Mental health is physical health…

Mental health has become a topic of increasing importance in recent years, as more people are recognising the impact that it has on their overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Mental health is defined as the state of emotional and psychological well-being, where an individual is able to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community. It is an essential component of overall health and wellness, and it affects every aspect of an individual’s life, from their personal relationships to their work performance and productivity.

Mental health conditions you may have heard of – here are a few (there are obviously a lot more):

• Depression
• Anxiety (the most common being Generalised Anxiety Disorder)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Eating Disorders (ED)
• Bipolar disorder (previously knows as Manic Depression)
• Emotional Unstability Personality Disorders (EUPD) also known as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – both these names are inherently misleading – essentially a person with this disorder struggles to regulate emotions
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

There are many diagnoses for mental health conditions, these are just a few you may have heard of.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness:

Mental health awareness is critical in promoting and maintaining positive mental health.

Awareness can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and encourage individuals to seek help when they need it. Mental health awareness also helps individuals to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, so they can take steps to address them before they become more severe.

Many employers are realising that a healthy workforce is a more productive and efficient workforce. Employees who are struggling with mental health issues are more likely to take sick days, be less productive, and experience higher rates of turnover.

But I want to make it clear here, that we shouldn’t promote mental health JUST so that we have a more productive workforce. It’s more than that.

What I’m teaching here is layered with messages of compassion and self-compassion…the desire to care and to be cared for. This is about connecting to each other. When we care and build on that foundation our brain, body soul will be awoken by an energy that is hard to articulate.

This blog will provide readers with a deeper understanding of mental health and its impact on their lives, and will provide strategies for maintaining positive mental health and well-being. By taking steps to promote mental health and awareness, we can create a healthier, happier, and more productive society for all.

Common ways that mental health can be affected:

Trauma can have significant impacts on an individual’s brain and mental health. Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. Traumatic experiences can have significant impacts on brain functioning, leading to changes in neural pathways and neurotransmitter activity.

Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. Traumatic experiences can vary greatly from person to person, and what may be traumatic for one individual may not be traumatic for another.

Neurodivergence refers to a variation in the way that individuals think, process information, and experience the world around them. Neurodivergent individuals may have differences in cognitive functioning, communication, sensory processing, and social interaction. Neurodivergence includes conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other learning differences.

Neurodivergence can have significant impacts on an individual’s mental health. Neurodivergent individuals may experience increased rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to difficulties with social interaction, communication, and sensory processing. Additionally, neurodivergent individuals may experience stigma and discrimination, which can contribute to mental health problems.

It is important to note that neurodivergent individuals are not inherently more prone to mental health problems than neurotypical individuals. However, they may face unique challenges related to their neurodivergence that can contribute to mental health issues. It is important for mental health professionals to be aware of these challenges and to provide individualized support and treatment that is tailored to the needs of neurodivergent individuals.

Neurodivergence can have significant impacts on mental health. However, with appropriate accommodations, support, and treatment, neurodivergent individuals can lead fulfilling and healthy lives. It is important for mental health professionals to be aware of the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and to provide individualized support and treatment that meets their specific needs.

Race and Mental Health: Racism can have significant impacts on mental health, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Experiences of discrimination, prejudice, and microaggressions can contribute to stress and social isolation, which can have long-lasting impacts on mental health. Additionally, systemic barriers such as limited access to healthcare, housing, and education can contribute to mental health problems.

Religion and Mental Health: Religious discrimination can also have significant impacts on mental health. Individuals who experience discrimination or persecution due to their religious beliefs may experience stress, anxiety, and trauma. Additionally, religious beliefs and practices can play a role in an individual’s coping mechanisms and may be an important source of support and resilience.

Disability and Mental Health: Individuals with disabilities may experience unique challenges related to their condition that can impact mental health. These challenges may include social isolation, difficulty accessing healthcare, and stigma and discrimination. Additionally, individuals with disabilities may experience increased rates of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

LGBTQ and Mental Health: Discrimination and stigma related to sexual orientation and gender identity can contribute to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. LGBTQ individuals may also face unique challenges related to accessing healthcare and social support. Additionally, experiences of discrimination and violence can contribute to trauma and other mental health problems.

Race, religion, disability, and LGBTQ status can all impact an individual’s mental health in different ways. It is important to address these issues and provide support and resources to promote mental health and wellbeing. By increasing education and awareness, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting social support and self-care, we can promote mental health and reduce mental health disparities in these communities.

Menopause and periods can both have significant impacts on mental health. Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life when menstrual periods stop, and the body goes through significant hormonal changes. These hormonal changes can have significant impacts on mental health, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and mood swings.

Periods can also impact mental health, particularly for individuals with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMS is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days leading up to menstruation. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS that can have significant impacts on mental health, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and irritability.

Menopause and periods can have significant impacts on mental health. By addressing these issues and providing support and resources, we can promote mental health and wellbeing during these transitions.

Testosterone is a hormone that is primarily associated with male development and reproductive function. However, testosterone also plays an important role in mental health, including mood regulation, cognitive functioning, and overall wellbeing. Reduction in testosterone levels can have significant impacts on mental health, particularly in men.

Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, with levels decreasing by approximately 1-2% per year after the age of 30. Testosterone reduction can have significant impacts on mental health. By addressing these issues and providing support and resources, we can promote mental health and wellbeing during this transition.

Testosterone reduction can have significant impacts on mental health. By addressing these issues and providing support and resources, we can promote mental health and wellbeing during this transition.

Pregnancy and postnatal period can have significant impacts on mental health. Hormonal changes, physical changes, and stressors related to childbirth and parenting can contribute to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. During pregnancy, changes in hormone levels can contribute to mood changes and other mental health problems.

Additionally, pregnancy can be a time of significant stress and anxiety related to the physical changes of pregnancy, concerns about childbirth, and preparation for parenthood. These stressors can contribute to mental health problems and can have long-lasting impacts on maternal and child wellbeing. During the postnatal period, women may experience a range of physical and emotional changes that can impact mental health. Postnatal depression is a common mental health problem that affects approximately 10-15% of women after childbirth. Symptoms of postnatal depression may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability, as well as difficulties with sleeping, eating, and bonding with the baby. Additionally, the demands of parenting can contribute to stress and anxiety, which can impact mental health. It is important to address these issues and provide support and resources to promote mental health and wellbeing.

If you would like to learn how to support your employees with any of the above, please get in touch.

Ella McCrystal has dedicated her life to empowering others and helping them unlock their full potential. As a business owner, integrative psychotherapist, author, podcast host, and Ted Speaker, Ella brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work.

With over 20 years of experience as a Brain-based Psychotherapist, Ella employs a diverse range of therapeutic techniques to support her clients. She specialises in Clinical Hypnotherapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), and Mindset/Leadership Coaching. What truly sets Ella apart is her personal journey of triumph over adversity. In her childhood, Ella endured repeated sexual abuse at the hands of her father.