More Than a Mood: The Physical Foundations of Mental Health
In recent years, the conversation around mental health has thankfully opened up. We're learning to talk more freely about our struggles, but one crucial piece of the puzzle is often overlooked: mental health is not separate from physical health. They are deeply and scientifically intertwined. Looking after our mental health is so important, not just for our minds, but for our entire being.
This journey to wellness has two vital paths: the support we offer to others and the foundational care we give ourselves.
The Power of Community: How to Support Those Around You
One of the most powerful things we can do is to be there for one another. If you sense someone is struggling, simple, heartfelt actions can be a lifeline.
Check-in and Truly Listen: Go beyond a quick "how are you?" Ask people if they are okay, and then give them the space to answer honestly. Put your phone away, make eye contact, and truly listen without judgment or the need to fix things.
Offer Presence Over Pressure: Sometimes, talking feels too hard. Offer a walk or simply share time in a low-pressure environment. The quiet companionship can be more healing than any conversation.
Show You Care with Small Acts: Practical support can speak volumes. Sharing the gift of nourishment—like a home-cooked meal or a warm coffee—can be incredibly helpful. This simple gesture can ease a tangible burden and, more importantly, sends a powerful message: "I'm thinking of you, and you are not alone."
Your Mental Health Toolkit: Nurturing Your Own Wellbeing
Supporting others is vital, but we must also tend to our own inner world. Just as we wouldn't run a car without fuel, we can't expect our minds to thrive without the right support. Nurturing your own mental health is built on several science-backed pillars:
Quality Sleep: This is non-negotiable. During sleep, your brain clears out toxins, processes emotions, and consolidates memories. A lack of sleep is scientifically linked to increased anxiety and a decreased ability to regulate mood.
Nutritious Food: The gut-brain axis is a powerful connection. Your gut produces a huge portion of your body's serotonin (the "happy chemical"). A diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and proteins provides the essential building blocks for the neurotransmitters that govern your mood.
Social Connection: We are wired for connection. Positive social interaction releases oxytocin, a hormone that lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and promotes feelings of trust and safety.
Personalised Support: Sometimes, we need more targeted help. This can include supplements if appropriate, professional help from a therapist or counsellor, or indeed medication if warranted. Seeking expert guidance is a sign of strength.
The Chiropractic Connection: Calming a Stressed Nervous System
From a holistic perspective, we must also ask: what is the physical state of the body that is experiencing these mental and emotional challenges?
Your nervous system is the communication highway between your brain and your body. It has two primary modes: "fight or flight" (sympathetic) for stress and "rest and digest" (parasympathetic) for calm and healing. Chronic stress, whether from emotional trauma or physical tension and spinal misalignments, can get your nervous system "stuck" in fight or flight mode. Living in this state makes you biologically wired for anxiety, poor sleep, and emotional reactivity.
As a holistic chiropractor, my role is to help your body shift out of this state of chronic stress. Through gentle chiropractic adjustments, applied kinesiology, and other mind-body techniques, we work to calm the nervous system. By easing physical tension and restoring balance, we help your body remember how to access its natural "rest and digest" state. A regulated nervous system is the foundation upon which mental resilience is built.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Mental health is a journey, not a destination. It requires a compassionate community and a commitment to our own foundational wellbeing. If you are struggling, please know that support is available.
If you are looking for a holistic approach that honours the deep connection between your mind and body, I invite you to get in touch.
Important Note: This post is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. While my holistic approach can support overall wellbeing, I do not diagnose or prescribe for mental health conditions and will always refer to your GP or a mental health professional when appropriate.
For immediate support, please call 111 if you are in danger, or call or text 1737 to connect with a trained counsellor for free, 24/7.