Why is Mental Wellness Important?

Mental wellness (ie good mental health) is important for several reasons. Here are just a few ways having good mental wellness can support you:

• Coping with life stressors (who can escape them in this day and age?!)
• Having great relationships … mental wellness may offer you the resources to thrive in relationship
• Being productive at work, whether you work on your own or as part of a team
• Being resilient through times of worry, loneliness, anger and sadness.

How do you manage your mental health and wellness, particularly through more challenging times?

Are you aware and observant of the things that affect your mental (and physical) states? Both ‘up’ and ‘down’?

In reflection of this, I’d like to share a personal story with you…

Managing mental health during challenging times: A journey with Bob

“Bob is back, at least for today!”

Bob is a cherished and important member of my family. He turned up Christmas 2016, a walking skeleton with no hair on his head and neck. He was very friendly and was first spotted by my then wingman, Teddy, a scruffy, grey rescue terrier who looked like Toto from the Wizard of Oz.

Bobcat, as I started calling him was microchipped and from that we were able to determine that his owner had passed, and we got his date of birth and his name, Bob. I initially called him Bobcat as I was just embarking on the building works here at HCFH. Over time it has been reduced to Bob.

Bob’s health journey

Now 17, Bob has thyroid and kidney issues managed herbally and with veterinary support.  When tested 15months ago, the prognosis was not good and so I modified the treatment plan to which he responded amazingly.

When we revisited the vet recently, I was delighted to find that he had gained 25% of his body weight. His thyroid function had actually moved from hyper to hypo, resulting in a reduced need for meds. His kidney function appeared to have improved!

But whilst all of this was very promising and exciting, I was aware of Bob on a daily basis … and what had led me to visit the vet. His appetite was changing and I was aware of some shifts in his presentation.

Since then, Bob has had days when he eats well, but also many days when he is really picky. The thing he loved the night before he won’t touch again, and he is losing weight.

Mindfulness and mental wellness: Cherishing the Present

It tugs at my heartstrings on those bad days as it reminds me that none of us are here forever. Every day the present is truly the gift, and to be cherished.

It reminds me to practice what I tell so many clients: To be mindful, to be grateful for the small things, to pause in the here and now, and to be truly grateful for the time we have now.

Which brings me to today being a good day.

Bob was offered a smorgasboard of three choices for breakfast, and he ate two in their entirety. It makes my heart sing, it makes me feel like we’re winning. You celebrate the good days.

Pre-Grieving practices for emotional and mental health

And knowing that his physical presence will not be with me forever, I am prompted to practice what I teach around pre-grieving.

Pre-grieving is very simply the practice of being truly present with what you love. Acknowledging that not all losses are human or animal, they may come in the form of job loss, community loss, possession loss, or something else. But nonetheless, with virtually everything, we can practice presencing, gratitude and connection with what it is that we love.

Memory Polaroids

Somebody recently used the word ‘polaroid’, which to the younger generation may not mean anything. Others will know that it means a picture, a photograph. One of the things we can do through presencing is take a memory polaroid of what it is we love.

Engaging all our senses helps bring us to the present moment. It helps deepen awareness. And so this morning, when Bob was licking his lips and looking content, I stroked him, I smelt him and I told him how happy I was for today. I noticed my internal state, the sensations, the feelings, in its entirety.

Coping with pet loss and emotional resilience

My mental state is most definitely affected when my animals are not well. On a good day like today I feel lighter, more buoyant, more positive and more optimistic.

On the days when Bob does not eat, a wave of heaviness drapes through me. I wouldn’t call it sadness, depression or grief, but rather describe the somatic sensation I am experiencing – a heaviness in every cell, a weightedness. Perhaps a reminder to slow down, pause and experience that too.

Emotional awareness and mindfulness: Embracing all sensations

We are often not good at allowing ourselves to experience the less comfortable sensations. But all sensations are conversation from our body.

We tend to run from the less comfortable ones (perhaps we are taught to do so, or have been shown that it is not safe or appropriate to experience/express them). They are still communication from our bodies and are showing up for a reason!

What awareness do you have of what triggers you or how you are affected by life experiences on your overall state of wellbeing?

What steps do you take to support yourself and honour yourself on your journey?

In conclusion

Managing your own mental health and wellness includes being mindful and present with your emotions and bodily sensations, including the uncomfortable ones. Understand the importance of acknowledging and cherishing the good days, and being kind to the self on the harder ones. Through getting into the habit of practicing pre-grieving and taking memory polaroids you can deepen your awareness and appreciation of each present moment. And you’ll have a bank of memories to draw on when your mental state needs to!

🌟 If you feel you need support for your mental wellness, I’d love you to reach out. Email me, Soo, at highlandscentreforhealing@gmail.com 🌟

🌟🌟 Or click below to JOIN OUR TRIBE 🌟🌟

Non-judgemental, safe space

Our Wellness Retreats and individual Equine Therapy offer a non-judgmental space where participants can work through their issues with the supportive presence of a trauma-trained somatic practitioner as well as the horses.  Both are the perfect complementary approach to more traditional therapy modalities.

Related articles:

Mental Health vs Mental Illness

What is Somatic Therapy

Coping With Winter Blues

How to Deal With Your Emotional Trauma Triggers

Experience the healing power of horses at Highlands Centre For Healing in Australia

If you’re intrigued by the potential of these therapeutic interactions and want to experience the transformative power of horses firsthand, we invite you to explore our wellness retreats and equine therapy sessions. Discover how you can harness the therapeutic power of horses to foster a deeper connection with yourself and those around you.