Document Type

Capstone

Abstract

Mental Health is one of the most neglected areas of health in the U.S healthcare system, yet there continues to be an alarming rate of individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders. This group of affected individuals includes the presence of children with 3 out of 4 children predicted to experience behavior problems and mood fluctuations before the age of 17. To 3 combat mental illness, psychotropic medications are prescribed at a startling rate with children as young as 2 being placed on mental health prescriptions. Although psychotropic medications have positive outcomes on mental illness, long terms use of this class of drugs can have adverse effects on users. These adverse effects can include but are not limited to stunted growth, personality changes, increased risk for diabetes, hyperlipidemia, sleep disturbances, and weight changes. These long-term side effects have the potential to impact the quality oflife of users which is why alternative methods should be considered in conjunction with reduced dosages of psychotropic medications. One area of conservative treatment that has shown positive results in combating mental illness symptoms is nutrition and diet modifications. Various research has shown positive correlations between reduced symptoms of mental illness and the consumption of natural, unprocessed foods with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. However, this research is not readily available to individuals due to external factors such as socioeconomic status, education levels, available community resources, and geographic location. The purpose of this research project is to provide nutrition education to parents and guardians of children between the ages of 3 and 17 to increase the occurrence of diet modifications as a first line of defense against mental health tribulations. An evidence-based education session on diet modifications for mental health was presented to a group of 26 parents and guardians who had at least one child enrolled in a local head-start/ Georgia Pre-K program. Participants' prior

knowledge and current nutrition practices were assessed through a pre-assessment survey. An interactive power-point presentation was provided to participants that included current nutrition and mental health facts and creative ways to increase healthy food consumption amongst children. Knowledge and potential future nutritional practices were assessed through post-surveys after the implementation of the education session. Surveys provided positive evidence that if health promotion resources and benefits of healthy food consumption were more readily available to parents and guardians, they are more inclined to utilize diet modifications as a first line of defense against mental health impairments. Learning the positive benefits of nutrition at an early age creates the infrastructure for adopting lifelong health behaviors and creating generational wellness.

Publication Date

4-17-2022

Download

Share

COinS