PROMOTING WELLNESS
Sara Dewhurst BSc, MSc, MBPsS, Wellness Psychologist and founder of The Well Nest, chats to Sarah Varley about the importance of men looking after their mental health
Men’s mental health is something that Sara Dewhurst is passionate about, so she has relished working with employees at a local factory promoting wellbeing, conducting one-to-one sessions with each member of staff as well as group wellbeing activities.
“It has been great going into such a male-dominated environment and finding that after perhaps a little early resistance, the men have been happy to open up and look at their own mental health in a really positive way,” Sara tells me.
“One in four people in the UK experience mental health problems each year, and suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45 in this country,” Sara states. “This is why it is so important for men to stop bottling up their feelings and problems. Often men feel under pressure to be the main bread-winner and they often think that being strong means not admitting when they’re struggling.”
Sara has been delighted, therefore, to see more men coming to The Well Nest.
“It’s common for men to struggle with self-esteem, body issues and a cycle of negative thought pattern,” Sara says. “Having my office at PLM Health & Fitness has many benefits – it’s a discreet, non-clinical environment, which immediately breaks down a couple of barriers that sometimes hold people back from seeking support,” she explains.
“Mental health links closely with physical health too, which is one of the reasons Phil Moss and I have devised the new Wellness Membership at PLM Health & Fitness, which adds the support network of personal training and wellness sessions throughout your gym membership,” Sara says.
“Exercise helps massively in coping with stress,” Sara adds. “The first thing I check is that a client is managing to get some exercise, eating reasonably well and getting enough sleep. When we think we are too busy to exercise, that’s when it is even more important to take some time and look after yourself,” Sara states.
“In just taking an hour to speak to me, clients are decompressing and gaining some coping tools,” Sara says. “I’m offering a willing ear – one-to-one sessions with someone who is neutral and non-judgemental.”
Sara is an integrative therapist and sessions can include elements of mindfulness, goal-setting and CBT carefully tailored to each client’s individual needs.
Get in touch for a complimentary 30-minute appointment to experience the benefits of Sara’s wellness sessions, or head to the website to find out more about the new Wellness Membership at PLM Health & Fitness.
Please note, urgent support for men feeling suicidal is available from CALM: the Campaign Against Living Miserably, webchat at: www.thecalmzone.net or telephone 0800 58 58 58
The Well Nest at PLM Health & Fitness
Abbey Works, Back King Street
Whalley BB7 9SP
01254 781777
sara@wellnestribblevalley.com
www.wellnestribblevalley.com
www.plmfitness.com
