Mental Health Q & A, Part 8, Show Notes

In this episode of the Motor City Hypnotist Podcast, we are answering questions about mental health.

And I’m also going to be giving listeners a FREE HYPNOSIS GUIDE!  Stay tuned!

FIND ME:

My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcast

My social media links:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypno

Instagram: motorcityhypno

FREE HYPNOSIS GUIDE

Text the word “hypnosis” to 313-800-8510

Please also subscribe to the show and leave a review.

(Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!)

WINNER OF THE WEEK: Matt Fox (my producer)

Matt completed the Tough Mudder this past weekend!!

What are your recommendations for achieving mental wellness?

It's important to have realistic expectations when dealing with problems or struggles. It's unlikely that they will be solved overnight. Change takes time and can be difficult. However, it's crucial to celebrate the small victories along the way to stay motivated and encouraged. To enhance your overall well-being and satisfaction, prioritize the important elements that provide comfort and joy in your life. These include nurturing relationships with friends and family, the companionship of pets, engaging in enjoyable work and activities, incorporating humor into your daily routine, finding solace in faith or spirituality, staying physically active, maintaining a balanced diet with good nutrition, ensuring adequate rest and sleep for rejuvenation, and fostering a positive attitude towards life.

What advice would you give to a person struggling with low self-esteem or with lack of self confidence? 

If you're looking to boost your confidence in any undertaking, it's often helpful to start with smaller, achievable tasks. By breaking down a larger goal into more manageable steps, you can take the first simple step towards progress. For instance, if your aim is to learn how to play the guitar, start by setting a goal of learning just one chord. This approach allows you to build momentum and gain confidence as you accomplish these initial easy wins. Achieving even small milestones can be highly fulfilling and can provide the motivation to continue working towards your ultimate objective. It's also crucial to show self-compassion and understanding when you're not able to make as much progress as desired.

Where Can I Go To Find Therapy?

The effectiveness of therapy can vary depending on the specific mental health condition, symptoms, and the individual seeking help. For instance, children may benefit more from a therapist who specializes in children's mental health. It is important to consider these factors when choosing the type of therapy that would be most beneficial for someone. When it comes to addressing various conditions, there are multiple treatment and therapy options available. These approaches aim to provide relief and support through different methods tailored to individual needs.

Where Can I Learn About Types of Mental Health Treatment?

There are various treatment options for mental health conditions, including medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Additionally, there are alternative treatments like complementary therapies, self-help plans, and peer support that individuals can explore to manage their mental health effectively. When it comes to mental health conditions, it is crucial that the individual suffering from them takes an active role in discussing and deciding upon treatments alongside their support team. This personalized approach ensures that the treatment plan aligns with their specific needs and preferences, leading to better outcomes.

What Are The Different Types of Mental Health Professionals

Psychiatrists

Psychologists

Social Workers

Licensed Professional Counselors

Licensed Marriage and Family Counselors

What is Mental Health and Why Is It Important?

Mental health is a broad concept that covers our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is essential for effectively coping with life's challenges and cultivating crucial psychological skills. By taking care of our mental health, we can improve our overall well-being and resilience.

Taking care of our mental health is crucial for overall well-being. Our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors all contribute to our mental well-being. It is important to ensure we have the necessary support and attention in place to lead healthier lives.

It is crucial to recognize that both our physical and mental health are significant. It's important to clarify that the term "mental health" does not equate to "mental illness." Mental health encompasses a broad range of thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being, not just the presence of a mental illness.

How Do I Spot The Signs Of Mental Ill-Health?

Recognizing signs of mental health difficulties starts with developing self-awareness. This involves being attuned to our emotions, understanding what affects us positively or negatively, and being able to identify any signs or symptoms of treatable mental health issues. By cultivating self-awareness, we can better understand ourselves and seek appropriate support if needed.

It is crucial that we are aware of the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health. Recognizing these indicators can help us identify when someone might be struggling and provide them with the support they need. Some common signs include changes in mood, behavior, sleep patterns, appetite, and social withdrawal. It's important to remember that everyone's experience with mental health is unique, so it's essential to approach each situation with empathy and understanding.

·         Changing habits or routines into unhealthy ones

·         Physical pain

·         Poor sleep and fatigue

·         Changes in how you feel about yourself, others or certain situations

·         Persistent feelings of negative emotions, such as sadness, hopelessness or guilt

·         Socially withdrawn

What Are The Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety?

Depression is a mental health condition that is identified by several symptoms, with one of the primary indicators being persistent low mood. This prolonged sense of sadness can significantly impact an individual's daily life and functioning.

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but sometimes it can linger even after the stressful situation has been resolved. This prolonged feeling of anxiety may indicate a need for further attention and support.

Some common symptoms that may be experienced include digestive disturbances, aches and pains, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, as well as feelings of uncertainty and worry. These physical and emotional symptoms can indicate a variety of underlying issues that should be addressed by a healthcare professional.

These are the most frequently encountered reasons why individuals seek assistance. VitalityHealth claims data found 56% of people accessed Talking Therapies to help with anxiety, while depression accounted for almost 20% of visits in 2021.

What Treatments Are Available For People Who Struggle With Their Mental Health?

When it comes to taking care of our mental health, there are several options available to us. Support groups, therapy sessions, hospitalization, and medication are among the commonly utilized approaches. These resources can provide the necessary support and treatment to help individuals improve their mental well-being.

In addition to receiving the appropriate diagnosis and treatment, practicing self-care is another crucial way to promote your overall well-being. Taking care of yourself through activities such as exercise, proper nutrition, relaxation techniques, and engaging in activities you enjoy can greatly contribute to your physical and mental health.

