Robert Claridge N.D.
Specialist Naturopath, Holistic Nutritionist, Herbalist, Homoeopath, R-System Specialist
October is Mental Health Awareness Month in Australia. A time to reflect on the profound impact of mental health on society.
With all that is happening in our complex world, we are seeing diverse emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and physical effects such as:
- Mood changes and mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
- Difficulty concentrating, focusing, decision making and poor memory
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Social withdrawal and loneliness
- Substance abuse
- Fatigue, muscle/joint pain and headaches
- Appetite changes
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Reduced performance and productivity
- Strained relationships
- Self-harm and behaviours
Improving your mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being.
While everyone’s mental health journey is unique, there are a number of general strategies that can help promote mental well-being, which includes:
- Seek professional help: If you’re struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist, counsellor, or psychologist. They can provide guidance, support, and therapy tailored to your specific needs.
- Talk to someone: Confiding in a trusted friend or family member can be incredibly helpful. Sometimes, simply sharing your thoughts and feelings can provide relief and a different perspective on your situation.
- Practice self-care: Make self-care a priority in your daily routine. This includes getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced, colourful, wholefood diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities you enjoy.
- Manage stress: Stress can take a toll on mental health. Learn and practice stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga.
- Set realistic goals: Establish achievable goals, both short-term and long-term. Having a sense of purpose and working toward your goals can boost your self-esteem and mental well-being.
- Establish healthy boundaries: Set boundaries in your relationships to protect your mental health. Learn to say no when necessary and prioritise your own well-being.
- Stay connected: Maintain social connections and engage in activities that involve others. Social support can have a positive impact on mental health.
- Limit substance use: Avoid or limit the use of alcohol and other substances, as they can negatively affect your mental health.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation can help you stay present, reduce rumination, and manage anxiety and depression.
- Challenge negative thoughts: Be aware of negative thought patterns and try to reframe them in a more positive and realistic way. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques can be especially helpful for this.
- Seek leisure and relaxation: Engage in hobbies and activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking breaks and enjoying leisure time can improve mental health.
- Get outdoors: Spending time in nature has been shown to have positive effects on mental health. Go for walks, hikes, or simply spend time in natural settings.
- Volunteer or help others: Contributing to the well-being of others can boost your own mental health. It can provide a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
- Maintain a supportive environment: Create a supportive and positive physical and social environment for yourself. This might involve decluttering your space, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and avoiding toxic influences.
- Keep learning: Continuously challenge yourself by learning new things. Whether it’s a new skill, hobby, or educational pursuit, learning can boost your self-esteem and mental health.
Keep in mind that maintaining mental health is a continuous and evolving journey. It’s essential to be patient with yourself and seek help when needed. Everyone’s mental health journey is unique, so what works best for one person may not work as effectively for another. Be open to trying different strategies and approaches to find what works best for you.
Most importantly, enjoy the journey because it is the destination!
As always, we would love to discuss how Naturopathy can support you. To make an appointment please call (03) 5221 8220.
Take care and stay well,
Rob
