My Latest Read: Change Your Brain Change Your Life

This is a book that has changed my life.

I know that that is one heck of a statement to begin a post with, but it really has.  Being one who struggles with lots of brain issues from anxiety to depression to OCD, this book has led me in paths of understanding that has caused me to not only be more gentile with myself, but most importantly, with others.

The author, Daniel G. Amen, M.D., is a child and adult psychiatrist, self-help adviser, best selling author, medical director of the Amen Clinic, a clinical neuroscientist, and I am sure he has achieved much more.  In his book, he helps people understand brain physiology, the effects of brain damage incurred during accidents/fights/head banging/etc., the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain, and so much more.

The most amazing aspect of the book is that it divides the brain into five sections; the Deep Limbic System, the Basal Ganglia, the Prefrontal Cortex,  the Cingulate System, and the Temporal Lobes, and how each part directly effects how a person behaves.  Dr. Amen explains how, through SPECT imaging, he and many of his associates have been able to locate which parts of the brain, when over or under active, are responsible for people living in unusual realities including but absolutely not limited to depression, rage, violence, confusion, ADD/ADHD, eating disorders, and a ton of other clinically proven behavioral abnormalities ranging from severe to slightly "off." 

"If you are anxious, depressed, obsessive-compulsive, prone to anger, or easily distracted, you probably believe these problems are 'all in your head.'  In other words, you believe your problem is purely psychological.  However, research that I and others have done shows that the problems are related to the physiology of the brain-and the good news is that we have proof that you can change that physiology.  You can fix what's wrong for many problems."  (Daniel G. Amen, M.D. Pg. 3, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life)

Being one who constantly struggled/struggles with perceiving accurate reality, I have taken great pleasure in my introverted nature to hide from what I have trouble understanding.  The problem with this is that it is difficult to maintain relationships for any period of time before I find it "safer" to hide in my introversion.  After reading this book however, I gained great insight to what could be (and recently found out for sure is) a hereditary brain function imbalance.  I was inspired to get help so I could live a clearer and freer life.  Free from constant debilitating anxiety, chronic fear, and severe depression.

Before I read  Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, I was under the crippling pressure to just work harder at changing my behavior, often hearing from others so free to counsel, "if you just.........you'll feel better," or "You have to just throw yourself out there," and "what you need to do is............," and the well meaning counsel never ended.  It only threw me into a greater pit of despair because the harder I tried, the more it seemed I failed.  And I would hide more.  Worst of all, it seemed that I was alone because I was the only one who had a challenging time fixing myself (never without desperate prayer)!!!!!!!!!!  It seemed I was destined to struggle, destined to never feel the love of others (despite their out pour of love, I just couldn't receive it).  After reading and relating to specific brain impairments,  I sought help (not from Amen but a local Dr.) and I finally have hope!  Well, I can't say finally because through prayer, I always saw a light, it was just constantly out of reach.  But now, I feel the warmth of that light!!!!!!!!!!!  Hope!

So, if you or someone you love is struggling with life, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!  Because this book is full of absolute insightful case studies and information, it is by nature a quick read.  Pick it up and move on to a healthier, happier and fuller life!

May God bless you dearly on your journey!