Critical Thinking in Mental Health and Wellbeing

We often overlook essential factors in mental health across most healthcare systems. Nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health; however, many individuals are lacking vital nutrients, leading to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in both the body and the brain. Are most people aware of the necessity to enhance their diets for better mental health?

> "Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in epidemiological studies investigating the relationships between dietary patterns and mental states. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have shown that the more one eats a Western or highly processed diet, the more one is at risk for developing psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety." — Julia Rucklidge & Bonnie Kaplan

Despite the significant impact nutrition has on mental health, how many psychiatrists are routinely referring patients to nutrition experts or dietitians to address nutrient deficiencies?

We must also consider the importance of the gut microbiome in mental health discussions. Yet, how many psychiatrists are conducting tests to analyze gut health?

Furthermore, environmental toxins heavily influence mental health. Daily exposure to countless processed foods, artificial additives, and unhealthy products can overwhelm children and young adults, contributing to rising rates of depression and anxiety.

Also, heavy metals and pesticide residues pose serious risks, particularly in baby foods and contaminated water supplies. Glyphosate, for instance, may compromise gut lining, contributing to conditions like "leaky gut," which can trigger immune responses and even affect brain health.

The intricate connection between the body and brain is often neglected, with healthcare treating them as separate entities. Could a safe, short-term ketogenic diet alongside heavy metal detoxification benefit individuals suffering from PTSD, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder? Should we explore underlying infections in children with PANS/PANDAS? It’s time to acknowledge that real nutrition is essential for mental well-being.

Neurological issues related to pathogens, such as Lyme disease and mold toxicity, also warrant attention.

Case Study Example

Let’s examine a prevalent scenario concerning mental health among young girls in America, focusing on a 15-year-old named Ashley.

Like many American teenagers, Ashley has likely faced chronic undernourishment, lacking essential nutrients such as zinc, iron, and omega-3s. Nutritional needs surge during adolescence, yet dietary quality often diminishes.

Social media, particularly Instagram, has instilled harmful perceptions of health and body image in Ashley. By age 15, she became influenced by veganism, committing to a restrictive diet based on emotionally charged content rather than balanced perspectives.

Ashley has also struggled with anxiety, which began around age 9, and experiences seasonal depression that lifts with the arrival of summer. During routine checkups, her physician has consistently deemed her lab results "normal," despite Ashley’s ongoing mental health challenges.

Concerned for their daughter, Ashley's parents seek further options. However, the physician hastily prescribes medication, which offers little understanding of Ashley’s underlying issues.

Despite being put on birth control for acne and mood regulation, Ashley’s nutritional deficiencies and inflammation persist. Her mental well-being continues to decline, compounded by academic pressures and social expectations.

As Ashley begins counseling, she becomes more distant from her parents, sharing less about her experiences. The counselor attributes Ashley's struggles to unresolved childhood trauma, further alienating her from her family.

Years later, Ashley is in college, maintaining a facade of normalcy while her health declines. If only she had received comprehensive, empathetic care from the start, addressing her nutritional and psychological needs holistically.

Such an approach is not only feasible but necessary for true healing. Sadly, the current mental health care system in America remains fundamentally flawed.

I invite you to consider: Did Ashley receive the care she truly needed during her formative years? Or was she merely a statistic, shuffled through a dysfunctional system that prioritizes quick fixes over genuine healing?

This story resonates with many families today. The standards of mental health care are outdated, relying heavily on pharmaceuticals rather than transformative practices that foster genuine well-being.

The entrenched interests of junk food companies and pharmaceutical giants profit from the status quo, perpetuating cycles of dependency rather than promoting wellness.

To my readers, I urge you to advocate for radical changes in our approach to mental health. Together, we can educate ourselves and others, challenging the established norms that hinder real progress.

Let us rise to the occasion, fostering community support and understanding, and dismantling the harmful systems that obstruct our collective potential for health and happiness.

Thank you for your attention and for championing the cause of true healing. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future.