Natural High

 

 

Eco-therapy is a natural therapy that encourages people to spend more time outdoors – particularly in natural environments to boost mental wellbeing. As a philosophy, it’s nothing new – after all, in the past doctors regularly recommended that recuperating patients should spend time at the seaside to hasten their recovery.

 

Today, psychologists are recommending eco-therapy as a useful treatment for depression, stress, anxiety and other mental illnesses. And most of us would agree that our moods are improved by spending time outside rather than lounging in front of the TV or sitting in an office environment.

 

But why is the great outdoors so good for our mental wellbeing? Well scientists believe that our affinity with nature is down to our evolutionary history. Thousands of years ago humans would have spent most of their time in natural environments rather than the man-made environments we inhabit today.

 

In addition research has shown that enjoying nature is calming and restorative. In one study, participants were shown images of nature and after just a few minutes blood pressure, brain activity and stress hormones were all shown to decrease whilst mood improved.

 

So whether you live in the countryside or the city, try and make time each day to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some ideas:

 

• Ditch public transport and walk or cycle to work instead


• If you don’t have a garden, find out if there are any local community gardening projects that you could become involved in


• Consider volunteering with a local environmental charity or nature group


• Swap your city break for a camping holiday


• Don’t wait for a sunny day – even if it is wet and windy, you can still enjoy nature – just pop on your waterproofs and head off

 

For more information about eco-therapy, visit: www.ecotherapy.org.uk

 

Categories: eco therapy, mental wellbeing, Natural, natural environments, nature, nbsp, therapy, time

How to Improve Your Wellbeing from the Inside Out

We all want to feel good – about ourselves and the world around us – and to be able to get the most from our lives. However, there’s also evidence that a healthy mental wellbeing also aids in your physical health and can help you achieve your goals, be they in your work, relationships or personal life.

 

According to wellness expert Sarah Stewart-Brown, professor of public health at the University of Warwick, when we talk about wellbeing, we mean more than just happiness or mental health. ‘It’s useful to start with the idea that overall wellbeing involves both the mind and the body,’ she says. ‘And we know that physical and mental wellbeing are closely related. Of course, feeling happy is a part of mental wellbeing. But it is far from the whole. There is a deeper kind of wellbeing, which is about living in a way that is good for you and good for others around you.’

 

She explains, ‘Feelings of contentment, enjoyment, confidence and engagement with the world are all a part of mental wellbeing. Self-esteem and self-confidence are, too. So is a feeling that you can do the things you want to do. And so are good relationships, which bring joy to you and those around you. Of course, good mental wellbeing does not mean that you never experience feelings or situations that you find difficult. But it does mean that you feel you have the resilience to cope when times are tougher than usual.’

 

Over the last 20 years, new evidence has emerged about what really causes lasting improvements to your mental wellbeing. Professor Stewart-Brown notes, ‘Some of this evidence comes from observational studies, in which scientists look at the behaviour and wellbeing of certain sections of the population. Other evidence comes from trials in which scientists take a group of people and ask them to change their behaviour or participate in a treatment or other intervention – such as an exercise programme – and then watch what happens to their wellbeing.’ However, they came to discover the secrets, let’s take a look at the proven ways to improve your wellbeing:

 

1. Look at your past: ‘The first thing you can do for your own wellbeing is become curious about it,’ advises Professor Stewart-Brown. ‘Start to think about what you’ve done in the past to promote mental wellbeing, and whether it worked. Then think about new things that you can try. Remember, no one can give wellbeing to you. It’s you who has to take action.’

 

2. Connect with others: To paraphrase John Donne, ‘No person is an island,’ so make time to connect to the people in your life. Spend time developing relationships with your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, and go out and start new friendships too.

 

3. Exercise: You don’t have to become a fitness freak, but movement is paramount to living a stress-reduced, happier life. Try walking or a sport that gets you involved with new people – the key is to make it an enjoyable part of your life.

