such as:

  • Ensuring better quality sleep for an adequate number of hours
  • Engaging in regular physical activity
  • Visiting green spaces
  • Spending time with people
  • Taking breaks from stressful activities
  • Talking about problems with friends, families and healthcare professionals
  • Addressing physical health problems 

Building a healthy foundation of positive habits, managing stress and pursuing positive lifestyle changes can have beneficial effects on mental health. This works particularly well in a preventive setting, whereby the individual has not developed formal mental health issues.

Achieving positive mental health and wellbeing: the Med Audiocolor – real time neurofeedback machine

The Med Audiocolor is our innovative device that can promote positive mental wellbeing for your patients. 

Using painless real-time neurofeedback, the device can activate and train both sides of your patient’s brain by representing their brain activity as sounds and colours. As a result, your patients can be trained to promote healthier brainwave patterns. By using a headset, brain waves are picked up and generate colours and sounds that are remodulated according to a chosen training programme. The brain is trained to transform uncomfortable situations into comfortable ones and to think correctly. The result is shown in 3D animations with changing colours and acoustic perceptions. The device has 50 training programmes designed to promote concentration, relaxation, and meditation, to increase imagination and creativity, and to remove stress and fatigue. General well-being, overall performance and life enjoyment can be extremely enhanced.

Med Audiocolor

Author: Hardeep Lotay (Final Year Medical Student at Cambridge University, blogger, writer)

 

Bibliography

[1] The Lancet Psychiatry. COVID-19 and mental health. Lancet Psychiatry. 2021;8(2):87. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(21)00005-5

[2] Ohrnberger J, Fichera E, Sutton M. The relationship between physical and mental health: A mediation analysis. Soc Sci Med. 2017 Dec;195:42-49. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.11.008. Epub 2017 Nov 8. PMID: 29132081.

[3] Saeed SA, Cunningham K, Bloch RM. Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Benefits of Exercise, Yoga, and Meditation. Am Fam Physician. 2019 May 15;99(10):620-627. PMID: 31083878.

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