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Visions Journal

A reminder that this article from our magazine Visions was published more than 1 year ago. It is here for reference only. Some information in it may no longer be current. It also represents the point of the view of the author only. See the author box at the bottom of the article for more about the contributor.

Mind-Body Connection

 

PDF | Vol. 10, No. 2 (2014)

Our minds and our bodies have deep and complicated relationship. Perhaps you've notice the mood-boosting effects of physical activity, or discovered how strongly a physical health concern can impact the way you feel about yourself. While we can't say that all mental health problems cause physical health problems (or vice versa), we do know that a change in one can affect the other. For example, people who experience depression are more likely to rely on unhealthy food and more likely to be sedentary, which makes depression worse. Physical health problems impact stress, anxiety, and mood, which impacts health behaviours. Mental health medications can impact physical health, which can then affect mental health. The relationships between mind and body can get complicated when we start to dig deeper, but it’s clear that small changes can have a big impact on health and well-being—changes that anyone can make. In this issue of Visions, you'll find inspiring individuals who took charge of their health, you’ll learn about innovative programs which are encouraging health, and you'll find tips and strategies to help you make changes in your own life.

Background

  • Editor's Message
    (Sarah Hamid-Balma)

  • Healthy Behaviour is Not Normal: Exploring the mind-body connection for better health
    (Wolfgang Linden)

Experiences and Perspectives

  • Think Big but Keep it Simple: And reap the benefits of physical challenge
    (Brent Seal)

  • It's Not a Burden: Caregiving, mental illness and declining physical health
    (Amanda)

  • Yoga and Anorexia: Rediscovering the body
    (Julia Peters)

  • Beyond the Physical Complaint: A family doctor's perspective
    (Bruce Hobson)

Alternatives and Approaches

  • Bouncing Back: Self-help program helps British Columbians manage their moods
    (Lynn Dewing, Tami Muhlert and Betty Bates)

  • How to Use the Power of Your Mind and Body to Reduce Stress and Sleep Better
    (Melanie Badali)

  • Ontario's Minding Our Bodies: Partnering locally and provincially to promote physical and mental health
    (Scott Mitchell)

  • Early FUNdamentals for Immigrant Families: Toward developing healthy relationships with food
    (Dawn Livera)

  • The Provincial Metabolic Health Program: Focusing on the physical health of young adults with mental health challenges
    (Kristine Kuss and Lorrie chow)

  • Healthy Minds in Active Bodies: Promoting children and youth's mental health through physical activity and exercise
    (Caleb Leduc)

  • Mending the Gaps: Engaging in meaningful dialogue with young people about cannabis
    (Barbara Moffat and Joy Johnson)

Resources

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