Rules for life: Mind has no delete button and is not to be trusted

+Practice

In print

Mental health

Rules for life: Mind has no delete button and is not to be trusted

June 2025

Bruce Arroll

Wednesday 28 May 2025, 12:45 AM

When you have a negative thought, it can help to physically cup the hands as if lightly holding the painful emotion [Image: Milada Vigerova on Unsplash]

Specialist GP Bruce Arroll looks at how the human mind contributes to emotional pain and distress. Understanding these processes leads to several helpful coping strategies

Key points, The mind remembers bad things to protect us in the future. Problem-solving personal problems adds to the distress. Hold negative cognitions ligh, Pract Green w Pale Yellow

Mental Health

References

1. Törneke N. Learning RFT: An introduction to relational frame theory and its clinical application. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications; 2010.

2. Arroll B, Frischtak H, Roskvist R, et al. FACT effectiveness in primary care; a single visit RCT for depressive symptoms. Int J Psychiatry Med 2022;57(2):91–102.

3. Henwood S, Arroll B. Does polyvagal theory have any application in general practice? New Zealand Doctor, 14 September 2022.

How to Treat

+How to treat

For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews

Wednesday 28 May 2025, 12:50 AM