A few quick things that may help improve your mental health. Whether you have mild anxiety, depression, social anxiety, mood disorder, eating disorders, bipolar or hormonal sadness some simple things may help you feel better on a day to day basis.
All of these ideas will of course work better with a mental health plan and a team of practitioners to assist you, including your doctor.
One in five people will experience symptoms of anxiety and depression at varying degrees. While medication and herbs are amazing and work so well, there are additional things you can do to continually gain benefit and ensure the support you do have is working at its best.
Exercise is medicine. I’m not kidding! Check out exerciseismedicine.com.au and read their factsheet on depression if you don’t believe me.
Even though this is Sam's (my husband) area of expertise, it is a big part of naturopathic medicine as well. Exercise may be just as effective as pharmaceuticals, and imagine how it will add to the effectiveness if you are taking medication.
Diet is so important. If you are missing key nutrients you will be at a higher risk of depressive symptoms.
After the birth of a baby and breastfeeding the rates of post-natal depression are higher due to the quick use of Mum’s nutrients for her baby (same goes for during pregnancy). Plus, if you are on any restrictive diet including a vegetarian or vegan diet, you may be missing key nutrients that support brain biochemistry.
Research has shown that improvements in diet quality can even treat anxiety and depression. This comes down to the quality of the food and how those nutrients feed our gut and immune system overall.
There is a strong relationship between physical and mental health which is why both exercise and diet are key influences. Sam and I know first-hand how much prioritising these daily habits can assist in how well we cope with stress and our own clarity of thought.
Want to know more about exercise as medicine? An Exercise Physiologist can help you.
The best one in town just happens to be my hubby (no bias here). He works with many clients experiencing anxiety, depression and PTSD. He works with Department of Veteran Affairs and is Medicare accredited so you can talk to your doctor about getting a referral. He is also covered by private health funds.
Want to know more about dietary intervention or using herbs with or without current medication for any of these symptoms? I can help. Pop into the clinic and let’s chat. I’d love to help!