Why Somatic Work Is the Future of Mental Health

Did you know that over 8 million adults in the UK experience anxiety at any given time? That’s approximately 1 in 10.

As rates of anxiety, trauma, and burnout continue to rise, many are seeking help. Traditional talk-only therapy has been extremely effective for a long time. But while discussing experiences is important and very effective, it can sometimes leave the body and its responses untouched, which are integral to effective healing.

In today’s article I share some facts on mental health and thoughts around the future of therapeutic interventions.

Is Our Mental Health Getting Worse?

Or perhaps it is just that we are becoming more aware of how important it is to understand our whole selves, not just our physical health. And with awareness comes a shift in identifying what isn’t helping us.

With mental health issues affecting approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK each year, highlighting the prevalence and importance of mental health care has never been more important.

• The most common mental health concerns are anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-related conditions.

• In 2020, it was reported that around 8.2 million adults in England experienced a common mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression.

• Young people are particularly at risk, with the prevalence of mental health issues rising in this demographic. About 1 in 6 young adults aged 16 to 24 experienced a mental health problem in 2020.

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted mental health, with studies indicating a rise in anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation during lockdowns.

• Mental health stigma remains a barrier to seeking help, but public awareness campaigns have worked to reduce this stigma over recent years.

• Access to mental health services can be challenging, with waiting times for treatment often exceeding several weeks or months.

• Mental health charity Mind reports that the increased prevalence of reported mental health concerns may suggest that people are finding it increasingly difficult to cope.

• Mental health education has been integrated into school curriculums in the UK, aiming to increase awareness and support for students from an early age.

Mental Health and the Nervous System

Our nervous system, particularly through pathways such as the vagus nerve, plays a significant role in how we process trauma. Trauma can leave imprints on both the mind and body, resulting in persistent anxiety and emotional distress. This is why a blend of talking about past events to bring cognitive understanding of what happened to us and understanding our physiological responses is more likely to lead to lasting change.

Regulation of the nervous system allows individuals to access deeper healing resources within themselves, translating to a more holistic recovery. Innovative approaches are being implemented in schools, hospitals, and trauma-informed workplaces that prioritise somatic experiences alongside traditional therapeutic methods. These settings recognise the necessity of integrating mind and body work to foster resilience and promote well-being.

The Body: The Key To Healing

Consider this: Your body may be the most underused tool in your healing. Opening up to the idea that your somatic experience can provide insights and pathways to healing might just change everything. Are you ready to explore this curious territory?

As we navigate through the complexities of the 21st century, it is increasingly clear that mental health care is on the verge of a significant transformation. The past few years have illuminated a growing awareness of mental health issues and the urgency for effective solutions. In this context, several trends indicate where mental health care is heading, pointing towards a future that prioritises holistic, integrative approaches and greater accessibility.

First and foremost, the integration of somatic therapies into mainstream mental health care is gaining momentum. The recognition of the body's role in mental health, as evidenced by the somatic approach, reflects a shift from solely cognitive therapies to those that engage the entire person.

This is essential because trauma and chronic anxiety manifest not only in our thoughts but also in our physiological responses. By embracing therapies that acknowledge the interplay between the mind and body, such as Internal Family Systems therapy combined with somatic practices, we are moving towards a more comprehensive understanding of healing.

Community and Society

There is also a growing emphasis on community-based support systems, and building communities of practice, such as women’s or men’s groups.The social model of care is becoming mainstream, bringing an understanding that mental health issues often arise from systemic factors such as socioeconomic disparities, cultural stigma, and social isolation. People want to be understood and appreciated for all their nuances, not compartmentalised or othered.

Community connections and support networks create environments that not only address individual needs but also help cultivate resilience and healing on a collective level. And can be run at low cost, fully accessibly, by the communities themselves.

Divisions between the professionals and the lay person can be gently put to rest (so long as this is done safely) which helps to increase access.

The de-stigmatisation of mental health issues continues to evolve. Open conversations about mental health are becoming commonplace (think of CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably), compelling society to acknowledge vulnerabilities and trauma. This shift in dialogue allows us to seek help without fear of judgement, further reinforcing the importance of compassionate care rooted in understanding.

The Future

The future of mental health care feels promising, driven by more inclusive, integrative, and accessible approaches. Not just at home, or at the doctor’s surgery, but at school, at work, and in our communities.

Every voice deserves a space in this conversation about healing. So we can create a landscape of mental health support and care that truly supports the diverse needs of all of our society.

If you are interested in joining a beautiful women’s group where connection and support are prioritised, alongside learning and sharing together, check out my groups page.