Supporting Mental Health Every Day
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World Mental Health Day was October 17. Since COVID began, it feels like there are more people with mental health challenges, as well as more people speaking up, normalizing that they are struggling and that they need support.
It is great that we are normalizing the need for mental health support and that this support is important to our overall health. It is also hard to find a therapist right now, as many providers have a waitlist or may not be accepting new patients. If you are looking for a therapist and not having luck, keep reaching out, ask busy practices for referrals, try newer therapists, and be patient. If you feel like your needs could be met by a provider other than a therapist, you can look for other trauma informed providers such as coaches, somatic experiencing practitioners, and massage and craniolsacral therapy practitioners. These professionals are familiar with working with trauma and stress in the body. While this does not take the place of therapy, it can be helpful and be part of your support network.
What can you do everyday to support your mental health?
Exercise!
There are many research studies that show that exercise can have a significant impact on symptoms of anxiety, depression and ADHD. We know that exercise improves mood, improves sleep and is generally good for you. When adding in exercise, I always encourage people to find something that they enjoy (or at least something that they don’t hate!). Walking is an easy exercise to implement into your day and (of course) I think Pilates is a pretty great choice as well.
Another important aspect of mental health is supporting your nervous system.
The last few months, I’ve shared simple somatic practices to support nervous system regulation. Nervous system regulation is important because our systems are not designed to be constantly in a state of stress (which many of us are!). These somatic practices help to support settling, or down-regulation of the nervous system, which is a calmer, restorative and restful state. Ideally we move through feeling stress and challenge, back to this more relaxed and restorative state with ease. Somatic practices help this process. Try them and see if you notice a feeling of being more grounded, peaceful and connected to yourself.