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4.5
Because Kimberley grew up with a vast array of mental disorders in her immediate family, she understood the fallout for individuals and families when something goes wrong in the brain. Fortunately, she managed to sidestep any personal serious experience of psychological disorders. It was no surprise to her that she became interested in the field of mental health.Kimberley Wilson, a nutrition-trained Psychologist, has written for BBC Science Focus and Psychologies Magazine. She hosted the podcast Made of Stronger Stuff and the scientific segment of One Dish both on BBC. In addition, she’s been featured as a mental health expert on several series and documentaries.When reading or muddling through because of all of the technical jargon, this all-encompassing 346-page, public health manifesto, makes you think you’re taking an extensive course about brain health. If anything, it’s a fabulous reference book.There’s a huge gap between what scientists know and what the public is being told about the power we have to influence the impact of mental illness. “In this book, I will outline the best available evidence for how you can modify your own lifestyle to improve brain health and reduce your risk of cognitive decline.” Each chapter ends with a list of practical takeaways and a few quick questionnaires for you to asses where you currently are in your process of building a healthy brain and where there are areas for improvement.Kimberley undertook additional training in nutrition and explored environmental factors known to increase symptoms. She led the therapy service in Europe’s largest women’s prison. A British study showed that male prisoners were significantly less aggressive when they were provided with vitamins, minerals, and essential fats. She felt this data was incredibly important with profound implications for the future health of the criminal justice system. Naturally, it seemed obvious that the women’s prison should give better quality food, and supplements to the female prisoners, right? She pitched the idea. Unfortunately, all of her efforts led nowhere so, establishing her private London clinic, Monumental Health, was her best recourse. She provides a comprehensive approach to mental health treatment, combining psychological therapy with nutrition and lifestyle support. Wilson’s mission is to make this valuable information available to her clients and to the public.I look at society differently now. When I come in contact with someone I naturally off the cuff think, “That person is definitely not working on all cylinders,” it’ll be true. It’s not all about psychology but biology plays into a person’s behavior. I’m viewing people holistically, and if I can provide insight to someone who is struggling, I will.Here are some tidbits-quotes to whet your appetite when considering purchasing this book:· The erroneous belief is that mental health conditions are not ‘real’, that they are solely a problem of psychology and not biology. It’s so important to remember that the brain is an organ.· Food and lifestyle have profound effects on brain health, mood, and behavior. This, I believe is public health information that everyone should know. Brain health should be a priority for us all and there are practical habits and exercises you can start using right now that will help to improve your brain health and function. For example: 20 minutes of cardio daily, daily exposure to sunlight, be aware of your breathing because oxygen affects the brain. So, when someone says to you, “Take a breath.” Do it!· Hiding feelings increases teens’ risk of suicide.· Paying attention is actually one of the driving forces behind neuroplasticity (the capacity for your brain to reshape). The practice of concentrating on something can stimulate the release of compounds that can reshape your brain. How incredible is that? That’s why she recommends daily meditation.· And my favorite – There’s a body of research demonstrating that compassion both for yourself and others is associated with greater resiliency.Bon Appetit readers!
