R U OK this Liptember

September 11, 2019 Jacintha Gunasekera

On R U OK day, and through Liptember, I wanted to throw some self-care resources your way. And I wanted to check-in and ask - are you ok?

Because lots of us aren't.

One in six Australian women will experience depression.
One in three of us will experience anxiety.

In spite of how isolated our feelings of depression or anxiety may make us feel, those numbers go to show that none of us are alone.

If you are feeling alone, anxious, stressed, overwhelmed or plain discombobulated...seek out help.

Talking to friends or family

If it feels comfortable for you, let someone you're close to know how you're feeling. Our support network of friends and familiy can act as important scaffolding and stability during times of stress.

Your GP / counselling

Sometimes talking to an objective health professional is easier. A counsellor / social worker / psychologist can listen to you, help with unpacking your feelings / situation, and talk through beneficial coping strategies. Your GP can organise a mental health care plan to refer you to a psychologist.

Acupuncture

Ever heard of 'acu-bliss'...? It's that wonderfully relaxed, zombie-like state that you walk out of an acupuncture appointment feeling. Acupuncture is a great modality to promote relaxation and to calm the nervous system.

Tapping

'Tapping' or emotional freedom technique (EFT) is a subtle but powerful modality that I often suggest. A 2016 systematic review showed that EFT demonstrated a significant decrease in patient anxiety. It can be used for depression, fear, anxiety, to build confidence to reframe negative thought patterns and for addiction. And lots more. I can highly recommend Julie as an experienced practitioner.

Meditation

A 2017 systematic review showed that meditation reduced physiological markers of stress and anxiety such as cortisol levels, blood pressure and heart rate, as well as inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and TNF-alpha. Apps like Stop, Breathe & Think, Smiling Mind, or Headspace, are perfect to create a meditation routine for adults or kids, for mornings...evenings...commuting...whatever works for you!

Naturopathy

A balanced diet and lifestyle go a long way to supporting our mood and resiliance to stress. Couple that with specific and individualised nutraceutical or herbal interventions to support happy hormones and neurotransmitters. Herbs such as Passionflower, Chamomile and Lavender have a great deal of evidence highlighting their efficacy in anxiety and depressive disorders.

Exercise

Reduces depression. Improves mood. It's that simple. Put your sneakers on...

You'll see below that I've put together a whole bunch of varied self-care resources that you can draw on.

I'm sending you all my best wishes.
Take care, jac x

If you you would like some naturopathic support, or you’d like to nourish your hormones, health & fertility, please book an appointment with me to discuss.

Fertility / IVF support

-Fertility Support Australia

Pregnancy anxiety

-PANDA
- Gidget Foundation

Perinatal depression

-PANDA
- Gidget Foundation
-Tresillian
-Karitane

Perimenopause / Menopause

- Beyond Blue

Relationship support

-Relationships Australia

Pregnancy loss / neonatal loss / stillbirth

-Rednose
-SANDS
-Pink Elephant