To overcome the suffering brought on by mental illness, follow these four steps.
First, we must comprehend what the underlying pain is. When it comes to mental suffering, don’t run away from it. Don’t hide your illness and avoid medical treatment. Seek help from trustworthy people, and understand its underlying causes. For example, the persistent low mood, anxiety, anger, hopelessness, and lack of pleasure in depression are not a problem of personal willpower, but of brain damage, which weakens the ability to feel happiness, regulate emotions, and think rationally. The manner is the same as the pain caused by injuries to other organs of the body.
Second, comprehend the source of mental suffering. For example, if individuals with depression suffer brain damage, it is often caused by the toxicity of long-term excess stress hormones (including cortisol). This kind of “exploded” stress in the brain is often caused by the following behaviors and habits: Staring at screens for the entire day, allowing a huge amount of information to continuously pour into the head; Tightly clinging to every request for oneself and others. Often criticizing oneself. Always feeling disappointed towards oneself and others; In interpersonal relationships, never daring to say no to others’ requests and constantly sacrificing sleep time to fulfill other people’s expectations.
Third, firmly believe that suffering can be extinguished, and then physical and mental well-being can be achieved. All things are impermanent. Pain will not last forever, so you need to have confidence in your recovery. Make up your mind to take action toward recovery as soon as possible. To achieve the goal of being physically and mentally healthy, you have to take the first step in this long journey.
Fourth, persevere on the road to health. The suffering from mental illness stems from the accumulation of harmful elements in life activating the disease-causing genes, directly damaging the brain. Similarly, happiness and comfort also rely on the continuous accumulation of beneficial elements to make the brain function well. Take medication according to the doctor’s instructions. Practice daily the new thoughts and behaviors learned from counseling and psychotherapy. Start healthy living habits and maintain them, such as daily exposure to natural light and abdominal breathing exercises. As for relationships, connect with people sincerely, work with enthusiasm, and at the same time maintain healthy interpersonal boundaries and work-rest balance, etc.
These four steps come from the essence of the “Four Noble Truths” in Buddhism. It turns out that Buddhist wisdom from more than 2,000 years ago has already provided the best guidance for modern psychiatric medicine.
Written by: Dr. William Chui
Originally posted on: HKEJ Health
Translated by: Cheuk Long Chan
