When dealing with matters of the mind, tangible medical outcomes are often hard to define. An optimistic mindset, for example, has long been believed to positively impact one’s life. Now, new research has proven this theory by identifying a link between optimism, longer life and higher quality of life.
Patients have attested that one of the scariest parts of visiting their primary care physician is the idea that they might receive terrible news, like a life-changing diagnosis. Fortunately, regardless of whether someone receives a bad prognosis at the doctor’s office or is sent into the purgatory of unclear results, there are actions that can be taken today to improve one’s emotional response.
In a 2003 study of 1,532 older adults living in the Detroit metropolitan region, researchers with Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Massachusetts showed that patients who cope by living altruistically, or providing social support for others, had decreased mortality rates when formally volunteering. Further, the study concluded that “giving help was a more important predictor of mental health than receiving it” and actually has the ability to increase one’s lifespan.
[See: 10 Questions Doctors Wish Their Patients Would Ask.]
This phenomenon has been proven in medical cases, such as with Mr. F. In an interview with Mr. F, I learned the importance of remaining in good spirits and having a positive outlook on life when faced with a fatal adversity. Prior to his diagnosis, Mr. F led a very altruistic lifestyle, raising awareness and funds for a disease that plagued many, yet one that scientists knew little about.
For 10 years, Mr. F was committed to helping families affected by this disease by assisting with the cost of their non-medical expenses (travel, hotel, home mortgages), unaware that he, too, would someday become stricken by this disease. Prior to his focus on assisting patients and their families, Mr. F spent time fighting other humanitarian causes as well. In fact, I learned that the vast majority of Mr. F’s career was spent meeting the needs of others.
Once diagnosed, Mr. F continued to serve others in their time of need and also began to strongly raise awareness for his condition within mainstream media. Mr. F’s response to his illness was not a change of course for his life; rather, it gave further direction to his efforts to help others.
[See: How Social Workers Help Your Health.]
After two years of fighting his fatal diagnosis, Mr. F proudly shared that he won his battle with this disease. His positive outlook helped him enjoy his life and find purpose. Mr. F currently oversees a foundation that addresses the needs of other patients like him. Since the time of his diagnosis, Mr. F has publicly advocated to expand access to advanced medications that would allow patients to stay at home for treatment rather than needing to be in a hospital. He has also worked to educate primary care physicians on advanced testing methods which help doctors identify his condition much earlier, increasing the availability of treatment options.
While the example of Mr. F is uplifting, it would be irresponsible to suggest that his positive attitude, alone, led to his recovery; he meticulously attended his doctor’s appointments, recording the time, dosage, and side-effects of each medication. Perhaps Mr. F’s optimism allowed him to be so thorough with his fight against his illness.
Here are three ways to improve your mental well-being by lending a helping hand:
Volunteer at a local non-profit organization. Seek opportunities to volunteer in your community — from coordinating activities for your local senior center to delivering meals to homeless youth, volunteering is an effective means of helping others and remaining positive.
[See: 10 Ways to Live Healthier and Save Money Doing It.]
Adopt a pet from an animal shelter. Animals provide unconditional love and have been shown to provide emotional and physical benefits. Caring for an animal can offer a sense of purpose, fulfillment and pride, plus lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Host a support group. Support groups can play an important role in coping with — and overcoming — problems. Although organizing and maintaining a strong support group does take time and effort, consider starting one in your community for people dealing with similar scenarios.
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How to Improve Your Mental Well-Being By Lending a Helping Hand originally appeared on usnews.com
