Mental Wellbeing & How to Find Balance

The Benefits Of Using Mental Health Professionals In Your Business

by PJ | Jun 21, 2023 | Mental Wellbeing, Workplace Wellbeing

In today’s fast-paced business world, the importance of mental health cannot be overstated. The overall wellbeing of employees is critical to the success of any organisation. However, with increasing job demands and stress levels, it can be challenging for individuals to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This is where mental health professionals come in; they offer valuable support and resources to help employees manage stress and improve their overall wellbeing.

Businesses prioritising their employees’ mental health see positive outcomes such as increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, and improved employee morale. Mental health professionals bring expertise in stress management, resilience building, and coping skills that can energise your workforce.

The Benefits:

Improve Employee Well-Being

Employee well-being is an integral aspect of any successful business. In recent years, mental health professionals have become increasingly recognised for improving employee well-being in the workplace. Mental health professionals such as therapists, counsellors, and psychologists are trained to help individuals cope with stressors and overcome mental health challenges.

One of the benefits of utilising mental health professionals in your business is that they can help employees manage their stress levels. Stressful work environments can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism. Professionals can provide coping strategies that enable employees to manage their workload effectively while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Mental health professionals can also provide support for employees who may be struggling with anxiety or depression. These conditions can significantly impact an employee’s quality of life and overall performance at work.

Reducing Stress And Burnout

Stress and burnout are two of the most common issues affecting employees in the modern workplace. The constant pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and navigate interpersonal relationships can quickly take a toll on one’s mental health.

Numerous companies provide their employees with wellness initiatives and resources, but frequently fail to deliver specialized assistance for individuals grappling with stress and burnout. This is where mental health experts can offer their expertise.

Mental health professionals bring a unique set of skills and knowledge to the table when it comes to addressing workplace stress and burnout. They can work with both individual employees and teams to identify sources of stress, develop coping strategies, and create sustainable solutions that improve overall well-being. By taking a proactive approach to mental health, businesses can reduce absenteeism, boost productivity, and foster a positive company culture that attracts top talent.

Increase Productivity

Mental health professionals play a significant role in today’s business world. Companies that want to achieve growth and increase productivity understand the importance of investing in the wellbeing of their employees.

Businesses that utilise mental health professionals can expect to see an increase in productivity. When employees are healthy mentally, they perform better at work, have more energy, and are more focused on their tasks. Studies have shown that employees who receive support from mental health professionals miss fewer days from work due to illness or stress-related reasons than those who don’t receive any assistance.

Better Mental Health Leads to Better Work

By utilising mental health professionals in your workplace, you can help ensure that your employees are receiving the care they need to perform at their best. Mental health professionals can provide personalised support to each individual employee. Each person has unique needs when it comes to managing their mental health, and a professional can help identify those needs and create a plan tailored specifically for them. This not only helps improve individual employee performance but also promotes a positive team dynamic as everyone feels supported and valued.

It will send a clear message to employees that their well-being matters.

Create A Positive Workplace Culture

Mental health professionals can play a vital role in creating a positive workplace culture that values the wellbeing of its employees. They can help create an inclusive and supportive work environment. By providing counselling sessions to employees, these professionals can address any issues related to stress, anxiety or depression. This not only helps the individual employee but also has a positive impact on team dynamics and overall morale within the organisation.

Another advantage of working with mental health professionals is that they can help managers recognize early signs of distress among employees. They provide support to individuals before problems escalate into larger ones, which could lead to absenteeism or decreased productivity.

Stigma Reduction And Inclusivity

Mental health professionals can play a crucial role in reducing stigma and promoting inclusivity in your business. Stigma surrounding mental health issues is still pervasive, but by working with mental health professionals, businesses can break down these barriers.

Mental health professionals bring their expertise to the table and help create a safe and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help. By doing so, they reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support. In addition to that, they also educate employees about different types of mental illnesses, symptoms, causes and how they could be managed effectively to ensure productivity at work.

