Maat E's Mental Health Message

Create a network of support.

One of the signs of depression is a loss of interest in normal activities, which can lead to becoming isolated and withdrawn. It is important to be aware of when you start to disconnect from the people you love or find yourself not asking for support.

Before a period of emotional distress create a network of support. This is that collection of people you check in with on a regular basis so you already know who to call when you really need help. A support network does not need to be a lot of people, but can include 2-3 folks with whom you have mutual support and respect. Use your network on a regular basis and you'll feel more confident during the times when you need them the most.

Peace, 

Dr. Ma'at E. Lewis

Ma'at E's Mental Health Message

Eat well, think well, feel well!

Many of us do not know or often forget the powerful benefit of nutrition on our mental health. Mounting evidence supports the common adage "You are what you eat," particularly with regard to mental well-being. For example, low intake of the vitamin folate or folic acid has been linked to increased symptoms of depression. Low levels of zinc and vitamins B1, B2, and C are also found as linked to depression in a number of studies. Eating a variety of quality fresh fruit and vegetables and organic foods can help keep mental health problems away. Many people are concerned about the cost of eating healthy and a lack of access to quality foods. Simple choices like eating more green leafy vegetables, beans, peas and lentils can be relatively less expense choices. Drinking fewer sugary drinks and more water is another step toward health without substantial cost. Socio-economic status does limit ones access to quality food, yet even if we can not control access we can control the choices we make. Choose well, eat well, think well and feel well.

Peace,

Ma'at E. L. Lewis

Ma'at E's Mental Health Message

Ask for Courage!

Courage has been defined as the "quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear"(Dictionary.com). 

Typically fear is the impetus for needing courage because fear deceives our mind to believe that we do not have the strength within our spirit to face the obstacles at hand. 

A powerful way to build courage is to ask for it.  During times of reflection, meditation, prayer or consultation with your sense of higher Self, ask for courage. Express your fears and request they be released and replaced with courage. Keep asking and at some point you will find the courage beginning to build within you. 

Have faith and trust, the courage will come.

Peace,

Dr. Ma'at E. L. Lewis

Dr. Ma'at E. L. Lewis

Maat E's Mental Health Message

Practice being lovingly critical. 

Unconditional love does not mean loving under any condition. Love also  means we accept who people are, but it does not mean we accept anything they do to us. In order to manifest these aspirations we need to practice being lovingly critical. Often, criticism takes a harsh form and when delivered it can come across as negative or punitive. Loving criticism involves giving feedback with a loving intention. The aim is to share honestly from a place where you care about serving the highest good of those involved. A part of being lovingly critical is also using the exchange as an opportunity to exhibit your optimal self. When you communicate feedback be your best self. 

Dr. Ma'at E. L. Lewis

Maat E's Mental Health Message

Gather information by using your head, but make decisions using your heart. 

It is good to gather information from external sources to help make informed decisions. Sometimes information also comes via emotions or intuition which are important resources too. Yet, when it comes to the moment of making a decision you can weigh the emotions and information in your mind, but let your heart decide.  Many people believe our consciousness rests in our mind, but the ancients suggest it governs the heart.  Many people believe the heart is pure emotion, but it is not. Trust the voice inside of you, your conscience which is in your heart and connected to your Spirit. The emotions are of the body, while the consciousness of the heart is from our sense of Spirit. The heart will never steer you wrong. Honor your heart and decide. 

Maat E. L. Lewis 

Maat E's Mental Health Message

Learn to live fully and authentically!

As we venture through life many external expectations and obligations drive our behavior. Living fully and authentically in accordance with our internal values can be very challenging when we try to accommodate the external world. Create quiet time when you can sit still and begin to listen to the voice within you that's knows who you are authentically. The more you practice hearing the voice within the loader it will speak to you. If you start to listen life will be more genuine and the fullness of living will be available to you. 

Have faith trust your voice.

Peace,

Dr. Maat E. L. Lewis

Maat E's Mental Health Message

We are perfect imperfection. Sometimes being ourselves we make mistakes.   That is to say that no matter what, we are okay just as we' are. We were not made to be so called perfect. We are not intended to be error free. We were made to have ups and downs, good times and bad times,  difficult days and good days. The mistakes we make and challenges we face are all a part of a process of being imperfect. So forgive yourself and love yourself. Your errors can be healed and life will go on. 

Peace,

Dr. Ma'at E. L. Lewis