Core Pillars of Mental Health

By Sev Eminov - Psychologist & Tanya Franic - Director & Principal Psychologist

The Core Pillars of Mental health

Mental health is our biggest asset and our largest, most persistent lifetime investment. Hence, it’s crucial we treat it as such. The task of keeping our mental health and wellbeing steady and stable, let alone thriving, is no small feat nonetheless – but the most invaluable mountain we must all invest in climbing. Here are some key pillars of mental health to keep coming back to help ensure you are remaining on track with your mental health.

The boring but imperative foundations:

Sleep, nutrition, movement. Boring, repetitive, all you ever hear – but it’s repetitive for good reason.

Our mental wellbeing starts in our physiology, our biology, and the fundamentals of functioning well as a human organism. Take some time to think about what these 3 fundamentals have been looking like for you lately and make some shifts to get them on track.

Another few fundamentals – sunlight, time outdoors in nature, hydration – look after yourself like you would a plant. When’s the last time you spent more then a moment outside? Have you had any water today? Have you been in nature lately?  Simple, but fundamental to our wellbeing.

Listening to what you need: During busy or difficult periods, it is easy to move through the day on autopilot and only realise how depleted you are when you reach breaking point.

Try pausing to ask: What am I feeling? What might my mind or body be telling me? What do I need more or less of today? You may not always be able to meet every need straight away, but noticing what is happening is an important first step towards responding to yourself with greater care and intention.

These foundations are not a test of how well you are doing, and they will not look the same for everyone. Health conditions, disability, neurodivergence, caring responsibilities, work, finances and other circumstances can all affect what is realistic. Rather than aiming for an ideal routine, consider what is accessible and supportive for you right now, even a small adjustment can matter.

Wired for connection: When’s the last time you saw a friend, a loved one, even an acquaintance? Life can feel like can feel like a never-ending cycle of overwhelming demands, and this pushes us to want to hibernate away from the world and disconnect, just to create a bit of space. This is completely understandable – and at the same time – we were made to thrive in a tribe, and maintain connections – even if it feels like the last thing you have the energy for. Even a quick text saying ‘Hi, sorry I’ve been MIA’ will suffice. Also – don’t let shame get in the way of re-connecting. Everyone struggles to connect sometimes – another part of being human. And - everyone needs the connection they struggle to maintain.

Looking after your mental health does not require perfection or changing your whole life at once. Often, it begins with noticing what has slipped and responding with care rather than criticism.

Choose one pillar that needs attention and take one small step today. If you need support, reaching out can be that step.

To find out more reach out to us to arrange a chat with our wonderful Dietitian Viviane on (02) 9555 4810 or email info@treatyourselfwell.com.au 💛