Moreover, employing mental healthcare professionals is an excellent way for companies to show their commitment towards diversity and inclusivity.

Address Workplace Conflicts

Workplace conflicts are a common occurrence in any business, but they can have serious consequences if not handled properly. These conflicts can lead to decreased productivity, low employee morale and even lawsuits. That’s why it is essential for businesses to address workplace conflicts as soon as possible, and one of the best ways to do this is by using mental health professionals.

Mental health professionals are trained to deal with various workplace issues such as stress management, conflict resolution, and communication skills. They provide valuable insights into the underlying causes of workplace conflicts and help resolve them before they escalate further. Mental health professionals also bring an impartial perspective to the table, which can be beneficial when dealing with sensitive or complex situations.

Moreover, mental health professionals help create a culture of openness where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns without fear of retaliation or judgment.

Support Employees Through Transitions

Mental health professionals have the ability to support employees through transitions. Whether it’s a new job, a promotion, or a relocation, transitions can be challenging for employees both personally and professionally. Mental health professionals are well-equipped to help employees navigate these changes, providing valuable support during what can be a difficult time.

When an employee experiences a transition, they may face uncertainty, stress and anxiety. This can impact their performance at work and lead to decreased productivity. By working with mental health professionals, businesses can provide their employees with the tools they need to manage these challenges effectively. This might include counselling sessions or workshops that focus on building resilience and coping skills. Ultimately, this kind of support helps to create a more positive workplace culture that values employee wellbeing as well as business success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, incorporating mental health professionals into your business can bring a multitude of benefits. They can help to create a more positive and productive work environment, reduce absenteeism and improve employee morale. Offering support through counselling, coaching and other interventions can also help to prevent burnout and turnover. By prioritising the mental well-being of your employees, you are not only investing in their health but also in the success of your business. So take action now and consider reaching out to mental health professionals to see how they can help your organisation thrive.

Written by Shannon Bowman

How to use Neurofeedback, Photobiomodulation and Virtual Reality for Better Brain Health

by admin | Dec 20, 2021 | Mental Wellbeing

In the consumer mental health space, we are seeing a shift in the way clients are treated. Gone are the days where it’s solely pharmacology or talking therapy.

The use of biofeedback, neurofeedback, photobiomodulation and virtual reality is growing because of the clinically measurable results and improvements in treatment benefits and outcomes where these technologies are used.

How technological breakthroughs are changing the future of mental health treatment.

This blog post will discuss some of these new treatments and how they can help you improve your mental wellbeing.

What can I expect from neurofeedback treatment?

Neurofeedback (NFB) and biofeedback (BFB) are two modern techniques for non-invasively influencing human physiological activity in combination with practical cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functions.

The first appointment of neurofeedback

The first neurofeedback therapy treatment (also known as mapping) takes 20 weeks. Every session is conducted using a computer EEG machine placed on the scalp. The EEG machine analyses the brain signal for information on a variety of wave spectrums. This software provides feedback to your brain and nervous systems via a video game.
Improve mental health with technology.

These programs show your brain activity, which aids in regulating the brainwave frequencies and helps to improve your symptoms. Brain frequencies influence states of arousal. If someone has a lot of 8-11 Hz (alpha waves) in the right hemisphere, they are most likely to feel calm. They are more likely to feel alert if they generate 15-18 Hz (beta) amplitudes in the left hemisphere.

Brain-focused treatment that sets us apart

Neurofeedback is being used in a wide range of settings and may treat various conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Clinical applications for neurofeedback are effective treatments for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, headaches/migraines, insomnia, stress, and tinnitus. Neurofeedback has proven to be an effective treatment for pain management.

How does Neurofeedback Therapy Work?

Neurofeedback is a type of brain training that determines whether neurophysiological processes may help us live better lives. This approach has been accomplished using computer-based learning sessions that teach our central nervous systems to avoid neurodegeneration, which is the process of aging.

Neurofeedback assesses how well you manage your brain in order to enhance physical and psychological health. Neurofeedback provides the immediate client information on their brain’s electrical activity from various sites in the brain.

