The holy month of Ramadan comes and fasting begins, and we notice a lot of nervousness behaviors from some people that some consider fasting to be the justification for may be known the benefits of fasting for physical health but Does fasting affect mental health? What is the correlation between fasting and mental health?
Dr. Mona Reda consultant psychiatrist answers the most common questions about the impact of fasting in Ramadan on mental health.
How can fasting adversely affect mental health?
Fasting affects mental health in the affirmative or deprivation as a result of fasting behaviors. Some people leave themselves to severe impulses and nervousness in dealing with others on the pretext that it is fasting, in which case fasting will have a negative impact on mental health.
Fasting can have a positive impact on mental health if it is taken as an opportunity to elevate spirituality train as a meadow, develop emotional fortitude, raise a degree of spirituality for sublimation, tolerance, pardon, and give excuses to others. In this case, fasting certainly has great benefits for mental health.
How can fasting affect those with problems or psychiatric disorders?
We can determine the answer according to the stability of the case, so long as it is psychologically stable, and those around it have emphasized its ability to fast and that it does not adversely affect its psychological and emotional condition and does not aggravate his emotions and tension, let him be fast with his family, which will increase his self-confidence, But in the case of a psychiatric patient who takes psychiatric medications regularly on schedule should consult with the therapist psychiatrist to schedule new medications in line with fasting in Ramadan and his state of health
Is there a correlation between freeing the body from toxins during fasting and promoting brain health and thinking?
During fasting, the body contains less toxic substances flowing through the blood, which makes it easier for the person to think, as the energy we usually use to digest food is provided for the brain to use after the body itself has eliminated toxins, leading to clearer thoughts and better memory as well as the intensity of other senses
How does eating healthy food in fasting or suhur improving mood and reducing negative feelings during fasting hours?
Eating healthy regulated food in both fasting and suhur affects the way of thinking that becomes more effective and studies have confirmed that low levels of eating including carbs and fat for specific quantities enhances the ability to think well, ability to control emotions, reduce stress. Fasting and regulating the eating schedule during Ramadan control the cortisol hormone responsible for stress When eating is regulated, hormones are also more regulated, which can reduce levels of Anxiety
What advice can be given during Ramadan to those who obsess over perfection and idealism?
Ramadan is the month of worship and the practice of spirituality. Most people look forward to leaving Ramadan with perform all acts of worship. Before Ramadan comes, some people make a plan that may be unrelated to reality. If the plan is not implemented as expected, they people may be in a state of depression and lack of self-confidence, So one of the most important tips that can be given to those people is to acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes, set realistic and actionable goals, dividing large tasks into small ones
What are the general tips for exploiting the month of Ramadan and benefiting from it psychologically? Ramadan is a great opportunity to strengthen family and social relationships, fasting is one of the most important psychological exercises that help to legalize and refine lust, and we can make Ramadan a period to change negative habits that affect our relationship with others
You can contact Dr. Mona Reda for all psychological consultations for a more stable life
