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Mind Health - Preventive Path
General preventive measures against diseases of the mind
The red arrows () and red-printed factors are the facilitating points, whereas the blue arrows () and blue-printed factors are the mitigating points.
Do now
Watch for
Get help if
- Do now: Keep a regular sleep schedule, move daily, connect with supportive people, limit alcohol, avoid tobacco and recreational drugs, and learn simple stress tools (breathing, walk breaks).
- Watch for: Persistent low mood or anxiety, loss of interest, sleep/appetite changes, trouble concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm.
- Get help if: You have thoughts of harming yourself/others, severe agitation or confusion, hallucinations, or substance withdrawal symptoms.
Mind health checklist (tap to expand)
Seek urgent help immediately if any of the following occur:
- Thoughts/plan to harm yourself or others
- Severe agitation, confusion, or hallucinations
- Inability to care for basic needs (food, fluids, hygiene)
- Withdrawal from alcohol/benzodiazepines or seizures
This information supports—not replaces—professional medical advice. If you’re unsure or symptoms worsen, please seek care.
Causes
- Genetic
- Chemical imbalance in the brain
- Brain injuries
- Other medical conditions in the body
- Exposure of an individual’s mother to infections, chemicals or toxins during pregnancy
- Substance abuse ↓ ↑
-
Counter factors
- See Children Preventive Path
- Lead a health conscious lifestyle
- Comply with recommended immunization programs in authorized medical facilities in your locality
- Make “safety” your watchword as a way of life
- Report illnesses promptly to authorized medical facilities with which you cooperate to manage such conditions
- Avoid smoking, consuming alcohol and similar recreational substances
← Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Having a biological relative with similar condition
- Emotional and physical stress
- Head injury
- History of abuse during childhood
- Direct/continuous exposure to harmful chemicals and radiation
- Lack of physical activity
- Harmful traditional beliefs and practices
- Low socioeconomic status
- Poor immunization status
- Other medical conditions in the body
- Drug reactions
- Unfavourable environmental temperatures (extremes)
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Poor nutrition
- Overcrowding
← Lifestyle measures
- Regular (yearly) routine general medical screening
- Avoid physical and emotional stress
- Ensure adequate (at least six hours) refreshing sleep daily
- Report illness early to authorized medical facilities
- Pregnant women should avoid substantial radiation as much as possible
- Avoid smoking, smoking environment and alcohol
- Avoid chemicals/toxins either by inhalation or through the mouth or skin as much as possible
- At least 30 minutes of exercise (like walking) per day
- Deliberate efforts at eating locally available nutritious and healthy foods
- Drink water liberally daily (at least 3 litres for adults and for children, see Children Preventive Path)
- Discuss your traditional beliefs and practices regarding your health with your doctor in order to avoid harmful practices
↓
Human Disease Processes
↑
- Early hospital visit when stressed or ill
- Avoid self-medication
← Risk Factors
- Poorly nourished persons
- Self-medication
- Emotional Stress
← Lifestyle measures
- Healthy and nutritious diet lifestyle
- Avoid self-medication
- Report your emotional stress to your doctor, meanwhile visit lordsforerunner.org
↓
Disability
↑
- Early initiation of rehabilitation program
← Risk Factors
- Late reporting of illness or mind problem to the hospital
- Self-medication
← Lifestyle measures
- Early hospital visit when stressed or ill
- Avoid self-medication
↓
Death
← Risk Factors
- Unhealthy lifestyle
← Lifestyle measures
- Healthy lifestyle