After receiving this data, the mind is forced to modify the brain waves it generates. The client is quick to improve the brain waves.

These modifications result in an improved brain wave condition. Following this shift in brain waves, there was a behavioural change and enhanced emotional self-control.

Tech Therapy for Psychological Health Issues

Anxiety is generally associated with racing thoughts, feeling “on edge,” and sleep disturbances.

This may be caused by an overabundance of fast-moving beta waves coupled with a deficit of alpha waves, typically associated with calm and concentration. Neurofeedback can aid in producing more beneficial brain wave activity and the reduction of fast-moving beta waves.

Neurofeedback may help with many issues because it corrects abnormalities in brainwave activity and returns it to optimal functioning.

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback aims to teach people how to detect physical indications and symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or hot skin, using visual or auditory feedback.

People who learn how to use biofeedback to manage both the physical and psychological effects of their condition may be able to relax their minds and bodies, as well as better cope with their symptoms.

The objective of biofeedback is to create subtle changes in the body that produce the desired result. by reducing:

- Blood flow
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Muscle tension
- Pain perception

Biofeedback is a process that allows the patients to reduce their level of stress and change how they feel. It provides information about the body’s functions and can improve health or performance.

This data is presented and supported by changes in thinking, emotions, and actions, which aid in the desired physiological adjustments.

These modifications may endure without the use of an instrument over time.
Every psychological treatment is based on the idea that mental illness is caused by something in the brain.

EEG biofeedback

This data is presented and supported by changes in thinking, emotions, and actions, which aid in the desired physiological adjustments.

These modifications may endure without the use of an instrument over time. For example, EEG biofeedback has been shown to decrease symptoms in patients with PTSD or OCD who are not responsive to medication or talk therapy alone.

The benefits of this treatment are measurable and long-lasting – it’s a scientifically proven way to treat mental illness.

Photobiomodulation for Mental Wellbeing

Photobiomodulation uses light to change mental states. It effectively treats conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.

How photobiomodulation works is still being studied, but it is thought that light stimulates cells in the brain and enhances cellular function. This therapy will be discussed along with some of its therapeutic uses for conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Photobiomodulation and Laser Therapy for Mental Disorders

The photobiomodulation laser therapy technique works by directing infrared and near-infrared light at targeted regions of the body, which then stimulates, protects, repairs, and energises the body on a cellular level.

Systemic Photobiomodulation Laser Therapy

A wrist laser is used in a systemic laser therapy treatment. The near-infrared light passes through your skin and targets circulation. It’s a delicate process since all you have to do is sit back and relax for a few moments. Many individuals report feeling lighter and happier following a systemically administered treatment.

Transcranial Photobiomodulation Laser Therapy

A transcranial laser therapy session is similar to a scalp massage, except that the laser is applied gently to your head. The infrared and near-infrared light penetrates the skin and skull of the head, targeting specific regions of brain tissue. After only 1-2 treatments, many individuals report an improvement in their psychological health.

Auricular Acupuncture Laser Therapy

Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that focuses on the ear’s acupuncture points. These spots are said to be linked to various body and brain sections as well as specific psychological conditions associated with trauma. The infrared and near-infrared lights enable the healing process for the impacted issues when targeted with a laser. Many individuals notice an improvement in their symptoms after 3-4 sessions.

Virtual reality (VR) mental health treatment

Virtual reality is a mental health treatment that uses immersive, computer-generated simulations to produce the desired psychological state. This treatment is often used to treat anxiety, addiction and PTSD.

Virtual reality therapy can be done in groups or individually, depending on the therapist’s preference and the patient’s needs. The use of virtual reality treatment is still being studied, and it has yet to be approved by the FDA as a mental health therapy.

However, many therapists currently use it with good results. Virtual reality therapy, and its therapeutic uses for mental health issues such as anxiety, addiction and PTSD, will be discussed further.

