How to take a holistic approach to mental health

Mental health affects us all. One in five adults may experience mental illness each year. More struggle with anxiety, stress, and depression on a less severe but frequent basis. The prevalence of mental health problems has grown over the past few decades. It indicates an urgency to address this issue holistically along with traditional mental health treatment.

In this article, you will learn about the holistic mental health approach. Discover holistic mental health, why it’s necessary for everyone, and how to introduce these principles into your daily life.

What is holistic mental health?

Holistic mental health gives you tools for improving your overall well-being. When addressing your mental health, you become an active participant in the treatment and maintenance. Recognizing the importance of self-reflection and self-care, promotes a healthy mental state and reduces the risk of mental illness.

When looking at mental health from a holistic perspective, requires you to inspect your life wholly. It examines your lifestyle, relationships, work, and environment to open opportunities for improvement. Approaching mental health holistically is more than just treating the symptoms of your problems. Identifying the root cause, so you can effectively address them and move on to live a more fulfilling life.

First, you must consult with a traditional mental health professional to assess your mental health status. This is necessary to determine the root cause, as well as how it manifests in various aspects of life. Mental health is much more than simply feeling good. It is how you process emotions and information; how you relate to other people, and how you cope with stress. Having a mental health assessment is also an exercise in how comfortable you are with yourself and your identity.

The importance of holistic mental health

Not properly addressing mental illness can significantly hinder your ability to function in life. It can cause emotional and financial strain on individuals and families. It can prevent you from making informed decisions. Additionally, mental illness can affect your work-life balance, causing you to miss work or perform poorly on the job.

When implementing a holistic approach to mental health allows you to proactively promote your overall wellbeing. It is good practice to explore how your daily routines affect your mental health. This will lead to you making informed decisions about your lifestyle and environment. It also encourages you to reflect on your mental state on a regular basis.

Holistic mental health strategies

There are strategies to improve mental health holistically. These strategies can help you identify your needs and strengths, set goals, and stay accountable for your mental health progress.

• Journaling is a productive way to explore your feelings, thoughts, and desires. Journaling can boost your mental health by promoting self-reflection and self-awareness.
• Practicing meditation daily promotes relaxation and a greater sense of mental clarity. Meditation reduces stress and improves your mental health by taking a break from daily responsibilities and worries. You can even practice meditation at work or in school.
• Positive self-talk can help boost mental health by improving self-confidence and self-esteem. Positive self-talk allows you to set realistic expectations for yourself and feel good about your accomplishments. You can apply positive self-talk to all areas of your life, including school, work, and relationships with friends and family.
• A behavioral self-assessment is a way to evaluate behavioral patterns and curiosities. For example, the amount of time you spend on your cell phone each day vs. the amount of time you spend with loved ones, etc. By taking an inventory of your behavioral patterns, you can identify areas of improvement in your life and mental health.

Proactively addressing mental health promotes mental well-being and reduces the risk of mental illness. Mental health is more than just feeling good. It is the way in which you process emotions and information, how you relate to other people, and how you deal with stress. Examining your lifestyle and environment can lead to opportunities for improvement by implementing strategies to take a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing.

Resources

Caring for Your Mental Health via National Institute of Mental Health

Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:

• Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
• Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.
• Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
• Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy such as journaling.
• Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
• Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.
• Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
• Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

Your Healthiest Self: Wellness Toolkits via National Institutes of Health

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