“Do not allow anyone to control your thinking; share
the burden of others to help relieve their suffering.”
PMA Webinar on Impact of Negative Mindset on Human Health
ISLAMABAD: The power of thinking has the ability to change your mindset. Therefore, never hand over your thinking to someone else, emphasized Prof. Mowadat H. Rana, a renowned psychiatrist. He was speaking during a webinar on “Impact of Negative Mindset on Human Health” organized by the Pakistan Medical Association on Sunday, August 25, 2025. The event was hosted by Prof. Salma Kundi, with Prof. Mulazim Hussain Bokhari as the moderator.
Prof. Mowadat Rana
Prof. Mowadat Rana stressed that confusion and chaos can lead to indecision, which in turn deteriorates health—not merely positive or negative thinking. While we may not always be able to reduce others’ burdens, we can share them, providing comfort and support in times of distress.
Thinking Shapes Reality
Throughout his presentation, Prof. Rana used a series of impactful images to provoke thought and illustrate key concepts. One such image was of a philosopher in deep contemplation. His message: “To be human is to think. Only when ideas are transformed into thoughts can we truly call ourselves human.”
He underscored that it is not the event itself but our interpretation of it that determines whether we see it as positive or negative. Intellectual capacity and knowledge enhance our ability to interpret events wisely. Therefore, one must guard against allowing others to control their thinking.
Belief, Behavior, and Interpretation
He next displayed an image of a Buddha statue in Afghanistan. While some find inspiration in it, others seek to destroy it. Initially, its pelvic area was vandalized, and eventually, the entire statue was demolished. The contrast, Prof. Rana explained, lies in the differing belief systems—not in the object itself. “There is nothing inherently good or bad; it is our way of thinking that determines behavior,” he remarked.
When thought becomes inflamed or overwhelmed, behavior changes. “Every decision kills other possibilities,” he said. “Confusion cripples our ability to think. When someone else takes control of your thinking, you cease to be truly human.”
Allostasis: Paralysis of Thought
Prof. Rana introduced the concept of Allostasis, a condition that paralyzes the body and mind. In this state, one loses the ability to plan, visualize the future, or foresee consequences. He reflected on how, 1,400 years ago, someone sitting in the solitude of Ghar-e-Hira had the foresight to predict future events. “It is the capacity to think clearly that makes a difference,” he noted. An inflamed mindset can trigger Allostasis.
Lifestyle, Diet, and the Decline of Thinking
Commenting on current dietary habits, Prof. Rana lamented that many people ignore health advice and are uninterested in lifestyle medicine. “When you stop thinking, indecision sets in, and it may even lead to suicide. In that state, consequences no longer matter.”
He explained that negative thinking affects the brain, leading to brain fog, followed by a phenomenon known as limbic eclipse or amygdaloidal hijacking. Allostasis diminishes concentration, foresight, and the capacity for deep thought. He illustrated this with an example: “If someone outside a mosque makes a provocative statement, the entire crowd may react violently. Higher mental functions are lost, and the power of thought is destroyed.”
Pathological Impact of a Negative Mindset
A persistently negative mindset, Prof. Rana explained, can trigger a range of physiological responses:
• Increased blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, fatty acids, acidity
• Elevated heart rate, breathing rate, blood clotting ability, and inflammation
• Decreased protein synthesis, digestion, and immune response
Psychosocial Consequences
Prof. Mowadat Rana observed that most people today lack intellectual engagement and focus heavily on materialistic pursuits, such as food. A hijacked thinking process causes psychological distress. “In a democracy, mistakes can be corrected, but in a dictatorship, no options remain. When someone in power adopts a ‘My way or no way’ mentality, it erodes confidence, morale, responsibility, and proficiency,” he warned.
This leads to job dissatisfaction, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and a desire to leave the country—an outcome with serious national implications.
Share Burdens, Empower Others
He reiterated the importance of sharing others’ burdens, even if we cannot remove them entirely. “Just talking, listening, and offering someone a space to offload their stress can bring relief,” he said. Clarifying his stance, Prof. Rana emphasized he is not against modern medicine or technological advancements, but believes the most urgent need is human connection and empathy.
He also warned against the unchecked use of Artificial Intelligence: “When we hand over decision-making power to AI tools that lack real thinking—only pulling from stored data—we face a serious challenge.”
He encouraged healthcare professionals to:
• Listen to constructive criticism
• Avoid retaliation against critics
• Stay alert to poor advice
• Take time to help the community
Prescription to Avoid
a Negative Mindset
To counter negative thinking, Prof. Rana proposed a simple reflective exercise:
- What is the evidence?
- What is the evidence against it?
- What are the possible consequences?
- What is the worst-case scenario—and can you handle it?
- Are there other possible explanations?
He urged the audience to redefine health and happiness. “Indecision is the real problem. Whether your thinking is negative or positive, the ability to take action is what truly matters. Life is full of failures—don’t give up. Start thinking and take decisive action,” he advised.
Participants Share Reflections
Prof. M. Aslam, former Vice Chancellor of UHS Lahore, quoted Mahatma Gandhi: “To forgive and seek forgiveness is a strength, not a weakness.” He emphasized the importance of practicing this principle at home, in offices, and communities.
Prof. Bilqis Shabbir from FJMU shared her experience: “Students come to me with mental health issues. I’m not a psychiatrist or psychologist—I just listen. And that helps them.”
Other contributors to the discussion included Prof. Moyn Aly, Dr. Kaiser Sajjad, Dr. Salman Kundi, Prof. Munir Azhar from Bahawalpur, and Prof. Rafique Khanani.
