Mental Health

Stress, Anxiety and Mood Disorders

Are you worried about your mental health?

Do you have a family member or close friend with mental health problems? It’s no wonder!  One in five (20%) Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year.

Almost half (45%) Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime.  But it’s important to remember that mental health is complex. You may not have a mental health condition, but that doesn’t mean that all is going well for you right now.

How are you coping day to day?

Stress and anxiety seem to be a modern epidemic these days, busy people juggling work, family and relationships, as well as the constant bombardment of breaking news and social media, everyone seems to have so much on their plate.

While a little bit of stress can help you get things done, ongoing unrelenting stress is damaging to your long-term health and has been related to compromised immune system, depleted adrenal function and chronic disease. Ongoing stress can actually alter brain structure and function causing mood disorders, anxiety, depression, insomnia and substance abuse.

So what can we do about it?

We used to think that the brain was unchangeable.  We now know that that’s not true.  We can rewire our neural pathways and make great changes in our cognition, habits, thoughts and emotions. There is so much we can do to support mental health and brain structure and function, while building emotional resilience and optimal mental wellbeing naturally.

Your mental health is specific to you.

Assessing your nervous system, adrenal health, and general mental and physical wellbeing will be the first step to designing an individual treatment plan for you.

Some key aspects in recovery include nourishing foods, physical activity, good sleep, social support, and behavioural therapies such as mindfulness and meditation, and relaxation treatments such as massage and reflexology.

Good nutrition

Good nutrition is crucial to provide the nutrients needed to nourish the nervous system and adrenal glands can make a big impact on your health. The body’s requirements for nutrients increase significantly when we are stressed.  If you don’t have adequate nutrients during times of stress, your ability to cope, or your resilience, may be impaired. Specific nutritional support, homeopathic remedies, minerals and vitamins may be required.   

Herbal support

We have some amazing Herbal Medicines that can be of great benefit for people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.  The herbal adaptogens help to support the body and mind in times of stress. The herbal nervines are calming and nourish the nervous system.  Herbal tonics help to tone and restore the nervous system. Specific herbs may be required for circulation, mood elevation, stimulation or sedation.

Food allergy or sensitivity?

Food intolerance or sensitivity can cause a variety of physical and mental symptoms, including headaches, anxiety, fatigue, lethargy or depression. I find many people are sensitive to dairy, eggs and wheat among others.  I can help you identify any possible food triggers that may be affecting you mental health.

Get enough sleep

Sleep is essential for good mental health. Not getting enough sleep will create havoc with your cortisol levels making you feel flat and lethargic or wired by increasing your adrenalin, making you feel edgy and anxious.  How can you manage your stress levels if you haven’t had enough sleep?  You won’t have the energy to deal with things and your ability to think clearly will be altered.

Sleep deprivation can trigger anxiety, and anxiety perpetuates insomnia.  Try getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble falling asleep, try some calming practices before bed.  Reduce caffeine, learn some meditation techniques, take a hot bath, or listen to relaxing music.  You may need to make some dietary changes and take some herbal support.

Are you taking medication already?

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications for mental health, I can work collaboratively with you and your doctor, psychologist or other specialist.  You may need extra support alongside what you are already doing, or you may want support reducing side effects from your medications.  You may be looking for alternatives.  Please be careful taking natural supplements with your medications – some can cause interactions.  This is why seeking help from a professional is advisable.

If you would like to improve your mental health or you are experiencing depression or anxiety, remember they are treatable conditions and effective treatments are available.