Heal-O #4: The effects of extraction

I had my wisdom teeth extracted this past weekend and am currently recovering. The ice pack/warm compress and my Magic Bullet became my best friends during this time. My biggest concerns were not being able to eat healthily and losing weight (I’m already really tiny!), so a few days before the surgery I spent quite a bit of money on food even though it was not that necessary (to the extent that I went to anyways...). I also prepared a few meals (like mashed potatoes/yams and soups) and purchased frozen fruit to make some delicious smoothies.

[Source: Lehoa M., Oct 15, 2013]

..:: Sitting around ::.. 

I was so focused on taking time off work, planning my meals, and cancelling all my meetings, appointments, and activities to prepare for 'resting', that I forgot to incorporate some of the other things that might have made me heal faster – such as physical activity. I was told to ‘rest’, but does rest really mean to sit back on the couch watching TV for days at a time? That was my plan until the third day post-surgery, where I was starting to really feel helpless and had very low energy. Don’t get me wrong, it was really nice to sit back and do nothing for a few days, but after that I felt like I couldn’t sit around much. I missed my weekly zumba class this week and didn’t realize how much of an impact it had on me. On one of the days, I came home from grocery shopping and felt so exhausted that I had to nap in the middle of the afternoon! There are probably several other factors that contributed to how I was feeling but most of it was likely attributed to the change in my physical activity levels and eating habits.

..:: Venturing outdoors ::.. 

When I got over the fact that I was a “lopsided chipmunk” (only one side was slightly swollen), I ventured outside to gorgeous and crisp Fall weather. The sun was shining gently on my face; the temperature was comfortable enough for a sweater but not too cold for a jacket; the colourful autumn leaves painted a beautiful scene for my walk. It was so refreshing and made a huge difference in my physical, emotional, and mental health and vitality. I love fresh air! Speaking of fresh air, check out this Tedtalk by research Kamal Meattle on how to grow fresh air (indoors!).

  

The Raphael readings for our upcoming class on food insecurity made me think about my ability to be able to purchase and prepare different kinds of food that cater to the temporary change in my eating capability this week. Living close to an affordable grocery store and having the equipment and means to do cook alternative food options makes such a difference. I think I have always known this, but this week just made me realize it even more so. What about those individuals who do not have the means to adjust their food budget? What can be done to address this larger issue of food insecurity?

  

..:: Giving thanks ::.. 

I have so many things that contributed to my recovery – from access to a microwave that heated up my heat compress pack; to a magic bullet that allowed me to create so many different food options; to amazing support from my friends (my best friend came by and cooked up an amazing post-wisdom-teeth-surgery-friendly shepherd’s pie) and family (my sister who didn’t take a video of me after I woke up from being sedated and for her constant care and reminder to take my antibiotics). I know it’s just wisdom teeth, but it made me think back about my previous surgeries and treatment…my recovery would not have had the same effect without these supportive factors I am very fortunate to have.

I am so grateful to my parents for creating the life I live today. Their perseverance during the tough times immigrating to Canada to their boundless generosity in providing the support for my sisters and I are so greatly appreciated.

Back to my warm compress pack! I cannot wait to bite into an apple!

Today I’m ending the post with My One Thing…to say thank you to my friends, family, heat pack, and magic bullet.

What’s your one thing?

Heal-O #3: Hi FIVE

Last week, I attended SFU's Hi F.I.V.E. movement launch event hosted by SFU Health and Counseling Service. They launched this initiative as a means to eliminate stigma against those who are experiencing mental health issues or illnesses through encouraging dialogue and raising awareness. "Hi F.I.V.E." stands for: Friendship. Invite Conversation. Value everyone’s gift. Eliminate stigma. What a powerful message…something that I believe in and embody.

[Source: Lehoa M., Sept 27 2013]

I recall one of the speakers saying something like, “Your body can’t function if your mind isn’t well.” It got me thinking about the discussions we have and will continue to get into in our class about the mind-body relationship. If an individual is experiencing anxiety and depression, for example, would they be in a state where they want to engage in physical activity to maintain their fitness and health? There might be individuals who obsessively engage in physical activity as a means to achieve a certain body type. In this latter case, would this be considered as a functioning body? How do we discern between what is “functioning” or “healthy” between these two very general pseudo cases?

..:: Mental health ::..

Without getting too much into definitions, I think it is important to recognize that mental health sits on a spectrum, ranging from optimum mental health to mental illness/health issues. I like how the Canadian Mental Health Association defines mental health as, “Mental health means striking a balance in all aspects of your life: social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental. Reaching a balance is a learning process. At times, you may tip the balance too much in one direction and have to find your footing again. Your personal balance will be unique, and your challenge will be to stay mentally healthy by keeping that balance.”

I agree with that meaning of mental health because it highlights balance and how each individual’s experience is unique.

Too often there is a negative connotation to the term, “mental health”, where it is generally considered a taboo to discuss. Most people don’t really talk about their mental health or illness. Consequently, most people don’t notice someone who may be struggling with a mental health issue. Even something like stress seems to be “accepted” in the workplace and in life. This isn’t to say stress isn’t good for you – it really is just a body response to external stimuli right (of course, unless it’s chronic stress or stress that someone cannot cope with)? When someone tells you that they’re stressed, do we accept it because “everybody stresses” or do we further probe?  

Someone close to me recently shared their experiences of internal struggles that impacted their mental health. There was no indication of any issues prior to this, so I am very glad that they felt comfortable in opening up to me, even if it was just a little bit. To anyone else out there whom this may affect: there are people who support you, even if you don’t know them. There is a massive network of individuals who want your voice to be heard and to tell you that you are not alone. 

..:: Lastly... ::..

I encourage you to be open to have conversations about mental health and illness and to create safe spaces for this type of dialogue to occur within your home and work environments.

I invite you to join the movement. Start a dialogue. Create awareness. Be open to conversations about mental health.

Here’s a cool video about the travelling diaries initiated by the Hi-F.I.V.E. movement – check it out! Conversations on Mental Health: SFU Opens Up

Let's see...here's My One Thing:

[Source: Lehoa M., Oct 3 2013]

What is one thing you would do to optimize your mental health?