Page 31 - Seniorstoday April 2023 Issue
P. 31
state. Similarly, mental disorders have been Sleeplessness
noticed in people of low socio economic
status.
Drug or alcohol abuse
Excessive use of certain drugs or alcohol
can trigger mental illnesses like depression.
Drugs like cocaine or marijuana, if used in
excess could cause paranoia.
Trauma and stress
Stress due to work, difficult relationships
can all lead a person into anxiety or Staying awake for long durations, or
depressive states. Trauma, either in inadequate sleep can lead to stress, a form of
childhood or as adults, can cause conditions mental disorder. The stress, in turn, makes
like PTSD. one even more sleepless, forming a vicious
Long working hours cycle.
Long working hours seem to have become Insufficient nutrients
a part of our lives, a fact we accept without Omega 3, a fatty acid found in oily fish, olive
question. Monetary requirements, our oil and flaxseeds, is known to maintain and
personal needs, all make us work longer; change the cell and membrane structure
however, we do not take into account the in the brain, helping in brain and mental
toll it takes on us and our families. The health. It acts as an anti-depressant.
pressure of balancing work with a social
life can lead to depression and anxiety Types of mental disturbances:
disorders. Anxiety
Studies have shown that people working The most common type, it leaves people in
50 to 60 hours a week tend to have more fear of certain things or situations. It is an
health issues, both physical and mental, umbrella term, covering different forms of
than those working 30 to 40 hours. anxiety, such as
Protein deficiency 1. Panic disorder.
Amino acids such as tyrosine and People suffering from panic disorder will
phenylalanine are the building blocks get sudden panic attacks – an intense,
of proteins. These are required for the crippling fear or loss of control over self,
synthesis of dopamine, the hormone even when there is no reason to do so. They
responsible for mood control. A low protein can be as frequent as several times a day, or
intake will therefore affect the mental may not occur for months. People go to great
health adversely. lengths to avoid situations which could
Poor diet bring on an attack.
Mental health and diet are closely Some of the symptoms described by people
associated to each other. Not just what we are – pounding heart, trembling, and
eat, but our meal times, also affects health. excessive perspiration.
Research shows that a diet rich in fruits, 2. Phobia
vegetables, fish is associated with a reduced An intense fear of an object or situation,
risk of depression. often out of proportion to the actual danger.
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #46 | APRIL 2023 31
