Knitting for Your Mental Health

For those of you that don't know I have degree is in psychology from The University of Liverpool & after graduating trained as a drugs councillor whilst working full time then the recession hit. There's not an awful lot left of the centre I worked in but this goes to explain why I love learning about all things mental health related.

I Knit So I Don't Unravel...

It's always been a well known fact that knitting has numerous health benefits but it wasn't until I was approached by Edge Hill University to take part in their Mental Health Awareness Week that I look deeper into it and past a Buzzfeed post.

I was recommended a book called Knit for Health & Wellness by Betsan Corkhill and it is a fascinating read!

A lot of research has been conducted over the last ten years and in a nut shell the benefits include:

* Reduced blood pressure

* Combats clinical depression

* Helps manage pain

* Helps manage stress

* Strengthens the immune system

* Associated with a lower risk of dementia

* Causes a meditative state

* Helps with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

* Helps with boredom/comfort eating

* Helps with social anxiety disorders

* Enhances mood & much more!

Knitting just three times a week for 30 minutes is all that is needed to start seeing these great effects provided that you are not working on something horrendously difficult that can cause most of these problems! Its a good balance...

If you are shy or anxious in social situations, joining a knitting group might be of help as knitting is one of those rare things that's allows you to have a conversation with someone without making eye contact. Theirs is normally a lot of laughter at knitting groups as well which is contagious and a great mood booster.

So why are all crafter's not the most perfectly balanced people in the world? I'm not. Stress is my middle name (it's actually Kate but there you go..)Well the idea is that it helps, it's not a cure, an there are many other contributing factors involved with dealing with mental health but it's a start and it's a creative, personal start that we can all make.

For more information see: www.stitchlinks.co.uk

If you suffer from any mental health issues please speak to a professional. 

These views are those found in the research of one book and are not meant to be conclusive, just an element.

Information on learning to knit & the Girl On Purl Action craft group can be found here!