Virtual Reality Treatment for Anxiety and PTSD

Virtual reality treatments allow the patient to interact safely while facing their fears or addictions (i.e., smoking cessation). VR treatment can help reprocess traumatic memories, practice new behaviours and skills in a safe environment, and manage emotions.

Virtual reality is showing great results in helping war veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Therapists around the world are starting to see the benefits of including VR in the changing landscape of mental health treatment.

Virtual reality treatment is an innovative way to provide care for those experiencing psychological problems. VR treatments are being used more and more with good results.

The benefits of VR for PTSD treatment:

A patient can face their mental health issues in a safe place.
Intervention trains patients to recognise and cope with emotions they might otherwise avoid.
Treatment is personalised to the patient. No two people will receive the same treatment.
Virtual reality treatments offer an added and innovative way of providing mental health care.

Innovation will be the leader in the mental health crisis

These innovative treatment technologies are being used to address mental health issues more holistically. Using these treatment technologies in conjunction with one another allows for mental disorders to be addressed at a deeper level and for people to recover from mental disorders much quicker.

Neurofeedback is a relatively new and innovative way to provide mental health care. It’s been used in the treatment of patients suffering from DHD, TBI, depression and anxiety and many other mental health issues. If you’re looking for an effective alternative therapy that can help with your condition or if you know someone who may benefit from neurofeedback, then this blog post should be helpful. Subscribe to our blog to learn more about photobiomodulation treatments as well as virtual reality applications for mental health care.

Author

Shannon Bowman is the Director of SJB Clinical Consulting Pty Ltd and Create Balance Psychotherapy & Counselling VIEW HERE.
Create Balance Laser Therapy VIEW HERE
Creator of the ADHD Ambition Course.
Shannon has a clinical interest in treating trauma, PTSD and ADHD. He is accredited as a Mental Health Social Worker AMHSW, psychotherapist and registered EMDR practitioner.

Associations
Australian Association of Social Workers
EMDR Association of Australia

10 Ways to Calm Your Central Nervous System When You Feel Anxious

by admin | Nov 15, 2021 | Mental Wellbeing

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, and unease that causes physical changes in the human body, which impact the central nervous system. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the United States, with 40 million adults experiencing an anxiety disorder each year.

Signs and symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety can cause chronic stress and comes from many diverse sources, such as work stress or traumatic life events. Anxiety often leads to physical symptoms such as headaches, tightness in the upper chest, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, muscle tension and sleep problems. Therefore, it is important to recognise and decrease anxiety to avoid these, often debilitating, symptoms.

Anxiety causes your brain to be hyperactive

Anxiety is a stress response that triggers your brain to be on high alert and become hyperactive in response to potential dangers. When your brain and nervous system experience anxiety on a regular basis, your amygdala grows larger. The amygdala is a tiny almond-shaped structure located in the limbic system, the part of your brain that manages emotions and moods. The amygdala is the brain’s lookout, always on the lookout for threats. When the amygdala detects a potential hazard, it sends signals to the hypothalamus, which activates a fight-or-flight response. In an anxious mind, this triggers a person to have anxious thoughts and ‘feel anxious.’

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterised by excessive anxiety for no discernible reason. GAD, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), affects approximately 6.8 million Americans each year. When you have a moderate case, you should be able to go about your regular daily routines without difficulty. Severe cases of GAD will have a significant impact on a person’s life.

Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is an intense, chronic dread of social situations and being judged or humiliated by others. This severe social phobia makes one feel embarrassed and alone. According to the ADAA, 15 million US adults suffer from a social anxiety disorder. The typical age of onset is around 13 years old. More than a third of persons with a social anxiety disorder have experienced their symptoms for over 10 years.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
After witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event, a person can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms might appear immediately or take years to appear. War, natural catastrophes, and physical assaults are some of the most common causes. PTSD episodes can be triggered without notice.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder
A person with OCD may feel a strong urge to repeat particular behaviours (compulsions) excessively or have intrusive and unwanted thoughts or obsessions that cause distress. Common compulsions include excessive hand-washing, counting and checking something, fear of contamination, hostile urges, and a need for symmetry.

