Therapeutic lifestyle changes as useful as drugs in improving mental health

University of California, Irvine ^ | February 22, 2011 | Unknown

[decimon]

UCI study details benefits of physical activity, diet, relationships, fun and spirituality

Getting more exercise, spending time outdoors and helping others are among the activities that can be as effective as drugs or counseling in treating an array of mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety, according to a UC Irvine study.

In determining this, Dr. Roger Walsh, professor of psychiatry & human behavior, philosophy and anthropology, as well as adjunct professor of religious studies, reviewed research on the effects of what he calls “therapeutic lifestyle changes.” Other TLCs might relate to nutrition, relationships, recreation, relaxation, and religious or spiritual involvement.

“I found that lifestyle changes can offer significant advantages for patients, therapists and societies, yet they’re insufficiently appreciated, taught or utilized,” Walsh said. “TLCs can be effective, inexpensive and enjoyable, with fewer side effects and complications than medications. In the 21st century, therapeutic lifestyles may need to be a central focus of mental, medical and public health.”

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Obstacles to TLCs, he said, are the sustained effort they require and “a passive expectation that healing comes from an outside authority or a pill.

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“You can never get enough of what you don’t really need, but you can certainly ruin your life and health trying,” he added.

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[decimon]

Ping

[Peter from Rutland]

I find beer helps.

[decimon]

I find beer helps.

Sure. Go ruin your life and health. Sure. ;-)

[Jack of all Trades]

Hear hear. Move a muscle, change a thought.

[Jack of all Trades]

Too much will turn your six pack into a keg though...

[goldfinch]

bump for later

[eclecticEel]

A stiff gin and tonic is just as effective.

[little jeremiah]

Placemark. Oh, ping to Smokin’ Joe!

[little jeremiah]

Might interest you - haven’t read the whole thing yet.

[Smokin' Joe]

Thanks for the ping! How can someone feel 'good' about living a seemingly pointless, pigeonholed, life?

Maybe this won't work for some people, but for most, especially youngsters (pre-teen and teenagers) gaining the self respect from helping others and actually accomplishing something you can point to later (as in I helped build that house, building, bridge) is far neater than just meds. Additionally, coping skills are learned, and the idea that there is more to your life than yourself is a vital concept in civilized society.

Needless to say, getting to know God is a plus, too, for those who choose the path.

[Fantasywriter]

pfl

[little jeremiah]

I still haven’t read the whole article, I want to, since the topic interests me. I am convinced that modern methods for treatment mental illness - I don’t mean psychosis, but the kind I think the article describes - don’t help at all. I’ve seen tremendous changes in people (what to speak of myself) from natural methods, and as you note, developing a relationship with God, as most important. Doesn’t mean healing happens in a week. But that road is the best road and leads to the best place.