Prioritizing Mental Health

We focus on Mental Health Awareness during the month of May. This is a time to shine a light on the importance of emotional well-being, encourage open conversations, and most importantly, break the stigma that keeps people from seeking help. However, the message behind this awareness matters all year long.

The professionals at Flying Horse Medical center in Colorado Springs believe that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. This is why we take a holistic approach to care, supporting the full spectrum of your health: mind, body, and spirit. After all, when your mental wellness is nurtured, you can live a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Why Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health Matters

Mental health impacts every part of our lives: how we think, feel, relate to others, and navigate stress. Strong mental health helps us find our purpose, build relationships, and thrive through the ups and downs of life.

However, despite this, mental illness is widely misunderstood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 20% of adults in the United States experiences a mental illness each year- that’s more than 50 million people. Unfortunately, due to fear of judgement, shame, or misunderstanding, many of these people suffer in silence.

The stigma associated with mental illness tells people they’re weak for struggling, depression is just laziness, and anxiety is all in their head. The truth is that mental health conditions are medical conditions and deserve the same compassion and treatment as a physical illness.

When we can talk about mental health openly, we reduce the stigma and let others know that it’s okay to not be okay- and it’s okay to ask for help.

Common Signs of Mental Health Struggles

Mental health struggles look different for different people. Some will put on a brave face and power through, while others withdraw from the world around them. When we know the signs, we can better support ourselves and others:

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness for extended periods of time
Mood swings, irritability, or emotional outbursts
Withdrawing from friends, family, or once-loved activities
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Changes in appetite and/or sleep patterns
Unexplained physical aches and pains
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you notice these in yourself or those around you, don’t ignore them. These are signals that support is needed. Help is available, you just have to reach out.

How to Prioritize Mental Wellness

There’s more to caring for mental health than reacting when something feels off- it also involves creating habits that promote emotional resilience and balance. There are several things you can do to support your mental well-being:

Stay connected: social relationships are critical for emotional health- make sure that you always make time for friends and family
Get moving: exercise doesn’t just benefit your body- it also relieves stress and boosts mood and energy
Practice mindfulness: activities such as deep breathing, journaling, or meditation can help you ground your thoughts and calm your mind
Set boundaries: learn to say “NO” to protect your time and energy
Talk to someone: sharing your thoughts and feelings can help whether it’s a friend, therapist, or counselor

Maintaining your mental health is just as important as physical checkups. The sooner you address a concern, the better your chances of healing and growth.

Creating a Culture of Openness

One of the best ways to support Mental Health Awareness Month is to normalize the conversation. This means that we need to be checking in on our friends, being honest about our own struggles, and refusing to let outdated stereotypes to define how we view mental illness.

Flying Horse Medical Center believes that everyone deserves to be heard, seen, and supported. Our providers listen without judgement and offer compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your personal needs.

Whether you’re navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, or everyday stress, you don’t have to do it all alone.

Take the First Step Toward Better Mental Health

If you are feeling overwhelmed or disconnected and don’t know where to start- you are not alone. The good news is, you don’t have to navigate your struggles alone.

The mental health team at Flying Horse Medical Center is here to support you with compassionate, comprehensive, and confidential care. We offer personalized treatment plans that include a combination of therapy and/or medication management. This is part of our holistic approach to wellness.

Let’s work together to break the stigma. Reach out today to schedule your mental health consultation and take the first step toward healing and hope.

Flying Horse Medical Center | Colorado Springs & Monument | Plastic Surgery

Your Health and Your Microbiome

What if we were to tell you that the secret to feeling your best lies not in medications or treatments, but within the trillions of tiny organisms living in your body? The team at Flying Horse Medical Center understands that true health comes from balance- inside and out.

Your microbiome, a vast ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, plays a critical role in your physical and mental well-being. When these elements are in harmony, they promote overall health and well-being. However, when things are even just slightly off-balance, the effects ripple throughout your body.

Let’s explore how nurturing your microbiome can improve your health and how we can work with you to support you on your journey to inner wellness.

What is Microbiome?

Microbiome is a collection of microorganisms- including bacteria, fungi, and viruses- that inhabit your body. They can be found on your skin, inside your mouth, and even in your respiratory tract. However, the largest and most important population resides in your gut.

The gut microbiome, which is located in your intestines, plays a critical role in the digestion process. It helps to break down complex foods, supports the production of vitamins including B12 and K, and promotes the absorption of nutrients. In addition to digestion, your microbiome regulates your immune system, protects you from harmful bacteria and infections.

How Microbiome Impacts Your Health

Your microbiome impacts several key functions within your body, including:

Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

Healthy bacteria break down fiber-rich foods that your stomach alone can’t digest. They also produce short-chain fatty acids, which support gut health.

Immune System Regulation

A balanced microbiome stimulates immune cells and helps your body recognize and fight harmful pathogens, reducing the risk of infections and inflammation.

Mental Health and the Gut-Brain Axis

The connection between your gut and brain, known as the gut-brain axis, reveals how your microbiome can impact mood and cognitive function. For example, gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which impact emotions and mental well-being. Research has shown that an imbalanced microbiome can lead to anxiety and depression.

The relationship between gut health and overall well-being highlights the need to care for your microbiome. Simple habits can increase your mental clarity, strengthen your immune response, and improve digestion.

Factors that Harm Your Microbiome

There are several lifestyle factors that can disrupt the balance of your microbiome:

Unhealthy Diet: Foods high in refined sugar and processed ingredients feed harmful bacteria and reduce the diversity of beneficial microbes.
Overuse of Antibiotics: While antibiotics are useful for fighting infections, they can also eliminate beneficial bacteria, weakening your microbiome’s defense system.
Chronic Stress and Poor Sleep: Prolonged stress and irregular sleep patterns can have a detrimental impact on the composition of gut bacteria, contributing to digestive problems and mood disorders.
Environmental Toxins: When your microbiome is out of balance, a condition known as dysbiosis, health issues such as inflammation, obesity, and mental health challenges may arise.

Tips for Supporting a Healthy Microbiome

There are several small, but impactful lifestyle changes you can make to support a healthy microbiome:

Eat a diverse, fiber-rich diet including vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. In addition, fermented products such as kimchi, kombucha, and yogurt introduce probiotics into your gut
Only take antibiotics when prescribed and follow the full course to minimize harm to your microbiome
Manage stress levels by incorporating mindfulness practices and exercise to reduce stress and promote healthy digestion
Consider including probiotics, which introduce good bacteria, and prebiotics, which nourish existing microbes

Making these adjustments to your diet and lifestyle can foster a healthy microbiome, which supports better digestion, immunity, and mental health.

Nurture Your Microbiome, Transform Your Life

Your microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining your health. These tiny organisms keep your body in balance from digestion to immunity to mental well-being. By prioritizing your gut health, you can optimize your microbiome and improve your overall well-being.

If you are interested in learning more about how to properly care for your microbiome, the holistic providers at Flying Horse Medical Center can help. Schedule your appointment today to learn more about how we can support you on your journey toward better health.

Category: Mental Health