It’s Mental Health Month, and so many of us are battling to pull our headspace together in the wake of a pandemic that upended the world as we know it.
Many of us are still reeling from the aftershocks, having lost or nearly lost loved ones, employment, a place to live, or our health may have been impacted.
READ MORE: Here’s why you need to become PTSD aware
It’s little wonder that the number of Australians struggling with their mental health right now is
through the roof.
How to tune in for better mental health
You may have heard of mindfulness and wondered what it is all about.
In simple terms, mindfulness is just about being present and aware of what is happening within and around you.
When we take time to tune in to our thoughts and feelings, we are more likely to make
effective choices and build positive connections.
Here are some tips to help you on your way:
Tune in with your senses We can tune in to ourselves by using our five senses and taking time to notice what we can see, hear, smell, taste and touch. We can do this in our everyday life – whether it’s during our morning routine, while eating a meal, going for a walk, connecting with nature, listening to music, doing something creative or just sitting in silence. We can check in with our emotions by asking ourselves “how am I feeling”, while also taking note, for example, of how many red items are visible to us in that place.
Tune in with nature You know that sense of calm that washes over you when you get out into nature, with the sun on your face, a gentle breeze through your hair, the shelter of a tree to relax under and the sound of running water in the background? If you’ve lost that magic feeling then it’s definitely time to get yourself outdoors and out to that happy place, where you can tune into all the wonderful ways that Mother Nature soothes our weary souls. Whether it’s your favourite beach, the wilds of the bush, the beautiful outback, or just a botanical park in your city, it’s well worth packing some comfortable shoes, sunscreen and maybe even a picnic, and heading outdoors.
Tune in through movement Exercise is one of the most powerful ways to boost your mental health. When we exercise, the body undergoes a complex chemical change – releasing a powerful barrage of neurotransmitters throughout your nervous system and most importantly, your brain. These are endorphins, endocannabinoids and dopamine. Endorphins work to increase sensations of pleasure, while also blocking pain, reducing stress and anxiety, as well as protecting against depression and inflammation. And you know that powerful rush people experience after a big workout? Recent research suggests that comes from your endorphins and endocannabinoids teaming up to work in tandem (endocannabinoids are the neurotransmitters thought to cause the runner’s high). Then there’s the dopamine – another pleasure neurotransmitter – which also regulates your mood, sleep, motivation, heart rate, pain processing, attention and learning.
Mix these three together, and you have a potent mix of natural happy chemicals quickly surging
through your brain and body.
Tune in through acts of kindness Does someone you know seem a bit down? Have you noticed they’re not themselves? We can tune in to others by asking people how they’re feeling, offering help or just taking some time to have a chat. We can also consider ways to make events and activities more welcoming, open or easier to access for those experiencing difficulty with their mental health. Simple acts of kindness and awareness can help keep the community connected and well during challenging times.
Tune in as a mental health ally Stigma is still one of the main reasons people don’t seek help for mental health difficulties. Stigma, shame and prejudice all contribute to people feeling unable to reach out when they’re going through tough times. By acknowledging that it’s not weak to speak, and becoming a mental health ally, you can make the world more supportive for those struggling with mental health. You can be a mental health ally by listening carefully, patiently and non-judgmentally. You can check in when talking about mental health or other sensitive topics, such as by asking “is this conversation still ok for you?” By being mindful of boundaries, and checking how people around you are feeling, you are helping people with mental health challenges feel more comfortable and included.
Please support South Coastal Health & Community Services
You can also support not-for-profit organisations that are doing valuable work in the mental health field …. Organisations such as South Coastal Health and Community Services, which offers
counselling services to some of Rockingham and Kwinana’s most vulnerable women, children and
families.
Your donations make a difference! As a not-for-profit organisation, South Coastal Health and Community Services relies on grant funding and community donations to keep its doors open.
We understand these are challenging economic times, but we urge those who can spare a few dollars to please support us as we continue offering free women’s health, family and domestic violence counselling, perinatal mental health counselling and Aboriginal health services to those who need us most.
Thankyou, all donations over $2 are not only tax deductible, but are so gratefully received and put directly to work.
Make a difference to local women, families
Your donations make a difference! As a not-for-profit organisation, South Coastal Health and Community Services relies on grant funding and community donations to keep its doors open.