We can’t actually see how healthy our minds are but most of us will know when we are feeling out of sorts. And with almost half a million people in Ireland suffering with depression, it is important to recognise when we need help and seek it out accordingly.
But prevention is better than cure so keeping depression at bay is just as important with a few simple changes making a huge difference to overall health and wellbeing.
Experts advise taking a little time out for ourselves every day – this could mean going for a walk or a cycle, attending an exercise class, preparing a healthy meal or even meeting up with friends to unwind.
“People are encouraged to eat and sleep well, take regular exercise, talk about their problems, drink less alcohol and spend time with others ,” says a spokeswoman for the HSE. “These are all proven to improve mental health.
“Research also shows that nurturing our mental health can help us to combat or prevent the problems which are sometimes associated with a chronic physical illness.”
So in order to improve both our mental and physical health, the Five Ways to Wellbeing, developed by the New Economics Foundation in 2008 is recommended by Mental Health Ireland.
This simple method, which is broken into five categories, firstly encourages people to connect with the world around them as it’s important to seek out family, friends and neighbours and have social interaction every day.
In keeping with the advice from the HSE, being active is also crucial to good mental health – and finding a pastime we enjoy can make all the difference. And while physical exercise is crucial, so also is exercise of the mind – so learning something new can give us motivation and hope for the future.
We are also encouraged to be aware of the world around us, take notice of nature and the changing season and savour each moment. And lastly, we all know that giving makes us feel good so by taking the time to do something nice for someone, whether it is volunteering our time or simply offering a kind word, we will instantly feel good and reinforce our links to the wider community.
There are various stages of depression from mild to severe and treatment is available for all – but by making a few simple lifestyle changes today, it could make the world seem brighter.
Health Tip of the Week is sponsored by Pfizer as part of its Healthy Town initiative. Each year Pfizer selects a town to take part in a unique project aimed at showing you – no matter what your age or where you live – simple steps to improve your health.
see irishtimes.com/sponsored/healthy-town