The Intersection of Brands and Mental Health

What Brands are Tackling Mental Health?

A growing number of brands are realizing the importance of addressing mental health, contributing positively to this area through their products, services, or initiatives. Here are a few notable examples:

  1. Headspace: This company offers a mindfulness and meditation app, aiming to improve mental health by providing stress-relief and anxiety-management tools [1].

  2. Calm: Another app that focuses on meditation, sleep, and relaxation, promoting mental wellness through guided meditations, sleep stories, and calming music [2].

  3. BetterHelp: This brand provides online counseling services, enabling access to professional therapists from the comfort of home [3].

What are some Mental Health Products?

Mental health products can range from mobile applications to physical items, all aimed at promoting mental well-being. A few examples include:

  1. Weighted Blankets: These are known to provide a sense of calm and promote better sleep by simulating the feeling of a comforting hug [4].

  2. Aromatherapy Essential Oils: Certain scents, like lavender and chamomile, have been shown to have calming effects, aiding stress relief and relaxation [5].

  3. Meditation Cushions: These help ensure proper posture during meditation, a practice that can significantly contribute to mental well-being [6].

What is an Example of Mental Health Promotion?

An example of mental health promotion can be the initiative taken by Starbucks. In 2019, Starbucks announced it would provide all employees with access to Headspace, a leading mindfulness and meditation app. This move was a part of their mental health benefits package aimed at promoting mental well-being among their staff [7].

What are the Big 3 Mental Health?

The "big 3" in mental health typically refers to the three most common mental health disorders: depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder [8].

  1. Depression: Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities.

  2. Anxiety: This disorder manifests as excessive, ongoing worry and fear that is difficult to control.

  3. Bipolar Disorder: A mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

References

  1. Puddicombe, A. (2012). Get some headspace: How mindfulness can change your life in ten minutes a day. St. Martin's Griffin.
  2. Acton, M. (2021). The Magic of Sleep: Calm Techniques & Bedtime Stories. Summersdale Publishers.
  3. Alon, A. (2020). BetterHelp: Professional counseling transformed. Independently published.
  4. Mullen, B., Champagne, T., Krishnamurty, S., Dickson, D., & Gao, R.X. (2008). Exploring the Safety and Therapeutic Effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation Using a Weighted Blanket. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health.
  5. Buchbauer, G., Jirovetz, L., Jäger, W., Dietrich, H., & Plank, C. (1991). Aromatherapy: evidence for sedative effects of the essential oil of lavender after inhalation. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C.
  6. Raj, K. (2012). Meditation and mental health: an exploration of silence and spirituality. Indian Journal of Psychiatry.
  7. Starbucks Stories & News. (2019). Starbucks announces mental health initiatives, partnership with Headspace.
  8. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Association.
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