Behavioral Medicine

Welcome to Managing Behaviors

Behavioral medicine affects our health during all parts of the day. Mente Soul recognizes mental health impacts physical health. Understand what behavioral medicine is to challenge movements before they harm objectives.

Drug and alcohol consumption, overeating, and sedentary lifestyles cause almost half of all deaths in the U.S (https://www.prb.org/resources/up-to-half-of-u-s-premature-deaths-are-preventable-behavioral-factors-key/). These are all preventable morbidities. Behavioral medicine targets alcohol and drug use to learn and treat them from reoccurring.

Behavioral health disorders consist of mental health and substance use disorders such as those above. One-third of adults meet the criteria for one of these disorders with stress and anxiety (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK174668/). Behavioral change is practiced by doctors, nurses, and other medical roles.

Personal Observations

A reintroduction to life after a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) proved the significance behavior has towards any event. My life almost ended from a drunk driver and I became more aware of the risks that surrounded me (Please read the About link for more details.) Alcohol killed my friend and almost me. Drinking and drugs were never part of my youth and I didn’t want to participate in behavior that kills and hurts others.

Though I visited several hospitals and therapies during my initial recovery, one day I witnessed other TBI survivors smoking tobacco. My thoughts immediately wondered why someone would inhale a cigarette. I couldn’t fathom the benefit of this addiction. Smoking wasn’t a behavior from my past and is conquered by negative consequences.

Behavior Bias

The smoking topic taught me more about communicating with strangers or friends. Recognize we don’t know another person’s life. Although I remembered these patients smoking were TBI survivors, I didn’t know their upbringing.

Explaining the negative causes someone has won’t instantly change their behavior. Nobody enjoys others pointing fingers at them while discussing negative opinions. Instead, learn how their addiction began. In many cases, we are surprised to find another family member or friend pushed them into alcohol or substances.

The TBI caused my first reaction. I wouldn’t want to further risk my life participating in such a dangerous habit such as smoking, drinking or guzzling down loads of food. Subjectively, I could be sad people choose to behave this way, until I remember steps towards improvement.

Personal Consultation

For a moment analyze common habits you do throughout the week. These behaviors include everything from waking up to laying down for sleep. Consult with yourself if all of these are mandatory to give yourself and others a good day. Notice each event without judgement acknowledging the reward a behavior brought. Recognize how every activity modifies our life. Are each habit stepping forward towards a goal?

Behavior medicine is helpful for everyone, but begins by interviewing yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for medical help. Behavior medicine prevents habits from repeating to live a healthy future.

Summary

Examples of behavioral medicine describe the definition of the topic, but enacting change depends on the person. A disciplined individual acknowledges other people’s behaviors counter their own and stay mindful. The grateful believe everyone is given the freedom to choose their way of life to help themselves and others. Their behaviors can’t be forgotten to achieve objectives.