Why you should consider holistic approach to Mental Health
Your physical health is not the only thing that matters, when it comes to your overall health and well-being. Holistic approach to mental health is very important in this regard, because your mental health can have an impact on your physical health, as well as vice versa. When you are not healthy in both of these aspects of your life, the other can suffer tremendously as well.
Understand what modern medicine can offer
Medicine has made some incredible advances in recent years and it is important not to be afraid of going to see your doctor.
Your doctor can provide you with many resources, such as medication and therapy, that can help you manage mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Because not all health professionals have specialized training in treating mental illness, it is helpful to start by seeing a professional, who can refer you if needed.
If you find that medications are helping, but they come with unwanted side effects, your doctor might recommend different medications or dosages.
It is also likely that, there will be times when they ask, if psychotherapy is an option for you apart from medicines.
Explore different treatment methods
Ask any healthcare professional, and they will tell you that treatment methods vary depending on the patient.
If you want to fully explore treatment options, consider consulting your healthcare provider.
Alternatively, try discussing different treatments with friends and family members who have experienced similar symptoms.
Write down what worked for them and why so you can discuss it with your doctor in greater detail later. Remember: There’s no right or wrong way to approach mental health issues, just different ways of getting better. It’s up to you (and your healthcare provider) to find out which treatment is best for you.
Focus on self-care strategies
Even though you’re seeking professional help, it is important to remember that being in therapy is also about improving yourself and your life.
Remember that every time you go into therapy. It can be helpful for therapists to have their clients share some of their favorite self-care strategies as well as how they deal with stress and anxiety on a daily basis.
After all, having effective tools at your disposal will make it easier for you (and your therapist) to navigate through difficult situations.
This might include tactics like talking things out with friends and family, exercising regularly, meditation, or making sure you take adequate breaks throughout your day (for example: giving yourself permission to not check your phone every five minutes).
Exercise, eat well, and meditate
The foundation of better mental health is not something you can get from popping a pill or seeing a therapist for an hour once every two weeks.
Instead, it requires small changes in your daily routine changes that are so easy, most people do not bother making them.
That is, until you start feeling stressed out, anxious, and/or depressed. According to NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health), 75% of all people who experience one or more mental illnesses turn to exercise when looking for help.
The National Institute on Aging also says that exercising regularly can reduce stress levels and depression by at least 40%.
Find time in your schedule, whether it be early morning or late at night to take advantage of exercise’s mood-boosting benefits.
Supplement your body and mind with natural remedies
Several natural supplements are effective for combating mental health conditions.
Vitamin B6 has been shown to improve mood in people with depression.
Omega-3 is critical for healthy brain development and function, as well as overall heart health.
There is even evidence that fish oil supplements can reduce symptoms of ADHD (Attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorder) and anxiety in children, teens, and adults.
The key here is balance. More is not always better, there is research showing that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids can be harmful in certain cases.
And it is still important to follow all directions when taking any supplement (regardless of what they are being taken for), even if it seems like there is nothing at stake or any potential risk involved.
Change your mindset about recovery.
If you are anything like me, it can be hard to envision what life is going to be like when you become sober.
It seems almost magical as if a magical door opens up in your brain and suddenly, everything is great, But it is not that simple.
The truth is that life is only perfect for people who are clean for a day or two at most.
The long-term reality of recovery is not so glorious, it is just hard work.
I wish I could say otherwise, but there it is getting clean and staying clean means you have to do some things differently than other people.
And those things take effort and commitment every single day of your life for the rest of your life.
Learn how to cope with difficult emotions like grief
It can be difficult to cope with grief. During bereavement (the death of a relative or close friend), it is normal for people to feel angry, frustrated and overwhelmed by their feelings.
In addition, they may feel anxious about coping with their future. It is natural to want someone else or something outside of ourselves to help take away these feelings but often our efforts will not make us feel better immediately.
Your thoughts and feelings are natural reactions that happen as you work through your grief; you do not have to learn how to deal with them overnight.
Take care of yourself without harming yourself.
Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in our pursuits, goals, and dreams that we stop caring for ourselves.
Whether it is physically, mentally, or emotionally, it is important to recognize when you need self-care.
If you find yourself feeling down often, upset at everything and nothing in particular for no reason at all, or anything else that is impacting your quality of life negatively take action.
See a doctor if necessary. Take time off from whatever is stressing you out.
Allocate proper time into your schedule just for yourself every day where you can do what makes you happy.
Maybe it is sitting by yourself on your porch with hot chocolate watching the sunset.
Conclusion
It is time to recognize that mental health issues are just as real and just as serious as any other illness.
Taking care of your mind is just as important if not more so than taking care of your body.
A holistic approach to mental health is one way, we can help ourselves stay mentally healthy and function at our best; because it is not only about giving yourself proper treatment, but also about giving yourself what you need mentally in order to get better and thrive in all areas of life.
For more details please visit at www.nirajhealth.com