How does your mental health stack up? Your health is more than just weight and blood pressure

Did you know that mental health concerns are steadily growing in communities across Australia? Figures from the ABS show that in 2014-2015, there were about 4 million Australians who reported that they had a mental or behavioural condition, and four years later in 2017-2018, this number went up to 4.8 million – that’s a whopping one in five of us experiencing chronic depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders or psychotic or schizophrenia disorders.

Depression and anxiety disorders remain the most common mental illnesses in the country and when left unmanaged, can cause grave grief and pain for sufferers.

As we celebrate World Health Day on 7 April, it’s important to remember that we should not just focus on our physical health, but also pay close attention to our mental well-being. As the first ever Director General of the World Health Organisation once said, “without mental health there can be no true physical health.”

Time to put more emphasis on mental health

You’ll go to the gym for an hour and exercise your biceps, so why is it a struggle for so many people to spend 60 minutes a week exercising their brain? Considering one in five of us are experiencing poor mental health, there should be no shame or taboo in openly seeking to work toward positive mental health the same way we go about improving our physical health.

There are so many documented benefits for keeping your mind as healthy as your body. For one, science has established that physical and mental health are closely linked. The healthier your mind is, the faster your body will recover from injuries and sickness. Poor mental health is a big risk factor in acquiring and coping with long-term health problems. In the same manner, poor physical health can also affect your mental health.

A sound mind is also critical to carrying out everyday necessities like maintaining employment and raising a family. The healthier your mind is, the more successful you’re bound to be at work, and the better you will be at managing social relationships. When you have good mental health, it usually means you’re more able to cope with stressful situations, manage problems and find solutions, find energy for physical activity and maintain family ties and friendships.

Start your own mental health fitness program

Ready to make your mental health a priority?

1. Practice good communication and engage in conversations — talking to loved ones or professionals and letting them know what’s going on with you is important for good mental health. Studies have shown that those who seek help for their psychological problems and build a support system recover well. Going to counselling, getting regular GP check-ups or maintaining a social network are all positive steps towards getting to the root of your problems and creating strategies to cope or diminish them.  

2. Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily — physical activity delivers oxygen to your brain which helps improve memory, reaction times, reasoning and logic. This doesn’t have to mean training for a marathon – simple, consistent movement like walking, functional exercises like squats and push ups and even dancing all count! And of course, if you have a dog, you’ve got extra incentive to get out there!

3. Challenge your mind — read often, learn a new language, or engage in mentally stimulating activities like crossword puzzles or chess. These activities stretch your brain’s abilities and exercise your mental skills, as well as help you develop social skills. Hobbies that require light movement such as gardening or crafts are also great ways to stimulate the mind!

4. Increase your vitamin B intake — vitamin B is essential for good mental health, and can be found in foods like dark, leafy green vegetables, wholegrain cereals, dairy products, red meat and legumes. Aside from vitamin B, a well-balanced diet with alcohol in moderation is always the best way to maintain optimum health.

Kickstart your mental health fitness program today by identifying the cause for dissatisfaction, unhappiness or stress and put into place a program to help you reach your goals! My doors are open for a confidential chat.