Around 1 in 4 adults in England experience a mental health challenge each year, a quiet reminder that none of us are alone in the ups and downs of emotional health.
On World Mental Health Day, we’re taking a moment at HybO2 House in Winchester to reflect on how small, consistent steps in self-care can make a profound difference.
Among the many wellness options available today, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and red-light therapy (RLT) are emerging as gentle yet powerful tools to support mood, focus and emotional balance.
Oxygen therapy & mental health: How HBOT supports the brain
Our brains use over 20% of the body’s oxygen supply, and when oxygen levels drop, we can feel foggy, fatigued or emotionally flat. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by delivering near-pure oxygen under pressure, allowing the body and the brain, to absorb more of what it needs to function clearly and calmly.
Research suggests HBOT can help by:
- Reducing inflammation, now recognised as a contributing factor in depression and burnout.
- Supporting neuroplasticity, the brains’ ability to adapt, repair and form new pathways.
- Boosting mental clarity and focus, helping to restore balance after periods of stress or fatigue.
- A 2024 Nature study reported that participants who underwent HBOT experience significant improvements in both physical and emotional wellbeing compared with control groups.
Red light therapy & mood: The science of light and calm
Just as sunlight helps lift our spirits, red light therapy uses precise wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular energy and balance key mood-regulating hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
Clinical research has shown that RLT can:
- Enhance serotonin production, supporting a more stable mood.
- Improve sleep quality, vital for emotional regulation.
- Reduce symptoms of low mood and anxiety, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD
In one review, light therapy was found to create rapid improvements in depressive symptoms in individuals with SAD.
Finding balance through light and oxygen
Both oxygen and light therapies work by helping the body return to balance, reducing oxidative stress, improving circulation and restoring the natural rhythm of calm. clients at HybO2 House often describe leaving their sesssions feeling lighter, clearer and more grounded – benefits that extend far beyond the physical.
Experience HBOT and red light therapy in Winchester
Discover how hyperbaric oxygen therapy and red light therapy can support your mood, energy and overall wellbeing at HybO@ House, Winchester’s leading wellness clinic.
Book your Experience here or call our in-house team on 01962 862 111
Your path to calm, clarity and balance begins here.