Home Remedies and Applications for Mental Health

Health is wealth. Exercising, maintaining a healthy diet helps with physical health, but what about mental health?

Mental health is evident among youths. From anxiety to eating disorders, these are the most common mental health issues youths deal with. According to the Ministry of Health, between 2017 to 2019, an average of 12,600 patients aged between 15 to 34 have sought treatment in public hospitals.

The Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT) received about 1,800 referrals and conducted for almost 770 youths in 2019. Believe it or not, this is 36 times more referrals and 15 times more assessments than in 2009, when CHAT first started.

Though mental health treatments and clinic consultations are available, there are also home remedies and applications to cope with mental health. Here are some home remedies and applications that you can start with.

Home Remedies

Coping with Anxiety

• Meditation

According to ‘A Good Body’, mindfulness meditation statistics shows that meditation helps boost energy levels, improve memory and focus as well as relieve anxiety and stress.

This helps slow down a person’s thoughts and allows one to achieve a clear and stable mental state. There are several ways to meditate. For instance, yoga meditation, mindful meditation and more. 

Here is a quick guide. Beginners can start by getting comfortable. Sit on a mat or a chair. Put on some music. This helps to calm the mind and body.

Breathe normally through the nose. Sometimes, the mind will start to wander elsewhere. Bring the mind back and focus on the breathing.

• Writing

Expressing thought and self-reflection might help with anxiety. In a study done in 2016, it is said that creative writing has a chance of helping children and youths deal with anxiety. There are so many other ways to deal with anxiety. Thus, take the opportunity to take up a new hobby. Start a bullet journal or immerse in the beauty of fine art.

• Aromatherapy

Inhaling the scent of essential oils can also help with anxiety. The types of oils include: Lavender, Jasmine and Chamomile.

These oils have several benefits that can help with anxiety. Lavender oil impacts the limbic system that controls emotions. Jasmine oil promotes well-being and romance, calming the nervous system. Chamomile on the other hand, can help those suffering with mild to moderate anxiety.

Simply add these oils into an aroma diffuser or add a few drops to a bath routine. Either way, it all helps cope with anxiety. Not only that, but it also smells amazing too.

Coping with Eating Disorders

According to a study done in Singapore, about 7.4 per cent of females ages between 12 to 26 are at risk of suffering from an eating disorder. The number of young Singaporeans seeking helping for eating disorders is slowly increasing.

However, these youths can look into some ingredients that may help enhance their appetite and recover from eating disorders.

For example, citrus fruits like orange and lime can be added into drinks for a slightly sweet and tangy taste. Furthermore, garlic and ginger can be used in savoury dishes. Try out different drink recipes or dishes, for a better way to cope with eating disorders.

Mental Health Applications

In addition to remedies to help with mental health, there are also applications introduced to help youths cope with such issues.

Intellect

Reaching over one million users, this Singapore-based mental health app offers two products. Firstly, it is a consumer app with self-guided programmes that helps with issues like anxiety, self-esteem and relationship issues.

Secondly, it is a platform for employers which includes a telehealth service; Behavioural Health Coaching, that allows users to get in touch with mental health experts.

Available on:

Apple App Store

Android Google Play

LumiHealth

Designed by Singapore’s Health Promotion Board, LumiHealth is a collaborative effort with Apple to promote a healthier lifestyle among Singaporeans. With the help of technology and behavioural insights, this app offers a one-of-a-kind health and wellness experience.

This all-rounded app includes personalised reminders, programmes, and incentives. Furthermore, it includes weekly activities. Users can also take part in wellness challenges to improve sleep habits and mindfulness.

Available on:

Apple App Store

Wysa

Launched in October last year by the several government bodies in Singapore, a newer version of mindline.sg, Wysa, is an online chatbot. It allows users to access meditation, and motivational conversation.

In collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic, Wysa acts as a virtual coach that responds to students’ emotions. With the use of cognitive behavioural techniques, it aims to help students build mental resilience skills and feel better.

Based on the responses gathered by these two polytechnics, it is explained that Wysa reduces any perceived stigma of asking for help. With the conversations being anonymous, students will also not feel ‘judged’ by a bot.

Available on:

Apple App Store

Android Google Play

Mental health is not something to neglect. In fact, it requires extra attention to. Reach out to your friends and family to show more concern for those who may be suffering. For those who are dealing with such issues, reach out to therapists to get professional help. Let us all prioritise mental health as health is wealth.