It is important to remember that you always have the option to talk about your mental health concerns with a trained professional like a general practitioner or a mental health specialist. These professionals have the knowledge and expertise to guide and support you, as well as refer you to appropriate resources that can help address your specific needs.

What Is CBT?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a widely used approach to treat mental health conditions. Unlike some other therapies, CBT concentrates on addressing current triggers and challenges in a person's life, rather than exclusively delving into their past experiences. By targeting the present moment and working on modifying negative thought patterns and behaviours, CBT helps individuals manage their mental health effectively.

This particular therapy aims to help individuals delve into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to identify any harmful patterns. The concept behind it is that by modifying these negative patterns, you can enhance your ability to effectively handle challenges as they arise.

How Does Stress Affect Us Mentally and Physically?

Stress is a natural response that everyone experiences. It occurs when we encounter something that demands our attention or affects our well-being.

Stress doesn't just impact our physical well-being, but it also has a significant effect on our thoughts and emotions. It can often leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and rushed to complete tasks.

Finding joy and calmness in our lives, even during challenging times, is crucial for managing and reducing stress. It helps create a sense of balance and allows us to navigate through difficulties with greater resilience.

There are various techniques available to help reduce and manage stress, which can have a positive impact on our overall well-being. Engaging in physical activity is one effective way to calm our nervous system and release built-up tension. Additionally, practicing breathing techniques can also be beneficial in promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

When we experience stress, our body undergoes various physical changes. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released, enabling us to react with the necessary energy in any situation. This response is commonly referred to as the "fight or flight" state.

In certain situations, our bodies can experience involuntary physical reactions, including an accelerated heart rate, sweaty palms, and difficulty breathing. These physiological responses are commonly observed when we feel anxious or stressed.

In times of stress, it is crucial to activate our body's "rest and digest" response. This can be achieved through various techniques that help calm our nervous system. Grounding techniques, as well as different forms of meditation and mindfulness, have proven to be effective in promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

How Do I Talk About My Mental Health Difficulties?

Initiating a conversation about personal struggles is crucial for seeking support. It is recommended to reach out to individuals whom you trust and feel safe and comfortable with. These people can include your partner, friend, family member, colleague, or even a mental health professional. They can provide the necessary guidance and assistance during difficult times.

Expressing your emotions may seem challenging, but it's worth noting that the people who care about you genuinely want to assist. Simply taking a moment to share can be a significant stride towards supporting your mental well-being.

If you're facing a difficult challenge, consider seeking support through support groups. These groups can be either in-person or virtual, providing you with a sense of connection and reducing feelings of loneliness. Being part of a group with others who are experiencing similar challenges allows for shared understanding and empathy.

When having a conversation with someone, it's important to consider the environment in which you interact. For instance, chatting in a car can create a more relaxed and less intimidating atmosphere.

What Changes Can I Make To Improve My Mental Health?

To maintain optimal mental wellbeing, several factors contribute, including our sleep patterns, eating habits, level of physical activity, social connections within our community, and finding joy in various aspects of life. These elements collectively play a crucial role in nurturing our mental health.

Sleep: 

Getting enough sleep is crucial for our overall well-being. Experts recommend sleeping for 7-9 hours each night and establishing a consistent sleep routine to regulate our body's internal clock. Creating a peaceful sleep environment by minimizing noise and light can also improve the quality of our rest. Additionally, it's important to avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, as they can disrupt our sleep patterns. By following these practices, we can promote better sleep and enhance our overall health.

Nutrition: 

Maintaining a balanced diet consisting of nutritious foods and eating at appropriate times can greatly influence our overall mood and well-being. It's important to avoid skipping meals and refrain from completely eliminating foods that bring you joy. Instead, aim to consume them in moderation if they are not particularly healthy for your body. 

Physical activity: 

Engaging in regular physical activity offers numerous mental health benefits. It is crucial to find an exercise routine that suits your preferences and needs, as it can positively impact your brain, body, and overall well-being.

Relationships: 

Nurturing strong relationships and fostering a sense of community can have a significant positive effect on our mental well-being. As social beings, it is important to remember that we don't have to face life's challenges alone; seeking support from others can greatly benefit our mental health.

What Is Mindfulness And How Do I Do It?

Mindfulness is a practice that involves being completely present and engaged in the task, sensation, or feeling at hand. It requires observing without any interpretation or judgement. By cultivating mindfulness, we can enhance our focus and awareness in various aspects of life.

Practicing mindfulness has numerous scientifically proven benefits. It has been shown to effectively reduce stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, it can enhance sleep quality and improve focus and concentration abilities.

Whether you prefer the convenience of guided meditation apps or the personal touch of in-person classes, there are numerous resources available to aid individuals in their journey to learn and practice mindfulness and meditation. One notable example is Headspace, which offers a wealth of tools and guidance for those seeking a more mindful existence.

What Should I Say To Someone Who Is Feeling Low Or Depressed?

Recognizing signs of mental health issues can vary from person to person, which is why it's important to regularly check in with others and see how they're doing. Communication and support can play a crucial role in understanding and addressing mental health concerns.

It's important to remember that what you consider a sign of something may not hold the same meaning for someone else. Avoid making assumptions and try to be open-minded when interpreting someone's mood, thoughts, or behaviors. This helps create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved.

To initiate a conversation about someone else's experiences, it can be effective to first share your own. Opening up about personal stories can help create a sense of authenticity and trust, making it easier for others to feel comfortable sharing their own experiences. Being vulnerable in this way is often an excellent starting point for meaningful discussions.

NEXT EPISODE: The Psychology of Surprise Endings

Change your thinking, change your life!

Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. 

David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHT

The Motor City Hypnotist