Keeping a Positive Mindset  

What do scientific studies say about patients who have a positive outlook versus patients who are negative in their battle against mental illness?

Being positive

There is little scientific evidence that positive thinking is helpful in acute mental illness. One of the confounding issues is that the mental illness, e.g. depression or anxiety, often reduces the ability to think positively.

When one is dealing with a chronic mental illness, it is important to have realistic optimism. This involves acknowledging your illness and what it may do to you, realising the things you can do to help yourself as well as accepting the factors that are out of your control.

Try to focus on the good things that you still have and the help that's available out there to deal with your problems.

How can I maintain a positive mindset?

• Share your problems with a few people you trust and care about.
• Turn to them when you feel hopeless.
• Remember that not everyone will understand what it’s like to have these symptoms.
• Keep a journal of your good days and your bad days.
• It will give you something concrete to refer to when you feel the battle is hopeless.
• Catch yourself when you have negative thoughts and challenge them.
• For everything you can’t do, list something you can do.
• Reward yourself for small victories.

Are there any oral supplements or medications that I can take to prevent or combat depression?

There are no proven oral supplements/over-the-counter drugs for depression. 

What is the mind-and-body connection when it comes to mental health? Does staying active also help to keep the mind in good shape?

• The mind and body are inextricably linked.
• Good mental health allows good physical health.
• People who feel depressed and anxious tend to magnify minor physical complaints.
• Good physical health helps mental health.
• Many chronic diseases are associated with increased psychological complaints.

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