BodyTalk Healing - Holistic Medicine for Depression and Anxiety
Mental Health Definition:
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.
The WHO's definition of mental health highlights its comprehensive aspect, stressing the significance of nurturing positive mental well-being alongside addressing mental illness through prevention and treatment. It acknowledges that mental health is shaped by diverse factors such as personal resilience, social connections, economic circumstances, and the availability of healthcare services.
At Innsaei Health, we prioritize mental health as one of our core pillars of well-being, alongside physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Through our specialized BodyTalk therapy sessions, we assist clients in navigating and alleviating the mental distress caused by various stresses in their lives. Our approach considers the broader context of each client's life, taking into account environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. By addressing mental health within this holistic framework, we aim to support clients in achieving comprehensive wellness and balance.
Why is mental health important?
Mental health is important for several reasons, as it significantly impacts an individual's overall well-being, quality of life, and ability to function effectively in society. Here are some key reasons why mental health is important:
1. Quality of Life: Good mental health leads to positive emotions, effective stress management, meaningful relationships, and a sense of fulfillment.
2. Physical Health: Mental and physical health are intertwined; poor mental health can lead to various physical health issues, while good mental health promotes better physical well-being and longevity.
3. Productivity and Performance: Mental health significantly impacts performance in work, education, and personal pursuits; good mental health enhances focus, motivation, and effectiveness.
4. Relationships: Mental health affects interpersonal interactions; good mental health fosters healthy relationships, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
5. Resilience and Coping: Good mental health equips individuals with resilience and coping skills to navigate life's challenges and manage stress effectively.
6. Social Connection and Support: Mental health influences social connections and support networks; strong social support promotes emotional well-being, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging.
7. Economic Impact: Mental health issues have economic implications, including absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs; investing in mental health promotion and treatment leads to long-term cost savings and better economic outcomes.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common observed mental health outcomes.
Symptoms of depression may include:
Persistent sadness or low mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms of anxiety may include:
Excessive worrying or rumination
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Muscle tension or trembling
Difficulty concentrating or feeling easily fatigued
Irritability
Sleep disturbances
Panic attacks (in the case of panic disorder)
Mental Health Statistics in Singapore
In recent years, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore has also played a significant role in promoting strategies to improve mental health awareness in the country.
“According to a study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), about 13 per cent of a surveyed population between May 2020 and June 2021 reported experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety”. Read the full article here.
The National Population Health Survey was conducted in July 2021 to June 2022 which collected data from approximately 17,000 Singapore residents aged 18 to 74. The findings showed that “Younger adults aged 18 to 29 had the highest proportion of poor mental health at 25.3 per cent.”
“The survey findings also showed that the prevalence of poor mental health increased from 13.4 per cent in 2020 to 17 per cent in 2022”, thus reinforcing the need to address mental health in our population. Read the full article here.
To summarise, here are some holistic strategies to improve overall mental health and well-being:
Find time to rest, relax, play and recharge.
Engage in self-care practices e.g. yoga, meditation, mindfulness practice.
Engage in activities that bring you joy e.g. hobbies, volunteer work.
Discover your reason for living (i.e. ikigai).
Forge close knit relationships.
Seek social support.
Book in for regular BodyTalk sessions.
The Innsaei Health approach:
BodyTalk does not treat depression and anxiety independently of other co-morbitidies or health conditions. Certified BodyTalk Practitioners are trained to look at the entire person’s make-up at the physical, mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual level. This includes thinking patterns, belief systems, attitudes, the person’s environmental influences and many more.
Anecdotal evidence from clinical case studies have also shown that by receiving regular BodyTalk sessions, clients experience the following with regards to their mental health:
Heightened feelings of joy and overall wellness.
Enhanced satisfaction with life on a profound level.
Improved capacity to manage daily life stressors effectively.
Better harmony and integration of self with the environment.
Greater ability to navigate life's challenges and setbacks.
Amplified mental clarity to facilitate better decision-making and productivity.
Reduced susceptibility to emotional outbursts triggered by events.
It is important to recognize that whatever you may be experiencing, you are not alone in this journey. Book a BodyTalk session with Xin Hui from Innsaei Health today to seek lasting benefits for your mental health today!
