Hope for Mental Health

The effect of music on our brains is well researched, as is the effect of laughter on our mental health. Generally, children laugh lots more than adults - what does that tell you?  Well, one thing it tells you, is that in this hurting  world, we probably all ought to laugh more  - just to charge our batteries for those times when laughter is scarce. Recently, this song by Curtis Salgado, has been a go to for a guaranteed giggle and a tapping of toes.  It all also reminds me that watching to much commercial stuff on screen is a guaranteed downer, and led me to watching episodes of Dry Bar Comedy, which you can find on Youtube as well as on the Angel Studios website that hosts "The Chosen".  (Be patient and scroll down, though if you want an uplifting faith-based binge opportunity, watch The Chosen.) To catch some Dry Bar: Angel Studios To have a giggle and a wiggle thanks to Curtis Salgado: "I Want My Dog To Live Longe r"

If you've checked out the post about Dr. Amen's book, "Change Your Brain, Change Your life", you've discovered that his clinics offer a unique approach to diagnosing and treating mental health conditions that includes using a SPECT Scan of the brain. There are now 11 locations around the country, including the Seattle Metro area, where I went for my workup.  As much as I've traveled the Amen Clinic's website, I only recently found this page of video testimonials, which, frankly, includes a lot of young people I've never heard of.  Some names I recognized included country musician LeAnn Rimes, and Glee actress Amber Riley.  Included in the videos are NASCAR drivers, social media influencers, people from all walks of life. For a fun way to check out Amen Clinics, click this link:   Patient Testimonials

  A free workshop, 6-8pm Wednesday, March 8th at Community Life Church,  189 Monmouth Ave S, in Monmouth.   This is required training for all Warming Center overnight hosts, but it's open to anyone in the community who could benefit.  As the mental health, spiritual, and practical needs of our neighbors continue to grow, we need to be equipped to understand trauma and respond in Christ-like ways. This training is primarily secular in nature and will be facilitated by the Polk County Family & Community Outreach department, but we will come away with tools that translate into overtly Christian ministries as well. Feel feel to share the invitation and attached graphic widely.

 Physicians rarely look at the organ they're treating.  They choose psychiatric medicines for patients based primarily on symptom clusters.  It's a recipe for side-effects and failed treatment. For well over 20 years, Dr. Daniel Amen has been using SPECT scans as part of an integrative, whole-person work-up.  Spect scans can tell you what part of your brain is working too hard or not hard enough, or is functioning normally.  This information, combined with your history, and extensive labs that include tests not commonly given, can result in a truly personalized treatment plan. For those who can't come to a clinic, he wrote this book, and also has some free brain health assessments available on line.  If you would like to go to a clinic, he provides very reasonable payment plans. So, if you are scientifically inclined, put on your detective hat, and dive in.  You'll get a better understanding of what's happening in your brain, plus suggestions for treatment and lifes

  Dr. Matthew Stanford, PhD, is the CEO of Mental Health Gateway, and the author of 5 books regarding mental health issues and faith.  His latest is "Madness & Grace: A Practical Guide for Pastoral Care & Serious Mental Illness." The mission of the organization is to educate faith leaders and communities about common mental health and substance abuse challenges, as well as providing an action plan to help faith populations. To find out more about their resources for Training, Support and Education, and about Gateway to Hope in general, click on the link below: Gateway to Hope Under "Support & Education" , you will find a wealth of information about specific disorders.  Each article includes Characteristic Symptoms, Types, Prevalence & Age, Treatment & Support, and A Spiritual Perspective.  As an example, check out their information on Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar Disorder