Mental Health is such a big topic, but yet I feel it does not receive nearly as much attention as it should. Many suffer from various mental health disorders worldwide, but unfortunately the stigma surrounding mental health is sometimes one that makes people feel shame in having it. Mental health is nothing to be ashamed about and although not always talked about, is something so many have. Personally, I suffer from mental health in the form of chronic anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Having mental health means it is really good to figure out ways to combat its effects on your overall health and wellness, and there are so many great exercises and support systems willing to offer help and guidance. The more you understand about mental health means the better and easier it is to set yourself up for success and to set others up for success as well.
Yoga:
For relieving stress and calming the body, yoga is extremely beneficial in mental soothing and strengthening, along with obvious core and physical awareness. Check out my blog about yoga, here, which helps explain the fabulous results you may find within this practice. Turn on some music, relax, stretch, and try to clear your mind of negativity and stress – think positively and look to the future for peace of mind if maybe your current state is flustered. Learn how to deep breathe to calm your heart and spirit and that will ultimately work to give you peace for your present times.
Natural Medications:
It can be scary sometimes looking for what might work well for you and your body. There’s also a huge stigma around medication as so many have had bad experiences but there are also so many numbers for positive results. Taking medication can drastically reduce bipolar disorder or thyroid imbalances, it can be helpful for lowering your heart rate or calming your body making you more lethargic and ultimately stopping a panic attack. With that said, it is extremely important to know exactly what you’re being prescribed and how it may affect your body – always do your research. Some medications can be filled with natural ingredients such as MCT/Butyrate Liquid which can be found at Douglas Labs. This natural remedy contains ketone and butyrate which help fuel the brain and provide energy which is especially helpful if you have a history of depression. Turning towards products such as Nutri-Dyn offers a more subtle approach with its herbal extracts found in traditional Chinese medicine to support stress. Nhc.com says “This unique combination of extracts provides potent antioxidants and phenolic compounds known to support against the effects of stress on the body. Antioxidants also play a critical role in reducing free radical damage that is at the root of a wide range of ailments”.
Diet
This one may seem odd, but I swear by it! Having a good diet can really impact your feelings about yourself, your body, and dictate mood and healthy mental states. When eating well, you will be able to run on so much more energy. You will feel a sense of belonging and accomplishment, and your body ultimately will thank you for nourishing it properly and caring for it correctly. An article from Harvard shows that studies say eating better can improve your overall wellness by at least 25% and Health.harvard.edu says “Studies have compared “traditional” diets, like the Mediterranean diet and the traditional Japanese diet, to a typical “Western” diet and have shown that the risk of depression is 25% to 35% lower in those who eat a traditional diet.”
Being mindful of what we put into our bodies, how we spend time with our bodies, and how we feel about our bodies contributes to our mental success. Start having those difficult conversations that could try to be life-changing as we all begin to see how mental health can affect anybody anywhere. Mental health is OK to have, and there is absolutely nothing to feel shame about because having a mental disorder means you are the strongest person I know 🙂 Located below are some mental health awareness hotlines!
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat:
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your confidential and toll-free call goes to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
If someone has attempted, or is at immediate risk of attempting to harm themselves or someone else,
call triple zero (000) immediately
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
Provides specialized help for young people aged 5 to 25 years, and is staffed by professional counselors.\
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727):
Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
The Suicide Call Back Service provides crisis counselling to people at risk of suicide, carers for someone who
is suicidal and those bereaved by suicide. People who are not linked in with current professional support can
also access up to six sessions of ongoing counselling with the same counsellor at scheduled times.
A Happy You is a Healthy You!
