Today is World Mental Health Day. It is an opportunity to reflect on how you are traveling, as well as checking in in with friends, family and members of the community around you. Each year one in four adults and one in ten children experiences mental health challenges. In fact, the World Health Organisation now reports that depression is the leading cause of the global burden of disease. Fortunately, there are treatments that help support individuals through these challenges, including different types of therapy.
One such type of therapy is a modern psychological intervention called Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on addressing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours to assist you in cultivating well-being and moving beyond emotional suffering.What is interesting, is that an ancient quote from a yogic yogic, the Upanishads, beautifully captures some of the principles practiced in CBT.
"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny."
- Upanishads
I have made up a guidebook you can download to get a basic CBT overview (click here), and to see if the wisdom of these traditions resonates with you too. My hope is that the guidebook will support you to make some helpful changes - after all, reflection is often a nourishing process. Perhaps you can sit down with a cup of tea and work through it.
Wishing you all the best on this journey! May you be well.
If you need crisis support call emergency triage 131465, lifeline 131114, ring 000 or attend the emergency department of your local hospital.