By Virgilio C. Ventura
Mental Health Benefits. Dementia is one of the most dreaded conditions of our time. Prevention or reversion of dementia requires the remedial changes in such causative variables as a sedentary lifestyle (e.g., sitting for long periods, watching television, riding in a bus or car, playing passive video games, etc.) where physical movement is limited and where social isolation could also delimit the emotional and communicative stimulations necessary for a healthy brain.
Mental Health Benefits. Coyle, J.T. (2003) asserts that: “having greater intellectual resources may buffer the underlying damage associated with the early stages of dementia, thereby delaying the onset of symptoms”.1/
Mental Health Benefits. An influx of mental activity of the early dementia patient such as reading, watching quality movies, memorization, solving word games, or learning new languages could decrease the chances of degeneration of dementia while maintaining the health and metabolic thresholds, capacity, and endurance of the brain.2/
Mental Health Benefits. Specifically, reading is one of the most important human survival skills because it leads to knowledge, self-improvement, and better comprehension of the world around us. In fact, the skill of reading will most likely remain intact in the early stages of dementia.
Mental Health Benefits. Sadly, while reading about 20 pages a day has been shown to provide several advantages, most people struggle to reach that mark. “As people consume videos, shows, movies, podcasts, and so on, digital seems to be replacing the physical book as a form of entertainment. The result is a slow and steady decline in cognitive and behavioral aspects of our mental abilities.”3/
Mental Health Benefits. There are many reasons why people should not give up reading, especially for leisure. According to experts, for adults, “reading boosts brain power, creating cognitive engagement which can help enhance memory.”4/
Researchers are investigating the impact of reading experiences and reporting evidence of promising mental and social health benefits. They are now exploring new models using the literary arts to support mental health in clinics, classrooms, and communities worldwide.
Mental Health Benefits. “The experience of being immersed or engaged while reading a story is called narrative absorption and serves as more than an innately pleasurable experience—it can also enhance our sense of wellbeing. Researchers believe that mentally transporting ourselves away from our physical surroundings can provide an escape or opportunity for meaningful contemplation.” In 2016, Bavishi, Slade, and Levy focused on comparing the advantage of readers’ mind engagement with books as compared to newspapers and magazines that could presumably lead to cognitive benefits that drive the effect of reading on longevity. Their findings stated that:
Mental Health Benefits. “A 20% reduction in mortality was observed for those who read books, compared to those who did not read books. Further, our analyses demonstrated that any level of book reading gave a significantly stronger survival advantage than reading periodicals. This is a novel finding, as previous studies did not compare types of reading material; it indicates that book reading rather than reading in general is driving a survival advantage. This finding suggests that reading books provide a survival advantage due to the immersive nature that helps maintain cognitive status.”5/
Therapeutic Reading for Mental Illness: An Effective Tool for Recovery
Mental Health Benefits. Therapeutic reading involves reading books, articles, or other written material that is specifically designed to help individuals cope with mental health conditions. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies.
Here are some of the benefits of therapeutic reading:
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
Mental Health Benefits. Reading can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. When we read, we are transported to a different world and can forget about our own problems for a while. This can be incredibly calming and can help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
2. Improves mood
Mental Health Benefits. Reading can also improve our mood. When we read something that resonates with us, it can bring us a sense of comfort and happiness. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are struggling with depression.
3. Increases empathy
Mental Health Benefits. Reading can help us understand and empathize with others. When we read about characters who are going through similar struggles, it can help us feel less alone and more connected to others.
4. Provides a sense of control
Mental Health Benefits. Reading can also provide a sense of control. When we are struggling with mental illness, we often feel like our lives are out of control. Reading can give us a sense of agency and can help us feel like we are taking steps towards recovery.
5. Offers new perspectives
Mental Health Benefits. Reading can also offer new perspectives. When we read about different experiences and viewpoints, it can help us see things in a different light. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are struggling with negative thought patterns.
So, what types of books are good for therapeutic reading? Here are some suggestions:
1. Self-help books
Mental Health Benefits. Self-help books can be a great resource for individuals who are struggling with mental illness. They offer practical advice and strategies for coping with symptoms and can help individuals feel empowered.
2. Memoirs
Mental Health Benefits. Memoirs can be a great way to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. They offer a personal perspective on mental illness and can help individuals feel less alone.
3. Fiction
Mental Health Benefits. Fiction can be a great way to escape into a different world and forget about our own problems for a while. It can also offer new perspectives and insights into the human experience.
4. Poetry
Mental Health Benefits. Poetry can be a powerful tool for self-expression and can help individuals process their emotions. It can also be a great way to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences.
Mental Health Benefits. It’s important to note that therapeutic reading is not a substitute for professional treatment. If you are struggling with mental illness, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. However, therapeutic reading can be a great complement to other treatments and can help individuals feel more in control of their recovery.
Conclusion
Therapeutic reading can be an incredibly effective tool for individuals who are struggling with mental illness. It offers a range of benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to providing new perspectives and insights. If you are struggling with mental illness, consider incorporating therapeutic reading into your treatment plan. It may just make a world of difference. END
NOTES:
1. Coyle, J. T. (2003). Use it or lose it: Do effortful mental activities protect against dementia? The New England Journal of Medicine, 348(25), p. 2490. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmp030051
2. #1 Absolute Best Way To Reverse & Slow Dementia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql1oEe9jiqw&t=1251
3. Verghese, S. G., Why Reading Can Be Good for Your Mental Health? Sportskeeda, August 17, 2022. https://www.sportskeeda.com/health-and-fitness/why-reading-can-be-good-for-your-mental-health
4. Get into the reading habit, Manila Bulletin, June 26, 2022. https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/26/get-into-the-reading-habit/
5. Bavishi, A., Slade, M. D., & Levy, B. R. (2016). A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity. Social science & medicine (1982), 164, 44–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.014 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5105607/
