by Brooke Myrick, BSN, RN, LAS
The power of the mind and the impact of the thoughts generated by the mind are more significant than most believe. As it is widely agreed that anxiety, worry, and stress are not optimal health choices, the extent to which these choices influence one’s health trajectory is receiving increased consideration.
In the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, the connection of healthcare professionals choosing to provide care and support with the incorporation of holistic strategies, including a positive mindset in patient outcomes, is carefully discussed by Angel D. Prabakar in The Power of Thought: The Role of Psychological Attentiveness and Emotional Support in Patient Trajectories.
Holistic care can be defined as seeking to treat the individual as a whole - encompassing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health.
Incorporating holistic care into medical services can improve patient outcomes.
In the Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic (PHMC), the best and healthiest outcome for all women and families being served should always remain steadfast and at the forefront of each interaction and medical service provided by the clinic's medical professionals. The PHMC medical professional could be one of the first to express positive support filled with genuine love and care to the patient/client, instilling in them the confidence that a positive outcome is possible for their life.
Prabakar found in his case studies that when a patient is more involved in their healthcare, they will also be more motivated to comply with their plan of care. Additionally, when the patient incorporates positivity into their thoughts and mindset by remaining hopeful, these actions tend to correlate to a more positive result.
It is worth noting that Prabakar also makes mention of the impact of strong social support, coping mechanisms, and life experiences, findings cited in the National Library of Medicine that greatly influence a patient’s ability to maintain a positive mindset, which also increases the likelihood of healthier behaviors.
As we know, before any science or case studies, God’s word existed. He has been teaching and instructing us from the very beginning to trust Him. When we follow his commands, we receive a blessing. When we choose not to follow his commands, we are outside of his best for us and have varying consequences.
God provides instructions about thoughts and the mind in The Holy Scriptures because He created us and knows the impact our thoughts and minds have on our mind, body, and even our soul. There are many scriptures provided to us that specifically emphasize the power of the mind and the blessing of hope and rest when we choose to trust Him.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Do not be conformed to this world,[a] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2
...take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
As we speak with our patients/clients in the Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic about their health circumstances and life choices, we can incorporate recent findings concerning the impact of a positive mindset while we also share God’s truths. After all, one of the greatest blessings of being a medical professional within the PHMC is the gift of being sent out to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and the hope that can only be found in Him.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10b
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
As followers of Jesus Christ seeking to know Him, and being commissioned to make Him known as medical professionals within the PHMC, we should read, study, and memorize God’s words so that we can live them out and put them into action in deed and in truth, as we serve those seeking our help.
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22
Within the PHMC, we also have the opportunity and privilege of incorporating holistic medical care and support, for the whole woman, as we learn about her physical, emotional, social, and spiritual circumstances.
This holistic care and these biblical truths are provided when the L.O.V.E. Approach is included in the medical services. This biblical approach of listening and learning, discussing open options, sharing vision and value, and extending help and empowering her to follow through, provides care to the whole woman. This process includes the patient/client in their care, options, and vision, which in turn, could lead to increased follow through and compliance.
Medical care within the Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic is uniquely orchestrated in such a way that as she receives medical care, she is also receiving strong support, coping mechanisms rooted in Christ, and positive life experiences set apart from her encounters in the world.
Our prayer for you is Hebrews 10:23, Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
The Medical Impact team appreciates all you are doing for life for His name’s sake. As you consider providing holistic care to the whole woman you are serving, we are here to support you, encourage you, help you, and pray for you. We would love to hear from you! You can reach our team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
