Whenever I work with clients in session the first question in my mind is ‘Where are they, now?’
By this, I mean what is their experience of the present moment. And so, it seems like a fitting place to start this article. Clearly, I can’t make that assessment for everyone who reads this article. But, I can at least, review our journey so far through the hierarchy of needs that we have used to look at how we can structure firm foundations for better mental health – see the diagram below. In doing so, I hope to reaffirm our understanding so far before we look at the top 2 tiers of the model we are using, which culminate in our fulfilment of our potential.
We began by looking at our Basic Needs, including our needs for things that support our very survival. These are important to consider in terms of our mental health, not simply because our very existence is a prerequisite for having any kind of mental health, but also because it is hard to see how we can really attempt to work on our mental health when we aren’t eating & drinking properly, when we aren’t getting adequate rest & opportunity to recover, or are being deprived of things like physical space, daylight, absence of light (darkness), and breathable air.
This might sound a bit extreme but if you stop to consider people living in poverty around the world, or those living in besieged areas such as in Ukraine, others imprisoned for whatever reason, or those repressed by governments or controlled by abusive partners, perhaps the sheer volume of people affected by a lack of ability or resource to meet their basic needs becomes more apparent.
It’s not a stretch of the imagination to see how people living in such circumstances may lack the basic provisions to maintain their health; Including their mental health.
The principle for better functioning and improved health becomes a little clearer: If we take care of things in a structured way that addresses our needs in an order that is meaningful to us, we improve our chances of fulfilling our potential.
So far, then, we have prescribed the following considerations that you could consider to improve your mental health, and no doubt your overall health.
- Basic Needs:
- Sleep: Are you getting enough sleep and of sufficient quality to feel refreshed & well rested?
- Food: Do you have a well-balanced diet with access to adequate food & drink that is nutritious?
- Clothing: Do you have adequate clothing that is both comfortable to wear and suitable for the your environment?
- Shelter: Do you have somewhere safe, warm & dry to live?
- Sex & Reproduction: Is your sex-life meeting your needs?
- Security: Do you feel safe at home, work, socialising, etc?
- Health: Is your physical & mental health good?
- Finances: Are your finances in good order and can you meet your basic needs?
- Psychological Needs:
- Relationships: Are your relationships with others healthy?
- Loneliness: Is your relationship with yourself healthy & fulfilling?
- Abuse & Neglect: Are your relationships abusive or neglectful?
- Grief & Loss: Are you coping well with any experience of grief & loss?
- Sibling & Parental Relationships: Are your relationships with your siblings, children & parents healthy & fulfilling?
Despite it’s critics, this is where Maslow’s hierarchy really pays off: If you answered ‘No’ to any, some or all of these questions then we ask how can your higher needs like self-esteem be achieved in any real meaningful sense when your basic needs aren’t being met. For example, How can you achieve your full potential when you aren’t or sleeping well? Or when you don’t feel safe & secure?
The questions you answered ‘No’ to are the areas that need attention before your higher order needs can be achieved.
We build from the ground up!
If you would like to talk, BroadMinds Therapy offer a free consultation during which you’ll get the opportunity to describe what’s on your mind & we’ll be happy to help you, either directly, or help identify the best options for you.
If you’d like to discuss Counselling & Psychotherapy for yourself or someone you know, contact BroadMinds Therapy and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and discuss options for you. Call 0899420568, email: help@broadmindstherapy.org , contact us via this website or visit our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jpbroad
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As always, thanks for taking the time to read this article.
Integrative Counselling And Psychotherapy 