The interplay of mental and physical health
The mind and the body are deeply intertwined – and that means that there’s a lot Naturopathy can offer in improving your mental health and well being as well as your biological health.
It works BOTH ways – managing your mental health more effectively can also improve your physical health – as I was reminded in a recent workshop run by the Australian Natural Therapists Association.
Managing your mental health is like managing your physical health – it helps to be proactive, rather than reactive. And like physical health, there are preventative and resilience-building forms of support.
Sustainable and effective mental health support doesn’t only come in the form of clinical expertise accessed when a situation turns critical. That makes about as much sense as waiting until after you have a heart attack to improve your cardiovascular health.
Early and proactive help-seeking, clear support pathways, and practical self-care planning can all make a difference IF YOU KNOW ABOUT TODAY’S RESOURCES.
Sadly, in today’s complex world – a world where the media is full of bad news stories about how “broken” our mental health system is – today’s range of available mental health and well being resources don’t get a lot of coverage.
It’s important to remind ourselves of the accessible – and often free – resources for building mental health wellness that DO exist (if you know where to look).
So what are some starting points?
The Black Dog Institute
Started in 2002 by the UNSW School of Psychiatry Scientia Professor Gordon Parker, the Black Dog Institute (the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate metal health across the lifespan) offers a range of resources, starting with downloadable information sheets.
An example is their Self-Care Planning Template. They also have an Online Clinic where people can explore assessment tools. Plus they have a MyCompass tool to help with identifying unhelpful thinking.
The Black Dog Institute offers help in a wide range of situations, including Workplace Mental Health as well as individual programs.
Suicidal thoughts – or worried for someone else?
For more serious or worrying situations, there is the Suicide Call Back Service – which provides helpful articles as well as free servcies. It offers you a a safe place to discuss your concerns with someone experienced.
The Lifeline phone service is also widely known. It’s part of the Lifeline national charity which provides 24-hour support to Australians who are in crisis and are experiencing distress.
More tools for living better
Want tools and support for improving your mental health? Beyond Blue is a great resource.
Mindspot is another free online resource support that offers Australian adults free, confidential psychological assessments and treatments, plus access to qualified therapists.
This Way Up offers free online CBT tools for issues raging from chronic pain to anxiety to insomnia. This is free when prescribed by a Practitioner be they a GP, allied Health professional, Naturopath, Psychologist etc. Otherwise the cost is about $60.
There are better options than “soldiering on”
Your mental and emotional health will impact your physical health and the quality of your relationships – hence your overall quality of life.
It’s important…
The idea that your only option is expensive, scarce, individual counselling is no longer accurate.
You can get to work on improving your mental and emotional health yourself.
If you’re not sure where to start – or want to combine good mental health practices with physical health advice – then get in contact with me today. You’ll get a friendly, non-judgemental listener who can help you sort through your next steps.
