Why is mental health awareness so important for yoga teachers?

In Australia, mental health problems are on the rise and can have a significant impact on a person’s life and those around them. In a recent national study on mental health, it was found that over two in five Australians aged 16-85 years have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their life – that is a significant number.

As yoga teachers we can therefore expect that potentially half of our students will fall under this statistic. Being aware of this and adapting our teaching to ensure we plan and teach our students in a way that supports and is accepting of mental ill-health is critical.

That is what our 2022 class of yoga teacher trainers have been learning at a recent weekend intensive in Newcastle. Our trainee teachers have been exploring the signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders and how to support students coming to a class with these disorders, including what to do if a student is suicidal.

They have also been learning about the significant role yoga can play in helping someone experiencing mental ill-health. Yoga can help reduce or balance the stress hormones in the body. An imbalance of these stress hormones has been associated with anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders and substance abuse. Through the tools of yoga, such as asana, pranayama, meditation, relaxation, mantra, and chanting, we can support students in the management of these disorders.

The trainee teachers also learnt some practical tools when setting up for a class and teaching a class to ensure they can create a safe space for all. A space that is inclusive, without competition, and non-judgemental to ensure that everyone can access the benefits of yoga.

Towards the end of this year Yogic Wisdom will have a group of yoga teacher graduates who are aware of the importance of mental health and can support those students coming to any of their classes with care and compassion.  

Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing