On a beautiful day in Milwaukee while sitting outside with my dogs, I was trying to get inspiration for this article. I was thinking about my Charlie, when I remembered a speech I gave to the graduates of the Medical College of Wisconsin. I reminded the new doctors that our heads are not floating somewhere above our bodies. Yes, they are connected. Since they are connected, if our bodies are physically suffering then that often affects our brain, causing depression or anxiety. Therefore, it makes sense that if our brain is suffering our bodies will physically be affected also. Those who have suffered depression will tell you that they were often in severe physical pain as well. So the body-mind connection is important to understand.

Wait! There is another component that we are missing: Mind, Body, and SPIRIT.

SPIRITUALITY — MEDITATION — PRAYER: Now there are scientific studies being done at Harvard, Yale, Duke and the University of Iowa, to name a few, that support the theory that prayer and meditation improve our physical and mental health. Several articles have recently been published and doctors are beginning to understand this connection. I was so excited when I read this because I have always had a gut feeling that prayer might be the most important component of the mind-body-spirit connection.

It is very important to remember, if you or someone you know is suffering from depression, even mild depression, SEEK HELP! Seek treatment with a psychiatrist (a medical doctor who prescribes medications) or a psychologist (a provider of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other talk therapies). Also, check with your primary care doctor to make sure that your blood levels are good, vitamin D levels are normal, and that you do not have an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, thyroid condition or other medical condition affecting your mood.

Remember … DEPRESSION IS TREATABLE!

Much love to all,
Billie Kubly, Charlie’s Proud Mother