Phobias
Some examples of phobias include a fear of the dark, skin irritation from bright light, fear of being alone, fear of heights, fear of flying, fear of spiders or snakes and fear of needles is another example. A person with a phobia will have a strong urge to avoid the feared thing or situation or feel an intense feeling of discomfort when confronted with it.

Panic disorder
A person with a panic disorder may experience a panic attack, which is an extreme stress response that causes a sense of impending doom such as a fear of dying or loss of control, especially if it is linked to a specific event or situation. The physical symptoms associated with panic disorder can include heart palpitations and chest tightness, sweating or chills, shortness of breath and trembling.

These episodes can strike at any moment. Panic disorder is sometimes accompanied by another type of anxiety disorder called agoraphobia, which is an extreme or irrational fear of leaving one’s home, entering open or crowded places or being somewhere that is difficult to escape from.

Sympathetic nervous system and autonomic nervous system

The significant players in anxiety disorders include norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid in the central nervous system. The autonomic nervous system indirectly controls the sympathetic nervous system for autonomic failure.

As stated above, anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, and unease. However, anxiety can be helpful for some people who experience these feelings as a response to an impending challenge, such as before taking a test or exam, going to a job interview or on a first date.

Anxiety can also signal that something dangerous might happen and encourage the person to take precautions, such prepare for extreme weather events or ensuring safety. Anxiety becomes problematic when it lasts too long, is too intense, or includes physical symptoms besides fear.

The effects of anxiety on the body’s immune system

Anxiety can stimulate your flight-or-fight response, which releases a surge of chemicals and hormones, such as adrenaline, into your system. This raises your heart rate and breathing rate in the short term so that your brain can get more oxygen and prepares you for a critical situation.

Your immune system may even be temporarily strengthened as a result of stress. However, if you are constantly anxious and stressed, your body never receives the message to return to normal functioning. This can impair your immunological system, making you more susceptible to viral infections and acute illnesses. Furthermore, if you have anxiety, your usual vaccines may not be as effective.

Central nervous system anxiety

Anxiety results from an imbalance between the sympathetic nervous system (which is responsible for mobilising the body in response to stress or threat) and the parasympathetic nervous system (which is responsible for calming the body). Some of the major ways in which anxiety can affect your physical health are through its effects on digestion, the immune system, the heart, hormone levels and blood pressure (Yaribeygi, Panahi, Sahraei, Johnston & Sahebkar, 2017).

Symptom severity changes when stress levels become excessive and anxiety levels increase, it may help you cope less efficiently. Panic attacks show signs of intense anxiety. Brain maps display high beta brain waves on the right brain lobe. Anxiety causes overwhelming hyperactivity, and it is harder to reason.

Ways to calm your central nervous system anxiety

Research shows there are many ways to calm your central nervous system and elicit a relaxation response to improve your mental well being and control your anxiety. These include stress management techniques you can incorporate into your daily life and include:

Acknowledging your anxious thoughts is a powerful first step to calming yourself because it enables you to take action in one or more of the following ways.
Relaxation techniques enable you to slow down your body and brain by focusing on deep breathing exercises or meditation. It can also include creative visualisation or hypnosis.
Psychotherapy, which includes cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), helps you identify negative thoughts associated with your anxiety and replace them with positive thoughts.
Yoga, which helps you meditate while focusing solely on taking regular breaths. Yoga is a technique that has proven successful in reducing stress levels for those suffering from anxiety.
Regular physical exercise takes you out of your head and into your body, increasing self-confidence, improving mood, inducing a relaxation response, and improving sleep.
Mindfulness, which is a therapeutic technique whereby a calm mental state is achieved by focusing your awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations and helping you to feel peaceful.
Herbal remedies can help to calm a person suffering from anxiety. These include: ashwagandha root extract, chamomile flower extract, valerian, lavender, galphimia glauca, passionflower.
A GP or psychiatrist can provide medical advice on chemical treatments for anxiety, which include medications focused on serotonin production like serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Photobiomodulation laser therapy involves shining infrared and near-infrared light onto targeted areas of the body, which then helps to stimulate, protect, repair and energise the body at a cellular level.
Eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR), which involves the rapid movement of a client’s eyes, taxing their working memory and enabling them to reprogram their brain. This in turn alleviates and even extinguishes the continuing effects of painful thoughts and memories. As well as visual bilateral stimulation, EMDR can also use tactile and auditory stimulation. This therapeutic modality can be beneficial to clients who struggle to talk about their suffering.

