Counselling at Spire Dunedin

Mental and physical well being go hand in hand

It’s a fact of life that we often focus on our physical wellbeing in isolation of our mental wellbeing. However, the two are so interlinked that perhaps we are doing ourselves a disservice! Recognising that we need to care for our mental wellbeing is a good place to start. Using kindness and compassion towards ourselves enables us to appreciate that our mental health fluctuates throughout our lives and sometimes we may need to put more energy into caring for ourselves mentally. We may need to say “no”, re-evaluate what we are doing, put more positive things in place to support our mental health, or reach out to friends, family, or health care professionals.  

Caring for our mental wellbeing is about establishing a connection with our feelings, listening to them and perhaps sharing them with someone we trust. It is also about having a healthy relationship with yourself; thinking about yourself in a positive way. 

Things that help our physical wellbeing can also benefit us mentally. For example, keeping active, or connecting with people and doing things for others, which helps us to feel valued and builds our self-esteem. We need to find balance in our lives, by doing things we enjoy and establish good sleep regimes, eat well and drink sensibly. 

Learning to have a flexible approach to life enables us to have a healthier response to change and to care for ourselves when facing adversity.  

When we care for our mental and physical health together, we can reach our potential and live happier lives. When we show kindness and compassion to ourselves, we are more able to demonstrate those qualities to others.  

A survey carried out in 2009 identified that 1 in 4 people in the UK would experience a common mental health problem each year. [1] In our lifetimes, it is likely that we will all experience a common mental health problem, to a lesser or greater extent. It’s time for us to take note and recognise our mental health needs. Let’s begin the dialogue this Mental Health Week and make positive changes for ourselves and those around us.  

At Spire Dunedin hospital we now work with two registered counsellors who provide counselling in a safe place, separate from your daily life, where you can explore issues or feelings which are causing you difficulty. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Therapy addresses the cause of problems and not just the symptoms. Why not find out how you can take the first steps to better mental health by calling today. 

[1] McManus, S., Meltzer, H., Brugha, T.S, Bebbington, P.E & Jenkins, R. (2009) Adult psychiatric morbidity in England, 2007: results of a household survey. The NHS Information centre for health and social care.