Mental Health

Our Mental Health is affected by lots of factors. Some we can control and others less so.

How you can help your mental health?

Nutrition

Eating a health nutritious balanced diet benefits all our health.

But for our mental health eating a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids, (oily fish like salmon), and antioxidants (brightly coloured veg / fruit), can help protect the brain from oxidative stress, plaque build up, inflamation, etc. i.e. Our brain function, cognitive functioning, memory, ability to process information, is improved.

Folate / Vitamin B9 found in green leafy vegetables, helps produce Neurotransmitters like Serotonin, which regulates our mood.

Lifestyle

Diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol, stress, sleep quality, etc all affect out Mental Health.

Regular exercise boosts our mood and help the brain. This can be a walk in nature or Mindful exercise. Yoga and meditation along with relaxation can help our Mental health. Reducing stress and releasing serotonin, boosts our mood and helps us cope with situations / thoughts.

Alcohol has a negative effect on our brain and mood.

Sleep is important for our mental health. During sleep our brain gets rid of the rubbish it doesn't need, and our body repairs it self. Sleep is crucial for mood regulation, and helps us process our emotions.

Social Interactions

Mental health problems can leave you isolated, withdrawn, lacking friends, unable to socialise.

Yet keeping social engagement can help your health. It's important to have someone you can confide in, talk with.

Gut Health

There is a strong link between our Gut health and our Brain Health.

If our Gut is healthy ( lots of good bacteria), there is less inflamtion and stress, and this improves our brain health.

CBT

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy along with other therapies can help some people. If you need help talk to your GP or the Samaritans

Medication

Certain medications can help people - seek medical advice

Substance abuse

Avoid drugs, alcohol, smoking etc. These can impact your Brain and alter it physcialy as well as having an impact on your mental health.