Taking a holistic approach to mental health

In the world of wellness, the term ‘holistic’ seems to be everywhere. But what does it really mean? Is it more than just a buzzword? And what exactly does a holistic approach to mental health involve?

Holistic refers to the belief that all parts of something are interconnected, which can only be fully understood by referencing the whole rather than the individual parts. When applied to a person, this requires considering the mind, body, and spirit, while also accounting for other influential factors, such as family background and social circumstances.

Traditional mental health approaches often focus on medication and talk therapy. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in more holistic and alternative methods, such as nutrition, movement-based therapies, and mindfulness.

The Mind-Body Connection

A cornerstone of holistic mental health is the recognition of the mind-body connection, which acknowledges that an individual’s mental health can directly impact their physical health, and vice versa.

For example, chronic stress keeps the body in a constant state of fight-or-flight, which prevents it from healing and repairing itself. This can lead to gastrointestinal issues, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, and other physical health problems.

Conversely, physical health issues—such as a broken leg that prevents someone from engaging in their favourite activities—can have a significant impact on mental well-being.

Movement

Physical activity is a well-established way to boost mental health. Whether it’s yoga, sea swimming, going for a walk, or working out at the gym, physical activity releases endorphins, which create that ‘feel-good’ sensation and helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

It’s helpful to find an activity you genuinely enjoy, as this increases the likelihood of sticking with it. 

For some, this could be a run in nature, which combines the benefits of physical exercise with the well-documented positive effects of nature on mental health.

Nutrition

From a nutritional perspective, the body requires certain vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to function optimally. If the body is struggling to function, our moods can be affected.

Deficiencies in certain nutrients have been linked to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and impaired cognitive function.

 Furthermore, serotonin, often called the “happy chemical,” is heavily influenced by our diet, particularly by foods rich in tryptophan, such as turkey, eggs, and dairy.

Moreover, emerging research on the gut-brain connection suggests that a healthy gut contributes to better mental health. This is where fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut come into play.

Spirituality and Meaning

A holistic approach to mental health may also incorporate a spiritual element, whether that’s through spiritual practices, religion, meditation, or simply finding a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

A sense of purpose and spiritual well-being is often linked to greater resilience when facing mental health challenges. For some, spiritual exploration might involve mindfulness, journaling, or seeking a connection to a higher power or sense of something greater than oneself.

Social Support and Community

Holistic mental health approaches also recognise the critical role of social support and community in reducing feelings of isolation and depression, and increasing a sense of belonging.

Fostering social connections could involve nurturing existing relationships, joining group activities such as sports or book clubs, or participating in support groups.

Social prescribers can help individuals navigate this process by linking them with non-medical support within their communities, such as volunteering opportunities, classes, or social groups.

Alternative Therapies

Holistic mental health approaches often involve alternative and complementary therapies, such as yoga, acupuncture, ecotherapy, forest bathing, energy healing, aromatherapy, dance therapy, and creative therapies.

Many people report significant mental health benefits from these practices, although they are sometimes dismissed by medical professionals due to a lack of rigorous scientific evidence compared to more conventional treatments such as medication and therapy. However, this does not diminish their potential value.

A holistic approach emphasises the importance of integrating evidence-based practices and encourages an active collaboration between conventional medical professionals and alternative medicine practitioners to maximise client benefits.

Holistic Approaches in Practice

It’s important to remember that health looks different for everyone and can vary at different stages of life. While some may find solace in nature and exercise, others might find comfort in watching a favourite TV show with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s.

Being too rigid in our beliefs about what constitutes “wellness” can have its own negative effects. Flexibility and self-compassion are key to a balanced, holistic approach to mental health.

Every person is unique, and their mental health plan should be just as personal. Talking therapy or coaching can help guide this process, allowing individuals to explore different modalities and discover what works best for them.

Ultimately, holistic mental healthcare fosters greater self-awareness. Through this awareness, individuals can better nurture their mental and emotional well-being.

Mirin Mooney is a certified mental health coach. For more info visit www.wildheart-wellness.com