LifeVest encourages and promotes the nine established and emerging lifestyle “pillars” to support whole-of-person care.
- physical activity and exercise – improving aerobic and resistance training, yoga, reducing sedentary behaviours
- relaxation techniques – such as guided breathing exercises
- engaging (or re-engaging) with employment or volunteering
- getting enough sleep
- mindfulness-based therapies and stress management (including coping skills)
- a healthy diet that includes intake of a wide variety of plant-based whole foods and minimises highly processed foods
- quitting smoking
- improving social connections
- 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.
