Nurturing mental health.
Cultivating Growth and Wellbeing: Insights from Dr. Nzinga Harrison
Dr. Nzinga Harrison, psychiatrist, addiction medicine specialist, author of Un-Addiction, and founder of Eleanor Health, shares a powerful message on Brave New Girls podcast: growth and wellbeing are deeply interconnected, and true personal growth stems from recognising our vulnerabilities, seeking help, and nurturing our mental health. In her work and advocacy, Dr. Harrison emphasises that wellbeing isn’t just the absence of illness—it’s a dynamic state of physical, mental, and emotional balance that requires ongoing care and attention.
Throughout her career, Dr. Harrison has helped people overcome addiction and mental health challenges using strategies rooted in compassion, connection, and understanding. By addressing the biological, psychological, and environmental factors that affect our wellbeing, she shows that growth is a lifelong journey of continuous learning, healing, and self-compassion.
In her conversation on the Brave New Girls podcast, Dr. Harrison shared a profound message about how we can all incorporate these principles into our daily lives. She highlighted the importance of being honest about our struggles and recognizing that change does not happen in isolation. Growth, much like recovery, is a process that thrives on support, community, and vulnerability.
Growth Begins with Vulnerability
According to Dr. Harrison, one of the most crucial elements of personal growth is vulnerability. She explains that it takes immense courage to admit when we are struggling or in need of help. Growth begins when we allow ourselves to be honest about the challenges we face, whether they are related to mental health, addiction, relationships, or self-worth.
Dr. Nzinga emphasises that our growth and wellbeing are shaped by multiple factors—biological, psychological, and environmental. For instance, some people may have a genetic predisposition to certain mental health challenges or substance use disorders, while others may be deeply impacted by past traumas or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These factors contribute to our overall risk for struggles, but they also provide an opportunity for healing and growth.
By acknowledging our vulnerabilities and reaching out for support, we begin the journey of healing. This willingness to be vulnerable is what opens the door to growth and the opportunity to cultivate a deeper sense of wellbeing.
Building a Supportive Environment for Growth
Another key element of growth and wellbeing, is creating a supportive environment that encourages healing. Whether it's seeking professional help, leaning on loved ones, or participating in community-based support groups, growth requires connection. No one can do it alone.
Dr. Nzinga also speaks about the importance of addressing environmental factors that may affect our wellbeing. For example, living in an environment where there is constant stress or lack of resources can make it more difficult to prioritize self-care and growth. By recognizing these barriers and seeking ways to create a more supportive environment—whether by changing routines, seeking new social circles, or finding professional guidance—we can create the conditions necessary for wellbeing.
Embracing the Process of Growth
Growth, like recovery, is not a linear process. Dr. Nzinga encourages us to be patient with ourselves and to recognize that setbacks are part of the journey. Much like how she teaches her patients in addiction recovery to view relapse not as failure but as part of the learning process, she reminds us that personal growth requires time, compassion, and self-reflection.
By embracing a growth mindset, we can shift our focus from immediate results to long-term wellbeing. This mindset encourages us to see challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement, rather than obstacles that derail our progress.
Here are three Young Living essential oils that could support mental health, growth, and wellbeing:
Lavender – Known for its calming and relaxing properties, lavender can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a sense of balance. Its soothing effects on the nervous system make it a great oil to nurture mental health and emotional resilience.
Frankincense – This oil is often used for meditation and mindfulness practices. It can promote spiritual growth and emotional healing, fostering a deep sense of inner peace and clarity. Frankincense is excellent for supporting mental focus and grounding during times of emotional stress or growth.
Bergamot – With its uplifting and mood-boosting properties, bergamot can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. It encourages positivity and self-acceptance, promoting mental and emotional wellbeing, which is essential for personal growth and overcoming obstacles.
These oils, combined with the strategies discussed by Dr. Harrison, can form part of a holistic approach to mental health and emotional wellbeing. They can be used in various ways, such as diffusing them, applying them topically (diluted as needed), or incorporating them into meditative or therapeutic practices. Each blend has specific properties that can support emotional well-being, aiding in the journey from suffering to a place of safety, purpose, and healing. I am a Brand Partner with Young Living if you wish to order these oil blends at a discount.
Do you want to join our next Brave New Girls Wellbeing Growth Retreat? Find out more.
Ten actionable steps for personal wellbeing growth:
Here are ten actionable steps based on Dr. Nzinga’s insights that you can use to incorporate growth and wellbeing strategies into your daily life:
Acknowledge Your Challenges: Growth begins with recognizing the areas of your life that need attention. Be honest with yourself about where you are struggling and where you want to improve.
Seek Support: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals for support. Growth happens in connection with others.
Prioritize Self-Care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health by setting aside time for activities that replenish you, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Growth requires patience and grace.
Create a Supportive Environment: Assess your surroundings and make changes where possible to support your wellbeing. This might mean reducing stress at home, setting boundaries, or finding a new routine.
Embrace Vulnerability: Be open about your fears and challenges, both with yourself and others. Vulnerability is a gateway to connection and growth.
Set Realistic Goals: Break your growth goals into manageable steps, and celebrate small victories along the way.
Recognize Setbacks as Learning Opportunities: Don’t view setbacks as failures. Instead, reflect on what they can teach you and how they can help you grow.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Seek out relationships and communities that encourage growth, support your goals, and provide emotional nourishment.
Commit to Lifelong Growth: Growth doesn’t end once you’ve achieved a goal. Commit to continuous self-improvement and remain open to learning new things.
Dr. Nzinga Harrison’s strategies for growth and wellbeing focus on vulnerability, support, and self-compassion, helping us cultivate balance in daily life.
If you have worries around life’s juggles & health challenges, and want to grow a healthier, happier life, work with your Wellbeing Coach Lou Hamilton who will guide you through the steps you need to take, to get to where you want to be.
See which bespoke coaching programme works for you & we can tailor them further to your growth needs.