LifeVest encourages and promotes the nine established and emerging lifestyle “pillars” to support whole-of-person care.

1. physical activity and exercise – improving aerobic and resistance training, yoga, reducing sedentary behaviours
2. relaxation techniques – such as guided breathing exercises
3. engaging (or re-engaging) with employment or volunteering
4. getting enough sleep
5. mindfulness-based therapies and stress management (including coping skills)
6. a healthy diet that includes intake of a wide variety of plant-based whole foods and minimises highly processed foods
7. quitting smoking
8. improving social connections
9. interaction with nature – in green spaces such as forests and parks, and blue spaces like the ocean or creeks and rivers.

Netflix psychiatrist Phil Stutz says 85% of early therapy gains are down to lifestyle changes. Is he right?

Adrienne O’Neil, Deakin University; Sam Manger, James Cook University; Wolfgang Marx, Deakin University

Changing your eating, exercising, socialising and engagement with nature can help treat depression. Now mental health professionals have some guidelines to shape treatment around lifestyle therapies.