A Psychiatrist's Tips for Good Mental Health in the New Year
I have worked in the field of mental health for over a decade now, and in this time, I have seen all manner of mental health problems and difficulties strike all manner of people. In fact, none of us are free from occasional psychological hang ups - whether it's someone pressing our buttons or a sudden bout of anxiety or despair in a situation we would normally be able to handle with relative ease.
Through all my observations, I have found that one factor is central to all of these situations; be it anything from a row with a partner, a panic attack or a full blown psychotic episode, the fundamental problem is the same for everyone. It's a habit that every one of us is afflicted by almost on a constant basis - indeed no one in the human race is immune from it. It is the basis of the human condition and I can describe it in two words; over thinking.
Thinking is over rated. Take it from a guy who knows. I am a thought junkie - just like you.
After spending over a decade studying a wide variety of therapies I went to my first meditation class several years ago. I learnt a variety of meditation techniques and I discovered that what ever technique you use, all forms of meditation will bring you to the same realization - namely, that you are not your thoughts.
A study released by Julie Barlow, a Professor of Health Psychology at Coventry University, suggests one hour of meditation can be equivalent to eight hours of sleep. As evidenced by an ever growing body of research findings, the list of benefits, in mental and physical health are tremendous. The reason for this, to my mind, is that the practice of meditation is the ultimate in holistic experience. It enables you to truly be with more of yourself than just the intellectual/cognitive dimension in your head.
Please note, however; it's not about stopping your thoughts it's about observing them. The minute you do that, you'll be ready to probe (experientially) the ultimate question; who is observing who?
Then your journey of self discovery will begin...
Do it any way you want: Approach it any way you wish; sit, stand or even lie down - just find a moment (even 1 minute will do - that's how I started out) each day to be still and observe your thoughts. It is the ultimate self help program, and the best gift you could give yourself for the New Year.
About the Author
Dr Russell Razzaque is a practicing psychiatrist based in London, England. He earned his medical degree from the University of London, he is a member of the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists and in 2009, after several years of development, he launched Sileotherapy - an online stillness based self help program. Sileotherapy is a unique combination of meditation techniques and Internet therapy: http://www.meditation-therapy.net
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