 

4. Learn: Much in the same way that children shine when they learn new things and get praise for it, learning new skills can build your confidence and give you a real sense of achievement and purpose in your personal life. Whether you want to become a DIY expert, music maestro or culinary sensation, find a hobby you’ve always wanted to try and give it a go.

 

5. Give: In the words of Mark Twain, ‘The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up’, and even the smallest act can do it. Whether you offer a smile, a thank you or a kind word, or you go big with larger acts like volunteering, giving to others can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.

Categories: exercise, giving, learning, life, life nbsp, mental, mental wellbeing, nbsp, Personal Life, professor stewart, stewart brown, Wellbeing

Why Do Transgender People Face Higher Mental Health Risks?

It’s not hard to see how being transgender can affect your mental wellbeing; not only do you have to come to terms with your gender identity, but you also face more mental distress as a result of the social disapproval and discrimination you encounter. Research shows that, as a transgender person, you come across harassment, discrimination and even violence in all areas of life, including health provision, corporate wellness, social exclusion and hate crime. This makes you a high risk for depression, self-harm and suicide.

 

In 2007, a survey of 872 trans people showed that a third (34%) of respondents had considered suicide, which is considerably higher than the general population. This is because transgender people come up against a whole host of difficulties, including:

 

1. Lack of understanding from your loved ones, employer, medical professionals and others.

2. Trouble finding work or keeping your job once your background becomes known to others.

3. Rejection by your family and friends.

4. Negative or hurtful comments from transphobic people.

5. Intimidation and violence on the streets and outside your home.

6. Being stared at and laughed at when you’re out running errands.

7. Bullying and name-calling

 

According to Ady Davis, a psychosexual therapist with the North-East Gender Dysphoria Service, ‘The main issues that affect the mental wellbeing of trans people are related to discrimination.’ This discrimination may cause you to feel conflict within yourself, as you may, for example, have certain religious beliefs that discriminate against your trans status. You may also experience conflict in your relationships, be it with your parents, school or workplace. There’s also wider discrimination from society.

 

‘Some trans people can’t do everyday activities such as going shopping without getting stared at, attracting comments, having their self-esteem knocked or experiencing violence on occasion,’ Davis explains. ‘When you put them together, all these difficulties can have a massive impact on mental health. Trans people may isolate themselves, and they may experience feelings of depression, suicide or self-harm. For example, they may mutilate their bodies by trying to remove the parts they’re not happy with, such as their breasts or penis. They may also start using alcohol or drugs as a way to escape.’

 

If you are questioning your gender, feeling you should be the opposite gender or feeling that you have no gender at all, there is help available to ensure you don’t fall prey to these mental health problems. Davis notes, ‘If this is a temporary doubt that lasts no more than a few months, it may be something you resolve yourself, but if your feelings of gender discomfort are consistent, you can get support that can help you feel more comfortable with your gender identity.’ Areas of support include:

 

Your GP: This is the first port of call when you’re questioning your gender, as your doctor can directly refer you to the appropriate service.

 

Community Support Groups: Look on charity websites such as The Gender Trust, Mermaids and The Beaumont Society to find groups in your area for trans people and their families. Local lesbian, gay and bisexual groups also have information about support for trans people.

 

Helplines: NHS Direct 111 and the Samaritans (08457 90 90 90), as well as your GP, can give you confidential, non-judgemental emotional support if you are having depressed, self harm or suicidal thoughts.

 

Psychological therapy: Davis notes, ‘All types of treatment generally aim to get someone to a point where they feel more content in their gender…For example, someone may want to express a female side but fear of telling a partner is preventing them. In this case, a therapist would help the trans person to express those feelings, and to work out how they would be accepted in the relationship. The therapist may talk to the partner as well. If they accept it, that may be enough.’

Categories: davis notes, Discrimination, Gender, gender identity, Mental Health, mental wellbeing, nbsp, people, suicide, trans people, Transgender People