As World Mental Health Day approaches, I am thinking about my own mental health, the journey I am on, and how massage has helped me.

Four years ago I was involved in a traumatic incident which changed me forever. I lost my mind, my career and my sense of self. I still have PTSD and am learning to adapt my life to making the best of my strengths. I still become hypervigilant when tired, in a crowd, when the light is bright, or there is an unfamiliar sound. I still find it hard to be around unpredictable people ( where people are drinking or dancing, children, crowds) or to be in airports and stations and supermarkets, but the difference is, Ive learnt strategies to calm myself and get to a safe place rather than to cry uncontrollably.

My mental health problems are now part of me. What has surprised me though, is how talking about my difficulties has helped those around me. The people who are also struggling begin to ask about support. The people who have had no contact with it, discover ways to help their friends and family.

 

I was helped by strong friendships, a good talking therapist, medication, yoga, massage and mindfulness. So now I’m holding the beacon for mental health awareness so that others may not feel so alone.

 

Here are some facts for you to consider:

Mental health problems affect 1:4 people in any given year.

  • People who get the right combination of treatment, support and self care, get better.
  • Mental health doesn’t improve with resilience.

 

How can I help myself?

 

– stay aware of your mental health

– nourish your social life

– try peer support

– make time for therapeutic activities

– look after your physical health

– contact a specialist organisation

 

What makes me feel relaxed?

  • Having a massage
  • Taking a bath
  • Reading a book
  • Listening to music
  • Yoga
  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Walking in nature
  • Caring for plants or animals

 

How does Massage help ?

  • Massage reduces stress hormones, insulin and cortisol.
  • Massage lowers blood pressure by improving blood and oxygen circulation
  • Low blood pressure reduces depression, stress and anxiety
  • Massage improves function of lymphatic system, reducing swelling and removing lactic acid from muscles

 

Give me a shout if you would like to book in for your stress relieving massage.