What is Brain Health?

Author: Stephanie Hartz, LISW

What Is Brain Health—and Why It Matters (Part 1)

One in five adults in America experiences some form of mental illness each year.

That means someone sitting next to you—at a game, in church, or at work—may be quietly struggling.

As a social worker, I was drawn to The Be A Light Project because of its mission and its use of the phrase brain health.

Mental health is one part of brain health.

Brain health takes a broader view—how we think, feel, move, connect, and function in everyday life.

For years, mental health has carried a stigma. People were often labeled as “crazy” or misunderstood. But that’s what stigma is—giving something a negative label simply because it’s different or not fully understood. The good news is that a lot has changed. Today, we know more than ever about the brain and how it impacts every part of our lives.

Mental health challenges are a common part of life.

Life brings all kinds of experiences—joyful and difficult. The birth of a child, the loss of a loved one, a new job, missed opportunities, divorce, caregiving, accidents, or trauma. Sometimes we move through these seasons and find a new normal. Other times, we get stuck and need support.

What does that look like? It’s different for everyone.

Some people talk to a trusted friend, clergy member, teacher, or medical professional. Others may benefit from therapy or medication. And some people don’t know where to start at all.

I hope that this conversation keeps moving forward—so that if you’re reading this, you feel encouraged to either ask for help or be a source of support for someone else.

What Impacts Brain Health?

Having a healthy brain, just like having a healthy body, is essential for how we function, move, and live each day.

Four key areas of brain health are always at work:

·        Cognitive Function — attention, learning, memory, and problem-solving (Think, learn, and remember)

·        Emotional Health — mood, mental well-being, and the ability to manage stress and change (How you feel)

·        Sensory Processing — how your brain interprets what you see, hear, and experience (Your senses)

·        Motor Function — balance, coordination, and physical movement (How you move)

Ways to Support Your Brain

How we live directly impacts our brains. Lifestyle habits can strengthen or challenge brain health over time.

·        Sleep — Are you getting enough? Is it restful?

·        Nutrition — Are you fueling your body with what it needs?

·        Physical Activity — Movement matters, even a short walk

·        Social Connection — Are you engaging with others or feeling isolated?

·        Mental Stimulation — Reading, learning, and trying new things keep your brain active

·        Stress & Mood Management — Ongoing stress can impact how we think and feel

·        Substance Use — Smoking, drugs, and excessive alcohol can affect brain function and emotional well-being

In different seasons of my life, I’ve struggled too. And in my work as a social worker, these are conversations I have every day with individuals and families.

Think of brain health like a toolbox. You don’t need every tool all the time—but it helps to know what’s available when you do.

No one is perfect. Life can be hard. And no one should have to navigate it alone.

Resources

Emergency — Call 911

988 Lifeline — Call or text 988

Foundation 2 Crisis Services — 319-362-2174

Mobile Crisis— 855-800-1239

Your Life Iowa— 855-581-8111 or text 855-895-8398

Crescent Community Health Center in Dubuque offers a Brain Health Clinic.

The Be A Light Project also provides a resource page.

My passion in social work is supporting older adults, aging, and memory care. If you’re interested in learning more, stay tuned for Part Two.

-Stephanie Hartz, LISW
Wife, mom, daughter, sister, granddaughter, small business owner, Iowan, human.

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely my own.