Mental Health FAQs
What is mental health?
Mental health is something we all have, and it relates to our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It shapes how we think, how we feel within ourselves, and how we respond to the world around us.
At different points in life, our mental health can feel strong and steady, and at other times it can feel more fragile or difficult to manage. This can be influenced by many things - life events, stress, relationships, physical health, or simply the pace of everyday life.
It’s important to remember that mental health isn’t fixed. It can change over time, and it deserves the same care, attention, and understanding as any other part of our wellbeing.
If you, or someone you love, are struggling with mental health, it’s important to know that support is available and you don’t have to go through it alone. You deserve to feel supported, heard, and understood.
You can find more guidance, resources, and support here.
Why is mental health important?
Mental health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, even though it’s something we don’t always talk about openly. It influences how we experience everyday life, from how we think and feel, to how we respond to challenges and connect with the people around us.
When your mental health feels supported, it can become easier to navigate the ups and downs that naturally come with life. Things like handling stress, maintaining relationships, and making decisions may feel more manageable, and you may feel more present and grounded in your day-to-day routine. It doesn’t mean everything feels perfect, but there can be a greater sense of steadiness and resilience.
On the other hand, when mental health is under strain, even small tasks can begin to feel overwhelming. You might find it harder to focus, feel more easily affected by stress, or struggle to enjoy things you would normally take comfort in. These experiences are more common than many people realise, and they’re a reminder of how closely mental health is tied to every part of our lives.
Looking after your mental health is not something separate from looking after your physical health, the two are deeply connected. Taking time to rest, seeking support when you need it, and being kind to yourself are all important parts of maintaining overall wellbeing.
How can mental health affect physical health?
The mind and body are closely connected, so changes in mental health can sometimes show up physically.
For example, during periods of stress or low mood, people might notice:
- Changes in sleep
- Tension in the body
- Digestive discomfort
- Lower energy levels
This doesn’t mean one directly causes the other, but they often influence each other.
Are stress and mental health related?
Yes, stress and mental health are closely connected, and it is something many people experience at different points in their lives.
Stress is a natural response to pressure, change, or uncertainty.
In small amounts, stress can be helpful, giving you the focus or motivation needed to deal with a challenge, meet a deadline, or respond to a situation. This kind of short term stress is a normal part of everyday life.
However, when stress becomes more constant, intense, or difficult to switch off from, it can begin to affect your mental and emotional wellbeing. You might start to feel overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, or mentally exhausted. Over time, ongoing stress can make it harder to relax, enjoy things, or feel like yourself.
It is also worth recognising that stress does not just affect the mind. It can show up physically too. Some people notice changes in sleep, energy levels, or tension in their body during more stressful periods. This is part of the body’s natural response, but it can become draining if it continues for a long time.
It is important to pay attention to how you are feeling and give yourself permission to slow down or seek support when you need it.
How much stress is too much stress?
There’s no single answer to this, because everyone’s capacity for stress is different. What feels manageable for one person might feel overwhelming for someone else.
However, a good way to identify if you’re experiencing “too much” stress is if:
- It feels constant or difficult to escape from
- You’re finding it hard to relax or switch off
- It’s affecting your sleep, mood, or daily routine
- You feel emotionally drained or unable to cope
If any of this resonates, it’s not something you have to carry on your own. We recommend that you seek lifestyle changes, support, and advice to reduce your stress levels.
Can stress cause headaches?
Some people notice that when they’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, they also experience physical symptoms like headaches or tension.
This can be linked to how the body responds to pressure, for example, through muscle tightness, changes in posture, or disrupted sleep. It’s one of the ways the body can signal that it might need rest or care.
If you’re experiencing frequent or severe headaches, it’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional to explore what might be contributing to them.
Where can I find support for mental health?
If you’re struggling, or supporting someone who is, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and support is available.
You might consider:
- Speaking with a GP or healthcare professional
- Talking to someone you trust, like a friend or family member
- Reaching out to organisations that offer confidential support
- In the UK, organisations like Mind and Samaritans are there to listen without judgement and can offer guidance and reassurance.
Taking that first step can feel difficult, but it’s so important that you take it.
What is Rushing Woman Syndrome?
“Rushing Woman Syndrome” is a term used to describe the mental, emotional, and physical impact of constantly being busy, under pressure, and always “on the go.” It was coined by Libby Weaver to reflect the experience many modern women face when juggling multiple roles and responsibilities.
It’s not a medical diagnosis, but rather a way of describing what can happen when the body is in a near-constant state of stress. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed, tired but wired, and like there’s never quite enough time to slow down or catch up.
Over time, this ongoing “rush” can affect how you feel both mentally and physically, sometimes showing up as:
- Feeling anxious or on edge
- Difficulty switching off or relaxing
- Low energy or burnout
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling emotionally stretched or overwhelmed
At its core, it’s often a reflection of long-term stress and nervous system imbalance, where the body stays in a heightened “fight or flight” state for extended periods.
How can you support your body?
If this resonates, it’s important to approach it with care and compassion. Slowing down, creating space for rest, and gently supporting your nervous system can all help you feel more grounded over time.
Blends like The Alchemist are designed to complement moments of calm, combining traditionally used herbs that are often associated with helping the body respond to everyday stress and restore a sense of balance.
This kind of support is best seen as a gentle addition to your routine, alongside rest, nourishment, and emotional support. If you’re feeling persistently overwhelmed, it’s always worth speaking with a healthcare professional for additional guidance.
Can Ashwagandha help with stress?
Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in traditional practices for many years and is described as an adaptogen. This is a term commonly used for herbs that are associated with helping the body respond to everyday stress and maintain a sense of balance.
Because of this, many people are drawn to Ashwagandha as a natural way to support their wellbeing, particularly during busy, demanding, or overwhelming periods. It is often included as part of a daily routine, alongside other supportive habits like rest, nourishment, and creating time to slow down.
Some people feel that incorporating herbal support like Ashwagandha helps them feel more grounded in their day to day lives. It is best approached as part of a broader, balanced approach to wellbeing, rather than something to rely on in isolation.
How does Astragalus support stress?
Astragalus is another herb with a long history of traditional use, often associated with supporting the body’s natural resilience.
Although it is not typically positioned as a direct stress remedy, many people take Astragalus during periods when life feels particularly full or demanding. Its traditional use centres around helping the body feel more supported and steadier over time. It may also help to deliver sustainable energy, helping you to feel more prepared to take on whatever the day brings.
As with all herbal approaches, it is best seen as something that can complement your routine, rather than replace other forms of care or support.
Are there any herbal supplements that help with anxiety?
Herbs of Grace offer a wide range of herbal supplements for stress and anxiety, but we do always advise that you speak to a healthcare professional if you feel that you are suffering with stress or mental health, as our supplements are designed as a supporting aid, not a cure.
For supporting anxiety, we recommend Ashwagandha, Astragalus, and The Veil.
While The Veil is designed as a sleep-focused herbal blend, sleep and anxiety are closely linked. For many people, anxious thoughts can feel more noticeable at night, especially when trying to relax or switch off.
Blends like this often include herbs traditionally used to support relaxation, such as valerian, passionflower, and hops. These are commonly associated with helping the body wind down and settle into a calmer state in the evening.
Because of this, The Veil may feel particularly supportive if anxiety shows up as a busy mind at night, difficulty switching off, or restless sleep. By encouraging a more relaxed wind-down and better rest, some people find they feel more balanced and better able to cope the following day.
Discover our full range of herbs for stress.