According to the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), one in four of us will experience some kind of mental health problem each year, with mixed anxiety and depression the most common mental disorders.

That’s just one of the reasons why every year, between 11-17 May, MHF help raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues during Mental Health Awareness Week.

This year, the topic of Mental Health Awareness Week is mindfulness. You’ve probably heard of mindfulness before – but what exactly is it?

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a state of living in the moment, and observing each moment – fully aware – in a relaxed, calm and fully engaged way.

The practice of mindfulness, as well as meditation, has been found to bring remarkable benefit to physical and mental health and wellbeing.

When living in a mindful state we are more able to step back and see more clearly our constant reactions to stressful events as they unfold in our daily life.

Mindfulness is extremely relevant to a person’s state of mental health – and is also a relevant part of Reiki, a complimentary therapy available at YourGP that’s widely recognised for its benefits to mental health.

Reiki, mindfulness and mental health

Reiki, which is the Japanese word for universal life-force energy, uses a technique commonly known as hands-on-healing.

It’s a relaxing form of healing that channels energy flow to restore harmony and balance to your body, mind and spirit.

Safe for all ages, it can be effective in the treatment of many conditions such as stress or fatigue, or simply taken as time out to rebalance yourself.

It can also be helpful for spiritual development and growth, and promote a deeper connection with yourself and with others around you.

Other mental health treatments

Another common way to treat mental health problems such as mixed anxiety and depression is through counselling, a process that allows you to explore any difficulties or specific problems you are having in any aspect of your life.

A key element of the counselling approach is the relationship of trust that builds between a patient and their counsellor – and at YourGP, we work with some of Scotland’s most highly skilled and experienced therapists.

Dr Sarah Kennedy is an experienced psychiatrist while cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) psychotherapist, Christina Raeburn, has been involved in the world of counselling and psychology since 1994.

One of the most effective forms of counselling for mental health problems is CBT, which addresses the core beliefs we have about ourselves, other people, and the world around us.

It not only helps raise awareness of negative thought patterns and how these can affect the way we feel and behave, but also identifies how and what needs to change.

CBT can help you to learn new skills in order to cope with life more effectively – so that you can better cope with the challenges you are facing.

If you want to find out more about mindfulness, Reiki or mental health, leave a comment below or get in touch on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

To book a Reiki appointment or a GP appointment with Dr Kennedy or Christina, call us on 0131 225 5656, email reception@your.gp or use our online booking form.