My journey into the world of mental health began early, shaped by personal experience and a natural call to care. I was just 18 or 19 when I found myself taking care of my mother, who was wheelchair-bound. At the same time, I was studying psychology at night, and it quickly became clear that nursing — especially psychiatric nursing — was where my heart belonged. Even while enjoying the life of a young adult, I was deeply curious: What causes mental illness? What pushes a person to the edge?
One case I’ll never forget involved a man admitted in utter crisis. His wife had left him, his business collapsed, his home was destroyed in a fire, and his son became a paraplegic — all in a short span of time. He had reached breaking point. But with coordinated care from social workers, financial advisors, and mental health professionals, his life began to mend. Just a week later, he walked out of the facility with a bag in his hand and hope in his heart. That experience taught me a vital truth: with the right support, people can recover-even from the depths of despair.
At 25, my path took a spiritual turn when I became a Christian. Around the same time, I developed a deep interest in natural remedies and a holistic approach to raising my children. A pivotal moment came when I was given a book called Psycho-Dietetics, published in 1976. It explored how American doctors were using minerals, vitamins, and lifestyle changes to support mental health. That book lit a fire in me. It launched a lifelong pursuit of natural, empowering, and faith-aligned ways to support the mind.
I’ve always believed in raising independent thinkers — emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. I didn’t spoon-feed my children; I wanted them to think, question, and grow strong from within. That same principle guides my approach to care: give people tools they can use on their own, not just within the walls of a clinic. In recent years, especially amid global upheaval and restrictions, many people have started to look inward-and upward-for answers. The need for holistic self-care-mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual — has never been clearer. People are realising that healing is not just something that happens in a doctor’s office; it starts with taking responsibility for one’s own well-being.
Mental health is complex, but one truth remains: our mindset matters. Depression is often a state of mind — though this may be difficult to hear, it carries weight. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) help us see that while we can’t always change our circumstances, we can choose our responses. Gratitude, even in suffering, is one of the most powerful tools. In a world gripped by fear and uncertainty, we must remember the profound power of choice. It is central to mental freedom, parenting, and spiritual growth. When we choose to trust God in adversity, we’re not simply holding onto hope-we’re resisting fear itself. But this choice also reveals a deeper spiritual truth: God is not a tyrant. He gives us freedom, even when it means people sometimes choose wrongly and others suffer. Still, in reclaiming our minds from destructive patterns, this freedom becomes our greatest strength. We are not victims of our thoughts. We can choose what we focus on. As Dr Neil Nedley says, “The mind stayed on
Him is a choice.” Sometimes, that choice starts with “fake it till you make it.” It may sound hollow, but it’s a powerful truth-repetition creates reality. Just like going to the gym builds identity over time, practicing hope reshapes our inner dialogue.
Living in the present is also vital. We’re often robbed of today by regrets or fears of tomorrow. But as one speaker said, “Love today. Love where you are. Love what’s happening — because you’ll never have that moment again.” Gratitude brings healing. Even when self-critical, pause and reframe. Maybe your feet look odd — but they carry you. You are free.
Lastly, mental wellness is deeply rooted in the physical laws of health, where simple, consistent habits yield profound results. Breathing through the nose, rather than the mouth, enhances oxygenation and naturally filters the air we take in, supporting clearer thinking and calmness.
Regular movement, exposure to sunlight, and quality sleep are equally vital — research shows that just ten nights of six-hour sleep can reduce brain function by up to 50 per cent. Hydration and proper nutrition, particularly with omega-3 fatty acids, form the building blocks of cognitive and emotional balance. Faith doesn’t remove fear, but it gives us the courage to keep walking, step by step.
(The author is a world renowned holistic healer and advocate of transformative wellness. Views are personal)
