BOOK REVIEW:

Natural Mental Health

by
Carla Wills-Brandon, Ph.D.

Publisher:
Hay House Inc.

Reviewed by: Maureen Gilbert 

Most people are aware of the incredible power the mind has to heal ourselves and maintain wellness in our being. Yet despite this wisdom, how many of us under nourish our bodies, don’t get enough rest or exercise, and then are surprised when we’re feeling depressed or find ourselves in the midst of a panic attack? Just as the mind impacts the body so too can the body affect the mind.

Carla Wills-Brandon in her book Natural Mental Health explores the connection between body and mind, and presents holistic programs to address a wide range of emotional problems from divorce to eating problems to ADD. As a licensed marriage counselor and therapist, Brandon has seen many clients "flush money down the toilet" by only engaging in "talk therapy" as she calls it. In her opinion in order for emotional health to take hold a person must participate in the healing process on all levels.

At the heart of the book is the truth that you are your best healer. Each section deal with a different emotional / mental health problem. It begins with a "real life" case study and then addresses the psychology of the problem. Dr. Wills-Brandon then presents a series of lifestyle changes and nutritional recommendations and herbs to support the mental healing process. Each "remedy" is explained and related to the particular emotional underpinnings of the problem.

For example, in the section on abusive relationships, Brandon recommends Bee Pollen and Spirulina as they both help to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system, which will provide internal strength for anyone needing to deal with the difficult question of should I leave my abuser? Not surprisingly most of Wills-Brandon’s recommendations have the common underpinning of good self-care and eating a whole foods diet.

Personally this book was an important "of course!" for me. While I’ve been eating a whole foods and vegetarian diet for years, I never really thought too much of the impact that food had on my emotions. I have now become far more aware that for example when I’m feeling stressed out maybe I skipped lunch that day. When my PMS cramps are raging perhaps I’ve been eating too much sugar. I found it to be a great reference book and very practical hands on guide.

Of course, allopathic, a.k.a. traditional medicine, has its place in our society, and anyone dealing with a serious emotional issue should never consider a book a substitute for professional help. That said, too many of us are not trying the simple "self help" path of better living, before taking strong medications like Prozac which have serious side effects.

Doesn't it make sense to try a natural path before turning our welfare over to the side effects of anti depressants, sleep medications, strong hormones and tranquilizers? Why not use Natural Mental Health to try the holistic path first, and then, if that doesn't work, make a trip to the psychiatrist's office.