Even though it’s 2024, there’s still a lot of stigma when it comes to mental health and seeking help, which is why Mental Health Awareness Week is so important.
This year it will be held from today until Sunday.
There are currently more than two million people on waiting lists for NHS mental health services, and this is just one reason why people are reaching out to private services and alternative or complementary welfare practices.
Jennifer Austin offers online solution-focused hypnotherapy to support adults with mental health issues and chronic health conditions such as eczema and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW).
Jen explains: “We don’t discuss problems, pasts or traumas, it’s a relaxed, positive and positive approach.
“This Mental Health Month, we’d like to share with you some easy tips and tricks you can implement at home to support your own mental health.”
good things list
The first thing I would recommend to everyone is to start a journal of good things.
This only takes up to a few minutes each day, but is a very powerful practice.
Every night before you go to bed, write down a list of all the things that made you laugh that day.
It doesn’t matter if it’s small. A cup of tea, a walk on a sunny day, wearing a comfy jumper, and a funny meme sent to you by a friend.
Your brain doesn’t understand the difference between imagination and reality, so when you think back to these wonderful things, it produces more serotonin, a chemical that makes you feel good.
Your brain begins to be rewired to naturally notice good things.
celebrate
This is great for increasing motivation and self-discipline.
When you do a task, whether it’s sending an email or emptying the dishwasher, celebrate everything you accomplish while still feeling rewarding.
Hold your hands above your head and say “YES”. Do a little dance and give yourself a hug.
Over time, your brain comes to associate this emotion with task completion rather than satisfaction or success, making you more likely to perform that task in the future.
Name your fight/flight brain
The overthinking, negative, fight-or-flight part of your brain is often lying to you.
It may tell you that you are not trying hard enough or that you are not strong or worthy.
Choose a name that makes you smile. This gives us something to blame and as humans we want to do that.
It helps us separate our thoughts from reality and emotions. So the next time your brain says, “You’re not trying hard enough,” or “You’re lazy and boring,” you can literally say out loud, “Shut up, Eric.”
It makes us smile because it interrupts our thoughts, makes us wonder if it’s true, and feels silly.
Find resources in the community
Such as The Feel Good Community Hub operated by Feel Good Norfolk (18+ only).
This is a monthly service that can be accessed for free at Yoga Tree in Norwich and aims to support people who are experiencing financial hardship as well as mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, loneliness and lack of confidence. The purpose is
All you need to do is sign up online at https://feelgoodnorfolk.co.uk/the-feel-good-community-hub/. Each month, different welfare practitioners volunteer their time.
If you would like to learn more about hypnotherapy, we will be giving talks and group hypnosis there on Saturday June 15th and Saturday July 20th.
We also have health podcasts that are very helpful and informative. Visit the Feel Good Podcast or search for Feel Good Norfolk on Spotify.
For mental health tips, tools, hypnotherapy information, and monthly live trances, follow me on Instagram @jenniferaustin hypnotherapy.
Remember you are not alone. Sometimes asking for help and support is the best course of action. Don’t fight silently.
