In the kinds of treatments we use to help people with a variety of emotional difficulties, a lot of the hard work involves acting as if something is true. In the case of someone trying to break free of the struggle with depression, often one of the first steps is to start acting as if he or she is not depressed. Acting as if you’re not depressed means getting up in the morning, seeing people, going outside, and gradually increasing activity. When it comes to anxiety disorders and intense fears, acting as if involves acting as if you’re not afraid. To overcome the fear of dogs, high places, or other people, often the best thing to do is to act as if you’re not afraid of these things. If you weren’t afraid of these things, you would confidently spend time with dogs, in high places, or with other people. Acting as if even plays a role in exercise and health. I recently heard that when we don’t exercise regularly, our cells start to act as if they are dying. It’s one of those use it or lose it situations! Our cells, when they are no longer of use, start to act as if they are no longer needed. Cells in our muscles start to die, and other cells all around our bodies basically act as if we are convalescing. In contrast, when we exercise regularly, some of our cells, even those in important areas of our brains, start to regenerate. Some research has shown, for example, that exercise can slow down age-related shrinking of the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in learning and memory. So, consider the role of acting as if in your health, and act as if you are alive and healthy. Be active, use your body and your muscles regularly. Send signals to your brain and body that you are alive, vigorous, healthy, and well. -Alexander L. Chapman, Ph.D., R.Psych., Wednesday, March 25, 2015.