Health is multi-dimensional – which is why it is important to focus on the interactions between the body, mind and spirit, especially when discussing mental health.

Approaching mental health through a holistic lens requires an understanding of how the mind affects the body and how the body affects the mind. It also helps us to personalise the way we take care of our mental wellbeing. This idea becomes increasingly relevant when we consider the fact that women are more likely to struggle with their mental and emotional wellbeing than men. Some mental disorders that are more common in women include depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Perhaps it's time to take a deeper look at how we can support women’s mental health.

Every woman is different. And because of this, there can be various factors that affect our mental health such as work, relationships, thought patterns, stressful and/or traumatic life events. Men and women tend to have different life experiences, especially in a societal context. Research shows that there are differences in the anatomies of male and female brains. It is also important to remember that men run on a 24-hour body clock, and so do women: however, women also adopt a monthly body clock as soon as menstruation begins. Changes in hormones throughout the month not only affect reproduction, but can also affect mood and energy levels. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, post-partum depression and menopausal depression are associated with hormonal fluctuations.

Women’s mental wellbeing can be supported through various avenues like psychology, stress management, nutrition and hormonal health. Here are some ways to approach mental health holistically:

• Therapy: This can be any form of therapy that equips you with the tools to release emotions, identify underlying issues, and work on resolving them. Psychotherapy may work for some women, while other women have found alternatives to be more successful – such as somatic therapy, energy healing and spiritual practices.

• Burn-out prevention: It can be helpful to avoid getting to a point of overwhelm. Oftentimes, things can become overwhelming before we’ve realised it. Trying to get ahead of the flood of activities and emotions can help you to be better prepared. This might mean consistently creating a to-do list, or scheduling breaks and rest days in advance.

• Social interactions: Being surrounded by your favourite people can uplift your mood and improve the way you look at yourself and the world around you. On the other hand, if it is possible to avoid interactions that are detrimental to your mental health, give yourself permission to do so – guilt free. It can be equally therapeutic to spend time alone.

• Nutrition: A healthy diet provides the building blocks for neurotransmitters and hormones that affect our mood. Have a rainbow of vegetables and ensure you have enough protein in your diet.

• Cycle syncing: This is a way to track your whole monthly cycle in order to provide your body what it needs at different phases. The mind and body work differently during periods, during ovulation and before periods. Understanding what your body needs at each phase can help you adapt sleep, exercise and nutrition throughout the whole month. 

Addressing your mental health holistically allows you to cover a wide range of possible contributing aspects. Remember to take it step by step, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Patience Sangwa, Naturopath, Chiva-Som

A board-certified naturopath with the Allied Health Professionals Council of South Africa, Patience completed dual bachelor’s degrees in Complementary Health Sciences and Naturopathy at the University of the Western Cape, then underwent clinical training in Cape Town.

Patience investigates the hindrances to the wellbeing of guests, and enables them to get closer to their health goals. She does so by addressing nutrition, mental health, sleep practices, physical activity and various lifestyle habits with an individualised approach. This holistic system of wellness engages the guest as a partner in their own wellness journey, exploring the essential aspects that promote health and wellbeing, while removing the factors that detract from health.