As we age and grow, our bodies do too. Everything from our face and neck structure to muscle composition and even taste buds change as we get older. But what you may not know, is that our brains are constantly changing too! This is due to a process called Neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of your brain to change its structure and function in response to experience. This means that you have the power to change your mental health through various life experiences. In this blog post, our team at Blair Wellness Group will discuss the role of Neuroplasticity in mental health and how you can use it to improve your well-being! Learn more about the impacts of Neuroplasticity and reach out to our Licensed Clinical Psychologists in Beverly Hills today!
What Exactly is Neuroplasticity?
The brain is constantly changing as we learn and experience new things. When we engage in activities that challenge us mentally or emotionally, our brains form new connections between neurons. This process is known as Neuroplasticity, and it’s what allows us to learn and grow throughout our lives. In addition to learning and growing, Neuroplasticity can also be used to rehabilitate the brain after an injury. When someone suffers a traumatic brain injury, their brain can form new pathways in order to compensate for the damage done. With time and rehabilitation, these new pathways can become stronger and more efficient, allowing the person to relearn skills they lost after the injury.
How Has the Perception of Neuroplasticity Changed Over Time?
The concept of Neuroplasticity has been around for centuries, however, it wasn’t until the last few decades that scientists began to understand its true potential. In the early 1900s, a German scientist named Karl Lashley conducted a series of experiments on rats that showed the brain was capable of changing its structure and function in response to experience. However, Lashley’s work was largely ignored at the time due to the lack of technology available to support his findings. It wasn’t until the 1980s that scientists began to take another look at Lashley’s work and realize its significance. Since then, research into Neuroplasticity has exploded and we have begun to unlock its full potential.
Even with new research related to Neuroplasticity, the human brain was considered largely fixed and stable until fairly recently, which means that we’ve only just begun to consider the ways it can impact mental health. Now, treatments are becoming more widely available to help patients improve Neuroplasticity, and thereby, mental health.
How Does It Work?
Now that we know what Neuroplasticity is, let’s take a look at how it actually works. When you experience something new or challenging, your brain forms new connections between neurons. These new connections allow you to learn and remember the information more effectively. In addition, these new connections can also help you better cope with stressful situations. Over time, if you continue to challenge yourself mentally and emotionally, these new connections will become stronger and more efficient. This means that you will have an easier time dealing with stressors in your life and be less likely to develop mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
How Does Neuroplasticity Impact Mental Health?
Neuroplasticity can impact mental health in a range of ways. One example is how Neuroplasticity can help with rehabilitation after a traumatic brain injury. As we mentioned above, when someone suffers a TBI their brain can form new pathways in order to compensate for the damage done. With time and rehabilitation, these new pathways can become stronger and more efficient, allowing the person to relearn skills they lost after the injury.
Another, more common, example of how Neuroplasticity can impact mental health is through learning and growth. When you engage in activities that challenge you mentally or emotionally, your brain forms new connections between neurons. As you learn and experience new things, your brain makes changes based on these new experiences and connections, which can benefit your mental health and provide your brain with the ability to change and adapt to circumstances throughout your life.
Signs You Need Treatment to Improve Neuroplasticity
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life or struggling to cope with stressors, you may benefit from treatment. A psychologist can help you understand the role of Neuroplasticity in your mental health and provide you with tools and strategies to improve your well-being. Here are a few signs that you may benefit from treatment for Neuroplasticity:
- You feel overwhelmed by life.
- You’re struggling to cope with stressors.
- You feel like your mental health is deteriorating.
- You’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition like anxiety or depression.
If any of these apply to you, reach out to our team of Licensed Clinical Psychologists at Blair Wellness Group today! We offer treatment services for Neuroplasticity and can help you get back on track.
Things You Can Do to Improve Neuroplasticity
There are many ways that you can use Neuroplasticity to improve your mental health. Some of these ways include:
- Challenging yourself mentally and emotionally
- Engaging in new activities
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation
- Getting enough sleep and exercise
- Talking to a Licensed Clinical Psychologist
For more information or tips on how to improve mental health with Neuroplasticity, reach out to our Licensed Clinical Psychologists at Blair Wellness Group today!
Types of Treatment That Promote Neuroplasticity
There are a variety of types of treatment that can help promote Neuroplasticity. Some of these treatments include Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Treatment (DBT), Mindfulness Training, and Supportive Treatment. All of these treatments work to challenge the brain and help it form new connections. In addition, they also help to improve emotional regulation and coping skills. If you are struggling with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, talking to a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who uses Neuroplasticity-based treatments may be the right choice for you.
Get the Help You Need Today
If you’re interested in learning more about Neuroplasticity and its role in mental health, Blair Wellness Group can help! We are a team of Licensed Clinical Psychologists who offer treatment services for Neuroplasticity in Beverly Hills and Orange County, CA. When you work with our team, we will help you find treatment and treatment based on your specific needs. Get started by reaching out to us today!
