Ask The Expert: Mental Fitness

Dr Nick Prior is an NHS doctor specialising in mental health, and the co-founder and chief medical officer of mental fitness app, Minderful

How did you become an expert in mental health? Most important has been my lived experience—my own diagnosis of bipolar and witnessing my mother having bipolar through my childhood. Mental health has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. That’s what’s given me the motivation and passion to become a psychiatrist.

What is mental fitness?

Looking after the mind applies to everyone, like physical fitness. It lies between mental wellbeing and mental health. We take the accessible, engaging approach of wellbeing and the rigorous science of mental health, leaving behind the stigma. It’s embracing things all of us can do to make us happier and build resilience, whether that’s making a cup of herbal tea, bird-watching or taking a cold shower.

How can mental fitness help people? It’s a way of finding coping

Can you share some practical ways to maintain mental fitness? Find a tenminute window and focus on your breathing. How few breaths a minute can you take? Stop and make a cup of mint tea. Thermal shocks—a cold shower in the morning or a hot bath at night—jog the nervous system into a relaxation state. Reconnect with nature—plan a trip to the countryside and go foraging or wild swimming, or bring nature to your home with house plants or a rock collection.

When should people seek further help? Once you’re unwell it’s often too late. Try not to be scared to ask for help from your GP or a charity like Mind. Ask people you love and trust, “Am I OK?”. Talk about it. You’re not alone; mental illness happens to lots of brilliant, wonderful people.

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For more information, visit minderful.com