Over the last few decades, a holistic approach to physical and mental health has gained ground. Holistic medicine is concerned with body, mind, spirit and emotions and sees these as interdependent parts of the whole person. A problem in one area can lead to problems in another; and conversely, looking after the body is an important part of looking after the mind. These days we are more likely to embrace holistic approaches in our efforts for better health. These include ideas integrating exercise, nutrition and mindfulness in a holistic approach to wellness.

EXERCISE
As more of us become interested in a positive approach to health, more and more people are training in aspects of holistic medicine, either as a profession or for their own benefit. The Irish Association of Holistic Medicine (IAHM) first opened in 1985 and offers courses in a number of different disciplines, including yoga and nutrition.
Confucius said: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That’s been Daniel Forde’s experience. Daniel has been teaching yoga in Dublin for 10 years, since qualifying as a yoga teacher with the IAHM. His speciality is hatha yoga with an emphasis on accuracy and concentration. Daniel also teaches raja yoga, which pursues self-realisation through meditation and presence. Yoga is not only fantastic physical and mental exercise, it gets the creative juices flowing — Daniel is also a composer and songwriter and uses yoga techniques in his work with music.
The IAHM Yoga Teacher’s Training Diploma is a part-time course, which runs over 11 weekend seminars, between October 18 and June 15, 2015, in Dublin city centre. The diploma is internationally recognised by the Yoga Alliance.

DIET
Erika Doolan completed the IAHM’s diploma in holistic dietetics and nutrition, and works as a nutrition consultant and menu planner in the restaurant business. She describes the course as a “real eye opener.”
“You learn how food intake really affects health. You may want to start your career in this area or you may be a parent and simply want to know just how important nutrition can be for your growing child,” she says.
The holistic dietetics and nutrition diploma is a one-year course and covers science, naturopathy, anti-ageing medicine, exercise and nutrition. It teaches students how to make out diets for health; energy; weight loss or weight gain; figure and physique; beauty and good looks; sports performance; and balanced family diets. The course offers a holistic approach and includes thorough training in relaxation techniques and basic psychotherapy. On completion, students become qualified for membership of the Irish Health Culture Association.
Nutrition can be used as a complementary treatment for anxiety and depression. Dr Edmond O’Flaherty and Dr Andrew O’Flaherty of the Bio Balance Centre are both medical doctors who use nutrient therapy to help support mental health patients.
“Many people ask the question: how could vitamins and other nutrients improve the mood? The brain is a chemical factory making neurotransmitters — the chemicals that allow the transmission of electrical signals between cells — and neurotransmitters are made from food in your diet. For example, if you are deficient in Vitamin B6, you may have a low levels of serotonin, the feel-good chemical, and have associated depression,” they explain.
“We base our treatment on a sound knowledge of psychiatry and assess the patient from this perspective initially. Once this is done, we test for specific markers that reveal conditions which respond to nutrient therapy. We do not stop prescriptions of conventional medications as a rule, but many of our patients have failed to respond to a drug approach or have major side effects. Nutrient therapy can be a very valid approach in this instance. As our patients get well, their own doctors tend to reduce or stop the medication. The combination of nutrient therapy and the standard medication can be very beneficial.”

MINDFULNESS
The psychologist Margaret Forde runs the Take The Steps courses in mindfulness and well-being. Experiencing positive emotions can undo the effects of stress, she explains.
“It’s not just a question of good old-fashioned positive thinking,” says Margaret. ”In my experience, people can recite the material from all the self-help books they have read, but it often acts as just another set of things they ‘should’ be doing.
“Fortunately, the latest research in neuroscience shows that our brains are very plastic and can literally be re-wired for greater happiness and well-being. Meditation has been shown to have a huge impact on positivity levels but, of course, for it to work you actually have to do it.”
Margaret drew on her knowledge of psychology, yoga and corporate stress management to devise the ‘Take The Steps’ programme. A six-week course starts in Dublin city centre on November 5 and in Raheny on November 6. A one-day workshop takes place in Raheny on October 11. The full course costs €150, while the one-day workshop is €90. Notes and the 'Mindful Everyday' CD are included. See positivepsychology.ie to book your place.

TALK
Some mental health problems can be alleviated with exercise and diet, others with medication, but sometimes the best approach is “talk therapy.” Talking to someone can be a lifeline — literally. Anyone who is in distress can call the Samaritans. It doesn’t matter who you are, what kind of problem you have, or how big or small it may seem. The Samaritans understand that all of us experience tough times and talking about your problems can be a real help. The Samaritans was the first organisation to offer telephone counselling. More than 60 years ago, Chad Varah, a vicar in London, set up the Samaritans to help people who were struggling to cope or contemplating suicide. The Samaritans are available any time of the day or night. They recently launched a free-to-call number in Ireland, 116 123, or if you prefer you can email [email protected]. You can also visit a Samaritans branch to speak to someone face to face. Details of branch opening times are on samaritans.ie. Remember, this is a completely confidential service. Nothing you tell a Samaritan will ever be passed on, to another person or organisation.
These are just some of the Irish organisations that promote mental health and wellbeing. If you are suffering in silence, or have a loved one who has mental health or emotional problems, please reach out to someone. Mental health issues — like any other health issue — need treatment and care. Nobody expects anyone suffering from the flu or a broken leg to “snap out of it” – and the same is true of emotional and psychological problems as well. Remember, you are not alone — even if it may feel that way — and to get help, the first thing you need to do is ask for it.