It may be time for a fresh start, but getting your mind ready for the New Year is often easier said than done. We chatted to Dr Niresha Mudaly, a specialist psychiatrist based in Ballito, about how to take care of our mental health.
It’s no secret that the past few years have been particularly challenging for everyone. Dr Mudaly says she always urges her patients to be more mindful and intentional in everything they do. “This grounds us and keeps us in the moment,” she explains. She also says it is important to be grateful and to try to get some physical movement on awakening each day – this could be yoga, a run or some cardio. “Routine and scheduling, especially for adolescents, is also key, as is good sleep hygiene,” she says.
While it’s often helpful to set goals for personal growth, it’s important to set realistic timelines to avoid stress and anxiety. “If we break these down into more tangible and workable timeframes, this predicts better success rates,” says Dr Mudaly.
Consistency is key in everything we do, while prioritising aspects of our lives is paramount. Reflecting on past experiences is vital in our personal growth.
With a new year upon us, it’s a good idea to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. “Looking back and reflecting on past experiences is vital in our personal growth, as it allows us to forgive ourselves, learn important lessons and better inform our future decisions,” explains Dr Mudaly. “Unpacking past traumas has been a big focus for many patients under my care. Take note, that this should ideally be done under guided supervision.”
The reality is that certain challenges are likely to arise throughout the year. To promote mental resilience, Dr Mudaly says she recommends a few practices. These include meditation or meditative breathing; journalling to unpack emotions for later reference; and daily movement. She also suggests starting each day with positive affirmations.
“As South Africans, we have lived with PTSD for much of our lives in different contexts,” she explains. “As the only resident psychiatrist in Ballito, I have been seeing a rise in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); anxiety disorders; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); autism spectrum disorder; depression; and stress-related illness.”
Her advice to anyone struggling is to seek help. “There are so many resources and more access to help than ever before,” she says. “We need to break the stigma and view mental health like any other health condition.”
Details: Dr Niresha Mudaly; 031 941 6871; [email protected]
