If everything is good for mental health – where do I start?

As we come out of the third lockdown and as Mental Health Week kicks off next week, the conversation around mental health has ramped up. Let’s talk about how often mental health leaders unintentionally overwhelm workplaces and communities with choices, expecting audiences to wade through the vast array of options and accompanying jargon.

We rely on trusted relationships to make decisions in fields we know little about

Stigma, plus the still relative newness of knowledge in the mental health field, means that the average person’s knowledge on which mental health interventions really work, and benefit our health, is low. Many of us don’t really know why interventions work, who they work for, and what to expect from their outcome.

To choose, we often reach out to family, friends, trusted colleagues and contacts, to try and make an informed choice – but because of the stigma that still exists within mental health, our reach is far less greater than it might be when using this approach when discussing other topics.

Spend more to get more? Not really.

We are constantly bombarded by adverts for mindfulness, couch to 5k, wellness and ‘self-care’ sessions. The adverts may show you the shiniest version of an app or brochure, we are pre-programmed to go after what looks fanciest – imagining they will be most likely to improve our mental health. But for mental health, I encourage you to think like you might with over-the-counter painkillers - there is chemically no difference between a supermarket’s own brand Ibuprofen, and a branded version - the advert or story you are presented with doesn’t necessarily mean a better product, or match your expected impact.

Simple guide to what works for good mental health:

Almost all research that exists evidences the following efficacy of the mental health interventions outside of a clinical setting: (disclaimer: as with everything, as you learn more, there is nuance in all these points)

1.       Time spent connecting with others has very few downsides and a myriad of upsides,

2.       Though expensive, therapy and counselling does work,

3.       Isolating yourself isn’t a good solution,

4.       Friendship is critical at all stages of mental ill health,

5.       Workplaces and communities with a focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and participation have the healthiest people,

6.       Individual or institutional discrimination is bad for mental health,

7.       Group exercise of any kind is great,

8.       Knowledge is fine, but changing habits is better.

Easier said than done

If you are planning to choose a mental health product, service, or intervention, then ensuring one or more of the above embedded into your plan will be critical to your success and overall outcomes. Building something, and/or choosing something isn’t easy. If it was, our mental health would already be better. With great support you don’t have to make the same mistakes others have.

Habitus specialises in providing practical, engaging and lasting solutions to mental health. For more information on how Habitus can help your organisation increase a sense of belonging for employees, create happier teams and increase productivity, click here. Alternatively, send us a message by clicking here or contact us by phone on 020 7207 3186.