Changing Negative Thinking Patterns

What the mind believes, the body manifests." You are what and who you think you are. Negative thinking patterns initiate negative lifestyles with negative activities. You cannot live a healthy and productive life if you think in negative terms. 

A successful individual wellness program begins with the identification of the negative thinking patterns that may have caused the initial problem(s). It is necessary for the professional therapist, counselor, pastor or organized treatment program to help the individual explore their personal attitudes. A trained professional can help individuals identify the most effective methods for changing their thoughts and attitudes. Holistic methods and treatment options can be adopted and used in place of the previously useful, but limited methods of treatment? 

Theories About Causes of Illness

There is no single cause of mental illness, anxiety, depression, or other related life struggles. Rather, physical and environmental triggers may combine to give rise to the symptoms of problems in certain people. 

Some researchers believe that certain symptoms are learned responses, that people are taught to fear situations or objects. Some psychoanalytic theories suggest that symptoms may stem from an unconscious conflicts, illnesses, fright, or emotionally laden events that happened to a person as a child. Research has shown that there is a genetic component, as well. 

Life events and the way individuals have learned to respond to these events may make it more likely to experience depression. Some medications for other illnesses can cause depression or mania, as can a medical illness. Stress can bring on depression or mania in susceptible individuals. 

Finally, in studying psychiatric illnesses, scientists are learning the importance of genetics and brain biochemistry. Biochemical imbalances seem more and more to be a significant part of the problem. 

Treatments

Mental illnesses, anxiety, depression, and life struggles are illnesses and problems that can be treated very successfully with a combination of psychotherapy, group therapy, support groups, and medication. It is important to note that many individuals can return to a near normal way of life if treatment is consistent and appropriate. Medication, coupled with a behavior modification program can bring surprising results. 

Anti-anxiety medications, anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and other medications aimed at alleviating symptoms are widely available today. 

Self-help support groups, group therapy and psychotherapy help people feel less isolated by sharing feelings and thoughts with others who have been through similar experiences. 

Reclaiming Lives

Anxiousness and changing moods are part of everyone's life. This fact should help us understand those in need and not discourage them from seeking treatment. 

Anxiety, for example, keeps many Americans feeling frightened and alone. Depression is the underlying cause of many suicides. Manic depression is a psychiatric illness which, when treated, allows people to return to creative and productive lives. With proper treatment, suffering can be greatly reduced. There is more than just hope for success; there is abundant evidence of it. Lives can be reclaimed. Help is within reach. "Change your mind (thinking) and your behavior (activity) and change your life."