Anxiety is a normal human emotion

The good news is that it’s important to remember that anxiety is a normal human emotion that we all experience from time to time and in one form or another. External and internal factors can cause anxiety but, moving forward, it is important to remember that anxiety is not always bad for your health. Anxiety is often an indicator of something more serious like life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease or cancer, so do not dismiss the feelings you are having if they persist over time.

Author.

Shannon Bowman is the Director of SJB Clinical Consulting Pty Ltd, Create Balance Psychotherapy & Counselling, and Create Balance Laser Therapy VIEW HERE

Shannon has a clinical interest in treating trauma, PTSD, and ADHD. He is accredited as a Mental Health Social Worker AMHSW, psychotherapist, and a registered Practitioner of Australian Association of Social Workers and EMDR Association of Australia

When It Rains, It Pours: Dealing with Stress

by admin | Apr 29, 2021 | Mental Wellbeing, Self Care

Personally, Shannon has had a rough few months.

Of course, he doesn’t want to downplay the trauma that so many people experience on a day-to-day basis but for a while, it seemed that everything that could go wrong did go wrong. From ‘minor’ annoyances, such as dealing with gastro and a broken down car (on his birthday) to multiple very personal and very deep concerns.

Towards the end of this period of unfortunate luck, Shannon decided to set time aside for self-care and go for a hike with friends in Gippsland. He was so looking forward to it. But the weather was wild and the track was steep. Shannon slipped and twisted his ankle and knee, requiring him to hobble 6km, including two deep river crossings, back to the car in the pouring rain.

The cherry on top occurred just last week. He received not one, but two speeding fines, which were given within 30 minutes of each other. They were from the month before, when he had just about reached his limit of strength and had decided to take himself for a walk in Torquay, as a way of processing his thoughts and feelings. (It should be noted that he wasn’t hooning around Torquay. But he does take responsibility for going slightly over the limit and is serious about road safety.)

Over the past few months, the bad luck began to lose its surprise. It was almost expected. But he continued on with his responsibilities – from running the business to supporting his family. So, how did he do this when every day was a struggle and there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel?

He prioritised self care. One of the methods he identified as a relief from his stress was by walking his dog around the neighbourhood for 40 minutes each day. The fresh air, the time alone and the exercise helped to calm his body and mind and to give him energy to face the next challenge.

Another strategy for dealing with his stress was by talking to his partner and a friend. By sharing his worries, he shared the weight of these concerns and relieved himself of the mental and emotional burden he was carrying. Talking to others helped him to process his experiences and gain new insights into his circumstances, his options, his plans and his goals. Talking to a friend was particularly helpful, as an objective third party. Shannon would not have hesitated to talk to a professional if he felt that he needed further support, as he knows all too well the life changing power of therapy.

Shannon is passionate about laser therapy – both for the relief of pain but also for the relief of mental health challenges. When injuring his ankle and knee, he immediately started treating himself with laser and noticed a rapid rate of recovery. His physical health was important to his mental health, as his injury was preventing him from engaging in the therapeutic walks that he needed daily. Shannon also utilised the laser therapy to support his overall mental health, by using a systemic treatment and some targeted auricular therapy.

If you are going through a hard time, know that it most likely won’t be forever. Simplify your life by limiting anything unnecessary and focusing on the things that lift your spirits and energy. If everything continues to overwhelm you, reach out for further support, from a friend or a professional. Perhaps even look into laser therapy to see how it could improve your current well-being.

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