Virtual Psychiatric Care’s Post

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Week, I’ve been reflecting on the benefits of movement on our mental health. We all know that activities like running, cycling, and swimming can boost our mood and reduce anxiety, but what about those who struggle with certain conditions that make even getting out of bed a challenge? It’s important to remember that not everyone can simply “go outside and exercise” to feel better. The guilt and shame around not being able to do these things can be a vicious cycle. So, let's take this week to not only focus on the benefits of movement, but also on the challenges that some people face. I’d love to hear from my connections about any experiences they’ve had overcoming these challenges. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

🌊✨ Mental Health Awareness: Riding the Waves of Life ✨🌊 In a world that often equates success with wealth, it’s easy to overlook the mental health challenges that can lurk beneath the surface. Many of us chase after goals, promotions, and financial milestones, but how often do we pause to reflect on our well-being? I’ve found that amidst the hustle, it’s crucial to carve out space for self-care. For me, surfing has become a powerful distraction—a way to reconnect with nature and myself. There’s something incredibly grounding about riding the waves, letting go of stress, and just being present in the moment. 💭 How do you prioritize your mental health in a demanding world? 🏄♂️ What activities help you unwind and regain your focus? 🌱 How can we support each other in recognizing that success isn’t just about the numbers? Let’s open up the conversation about mental health and find ways to support one another. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and take a break to recharge. After all, we’re all in this together! #MentalHealthMatters #Surfing #SelfCare #WorkLifeBalance #SupportEachOther

This Mental Health Awareness Week we encourage you to take your movement outside. Move, stretch, and stride in the open air to rejuvenate your body and mind. Embrace the better weather and long evenings, get moving, get outside, and let the world be your gym! Some suggestions: - Walk the dog, don't have a dog? help a friend by walking their dog - A walk at your local park, common or beach - Try a water sport like Paddleboarding, Kakaying or outdoor swimming - Dust off your bike for a country cycle or commute to work - What better time to challenge yourself to the #Couchto5k, if you can do 5k then why not create a new habit and try your local #Parkrun on Saturday morning, it's free! #getoutside #mentalhealthawarenessweek #creategoodhabits

🏃♂️ Finding My Happy Place: Men's Mental Health Week 🧠 Following up on one of my last posts and my dive into Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, I wanted to share something personal in light of Men's Mental Health Week. Reading Born to Run has reignited my passion for running, and it's been a game-changer for my mental health. I'm currently logging about 15 miles a week and have signed up for a couple of half marathons. My ultimate goal? To attempt (and I emphasise attempt) an ultra marathon (Antony Lyness Matt Wright Mark Twist) if my body allows it. 🏅 Running has become my happy place, my way to navigate through life's struggles. I might not have been born to run – I certainly wasn't built for it – but I've grown into it, and it's become a crucial part of my well-being. 🌟 Everyone has their own battles, and finding a way through them is essential. For me, running provides that clarity and peace. If you're facing challenges, I encourage you to find your "happy place," whatever that might be. 🧩 Let's continue to support each other, talk openly about mental health, and find strength in our passions. 💬🤝 #MensMentalHealthWeek #BornToRun #RunningTherapy #FindYourHappyPlace #MentalHealthAwareness #KeepMovingForward p.s. I am in the photo below if you can spot me. Leigh Hawkins it wouldn't upload our photo my man 😁

Running has brought me so much joy over the years. I have had my ups and downs with it, but in the end, I know it has helped me become mentally tough, recognize my potential, and much more. Through my running journey, I have become more aware of my mental health. I received a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I'm not ashamed by it, I've embraced it because it's part of who I am. Running, paired with professional support, has helped me. With all this, I am grateful to have never experience Post-Race Blues. For those of you that don't know what Post-Race Blues is, "Post-Race Blues" is a common experience among runners, characterized by feelings of sadness or emptiness after completing a race. Though not clinically defined, this situational depression can occur due to the sudden shift from intense training to a lack of goals, leaving runners wondering, "What's next?" It’s important to acknowledge both the emotional and physical recovery needed post-race. Developing a post-race plan and focusing on new activities can help mitigate these feelings. If the sadness persists, seeking support from a mental health professional is crucial. If you, or you know someone, that may be experiencing this, know there is support out there. #MentalHealth #SportsPsychology

It’s #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek! This year the focus is on moving more for your mental health. Everyone can get the mental health benefits of moving more, it’s all about finding what works for you. When we talk about “movement” in relation to physical activity, we really mean any way you move your body that uses energy. This might be everyday activities such as walking, dancing or gardening, or more intensive activities such as running, swimming, and playing sports. Every kind of movement is valid and it’s up to you which you choose to do. Since May is also National Walking Month, why not give the #Try20 challenge a go – doing 20 minutes of walking every day. Our team at the National Wellbeing Hub are continuing with our lunchtime walks to get our minutes in. Whether you’re walking or doing something more strenuous, get involved by sharing your moments of movement for your mental health. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #MomentsForMovement #TRY20 #NationalWalkingMonth For more tips visit https://wellbeinghub.scot/

Rest days…. Why do they matter? 💪👇 It still surprises people that incorporating a rest day in your training schedule can actually add benefit to your progress with the gym. Today we have Sarah Lindsay OLY running through why sometimes it’s good to incorporate one into your weekly schedule! 🔥Rest days give you time to aid and recover  🔥It can lessen the chances of injury  🔥It can help improve performance in the following workouts 🔥Can allow you to regain mental energy and avoid burnout When is your chosen rest day? 💪

Everybody loves going to the beach or listening to the ocean waves .... but did you know there's actual research backing it up as a therapeutic best-practice for mental health? According to a review of 35 scientific studies, spending time in blue spaces (outdoor aquatic environments, including lakes and rivers, as well as oceans and beaches) is associated with many aspects of mental health and wellbeing: 🌊Spending time by the ocean helps us feel grounded and connected, not to mention the incredible healing properties that cold saltwater has on our mental health and physical body! 🌊Being in and around the ocean invites us to be present and mindful. The soothing sounds and smell of the ocean also lowers our anxiety and stress and contributes to a more positive mood and greater life satisfaction.   🌊The ocean also sparks our creative side and inspires joy. It can help us connect with our playful inner child, & feelings of wonder and awe. 🌊 Blue spaces also promote social connection and deeper appreciation for our natural environments. This is why I love surf therapy as a modality for healing & recovery! Have you found positive benefits on your mental health & wellbeing from spending time in blue spaces? Would love to hear them! #surftherapy #oceantherapy #bluemind #bluespace #bluehealth #oceanhealing #surfing #mentalhealth #addictiontreatment #addictionrecovery

Have you read my blog Navigating Loneliness: Understanding, Coping And Thriving? Here are a few of my top tips: 🌟Nurture Existing Relationships 🌟Self-Care 🌟Fall Back In Love With Your Hobbies 🌟Take It Slow To find out more or to contact me go to https://lnkd.in/d8pN-DS #HealthyMindCoaching #MentalHealthMatters #ReachOut #BelfastSupport

How does mental health shape athletic performance? 🧠🏅 Today's blog explores how mental health impacts peak performance and shares strategies for boosting mental resilience. Discover how staying focused can help athletes shine, regardless of the final result. Read Blog: https://lnkd.in/gJjJb2xN #Olympics #Sports #MentalHealth