The most common reported mental health illnesses are depressive anxiety and substance use disorder.
Australian statistic shows 1 in 5 Australian aged 16-85 experience mental illness in any year. Latest release of Countries that prescribe antidepressants, out of 33 Nations, Australia is the second highest prescriber of antidepressant medication. Australians use of antidepressants is unprecedently doubling in the last decade.
Furthermore, 26% of Australians report increased levels of anxiety and 33% of Australians suffer from insomnia. Both the medical establishment and sufferers of anxiety and mood disorders look for a quick fix, preferably with one medication. But for many one pill does not fix their mental health issues. In many cases sufferers are prescribed a number of medications and so nonetheless their ill feeling and symptoms are still not resolved.
Why does prescription medication fail to resolve anxiety and mood disorders? It is because there are different stresses at play. These include:
Social, work, personal, financial, divorce, separation, illness and injuries.
Excessive stress has been shown to lead to symptoms of anxiety, mood disorders, sleep disturbance, fatigue and others.
Our brain chemistry is very complex. There are many mechanisms and functions playing which are taking place like a symphony. The mechanisms of our brain rely on an orchestra of nutrients, B Vitamins, minerals, protein (protein down to amino acids) and essential fat.
One or more prescription medication alone cannot control the myriad of mechanisms in our brain (Just like one musician cannot control an entire orchestra).
Food nutrition and correct nutritional supplements are essential in enhancing the mechanisms that control moods, being extremely powerful in making a difference to symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders.
There is strong evidence that links diet to mental health and mood disorders.
Poor Lifestyle habits such as: smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, stimulants such as, caffeine, substance abuse, lack of exercise, sleep deprivation or too much, hygiene, can negatively impact or mood disorders.
Holistic strategies can assist in the management of anxiety, and mood disorders whether you require prescribed medication or not. Mental health issues have been shown to adversely affect long term health. Holistic strategies include:
Express yourself – share your problems with a trusted family member or friend or health care professional.
Health Diet- Adopt a healthy diet by balancing your protein, carbohydrates and fat. Eat an abundance of vegetables, salads and fruit. Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily. Avoid processed fast foods.
Anything to do with diet has a major impact on microbiome (gut bacteria) A healthy microbiome is essential when acting to improve mental health and reduce anxiety and mood disorders.
Lifestyle- Avoid smoking, excess alcohol consumption, exercise regularly and practice healthy sleep pattern.
Work on personal growth, self-esteem, confidence. Show gratitude each day. All of which a renewed appreciation for life.
Get back into nature, walk through park and gardens. Go to the beach.
Receive the correct advice of what supplements would suit your individual needs.
