Promoting mental health

Food for a healthy mind

Most people know that eating well can greatly improve our physical health, but it also plays a huge role in our psychological health. Whilst good nutrition will neither prevent nor cure severe mental health problems, it plays a vital role in:

• optimising day-to-day mental health
• speeding up recovery from illness, including mental health problems
• improving the life of people living with enduring mental health problems

Unfortunately people who live with severe and enduring mental health problems are more at risk of developing physical health problems like obesity, coronary heart disease and some cancers. However, the risk can be greatly reduced by making relatively simple changes to diet and lifestyle.

Under-nutrition also greatly affects physical and mental health, e.g. dementia, anorexia nervosa, and is best addressed early in someone’s treatment.

This section aims to:

• give background information on how to achieve a balanced diet. 
• include information on how to read food labelling.
• give information to people living with mental health problems on how to assess their risk regarding nutrition (a simple screening tool).
• give an overview of how to improve day-to-day mental health through diet.
• provide information on how food intake can be affected by mental health problems, and basic tips to overcome these issues.
• offer simple tips for people living with enduring mental health problems on improving physical and mental health through food.
• give basic advice for carers about how to help their family member/friend with food related issues.
• provide information on how to access safe, effective, research based nutrition advice both for people receiving treatment from the Trust, and for the general public.
• provide links to relevant websites.

The information is for general use and does not replace individualised advice a person may receive regarding their diet.