What are the "vitamins" for the mind
"Supplementing iron, zinc, calcium..." These are the nutrients needed when the body lacks vitamins. When the mind encounters difficulties, these physical "nutrients" are of no use at all. Only mental "vitamins" can heal a wounded soul. So, do you know what your mental "vitamins" are and how they work?
The body's growth and development require adequate nutrition, such as proteins, fats, sugars, inorganic salts, vitamins, and water. In fact, mental health also needs these "vitamins." A severe lack of them can affect mental health. So, what are the important "vitamins" for mental health?
The first most important mental "vitamin": Love
Love can accompany a person throughout their life. In childhood, it is mainly parental love. Childhood is a critical period for developing mental health. If a child does not receive sufficient and proper parental love during this stage, it will affect their lifelong mental health development. Many psychological problems in adults are related to a lack of parental love in childhood. In adolescence, love from peers and teachers is added, and in youth, love from partners and spouses is particularly important. In middle age, with significant social responsibilities, love from colleagues, friends, relatives, and children is crucial. They add confidence and motivation to young people in their careers and families, making life full of joy and warmth. Love has a very rich connotation, not just referring to romantic love, but also including care, comfort, encouragement, rewards, praise, trust, help, and support. If a person is long deprived of love from others, especially their own family, their psychological balance will be disrupted, leading to disorders or illnesses.
The second important mental "vitamin": Catharsis and Guidance
Whether it's distraction and avoidance or trying to self-comfort, these can only temporarily alleviate psychological conflicts and achieve a superficial psychological balance, treating only the symptoms. Moderate catharsis, however, addresses the root cause. Of course, this catharsis should be benign, based on the principle of not harming others or society; otherwise, it will lead to a vicious cycle and bring more unhappiness. For example, when you are feeling depressed, you can play soccer and vent your anger on the ball. When you encounter something unsatisfying, you can confide in your family and friends and pour out your unhappiness. This is catharsis. At the same time, you also hope that someone can help you untangle your knots or offer good advice. Catharsis and guidance are both effective ways to maintain psychological balance. If psychological burdens are not cathartically released or guided for a long time, it will intensify psychological conflicts and lead to psychological disorders.
The third important mental "vitamin": Kind and Strategic Criticism
It helps people distinguish right from wrong, correct mistakes, and continuously improve themselves. If a person does not receive proper criticism for a long time, it will inevitably foster arrogance and conceit, stubbornness, arrogance, and self-righteousness. These are all signs of unhealthy psychological development. However, overly harsh criticism and hurtful accusations that damage self-esteem can cause rebellious psychology. In severe cases, it can lead to self-abandonment, isolation from the group, and even make it difficult to break free. Therefore, when encountering such "psychological viruses," one should be vigilant and enhance psychological immunity. We should usually get close to knowledgeable, virtuous, and trustworthy people, which makes it easier to obtain this healthy "vitamin."
The fourth important mental "vitamin": Strong Beliefs and Ideals
The power of belief and ideals is astonishing, and its effect on the mind is especially important. On the journey of life, we often encounter various setbacks and failures, and fall into unexpected predicaments. At this time, belief and ideals are like a psychological balancer. They help people maintain a steady mindset, get through hardships and setbacks, prevent deviating from the path of life, and entering a psychological dark zone.
The fifth indispensable "vitamin" for mental health: Tolerance
In the myriad forms of life, things rarely go as smoothly as one wishes. Unnamed anger and listlessness often accompany each other. Tolerance is the key to escape from various troubles and reduce psychological pressure. But tolerance is not escapism; it is about being open-minded and wise.
The key to maintaining mental health is to learn self-adjustment, be good at managing one's emotions, and achieve independence and self-awareness in psychological protection. Proactively supplement your own healthy psychological nutrients, and when necessary, also provide others with "vitamins" that can promote mental health.