In the United States, more than 15.4 million adults receive some form of mental health treatment. Traditional methods include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medications and exposure therapy.
Another approach is holistic mental health treatment. Instead of concentrating on a specific symptom, the holistic approach focuses on the person as a whole, including their mental, physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. This allows the therapist to address the root cause of the mental health issue.
A holistic approach may combine traditional therapies with natural treatment methods to create a more comprehensive wellness plan. This article defines the holistic mental health treatment approach and explains how it can enhance your overall wellness.
Integrating Physical Health for Mental Wellness
The mind-body connection refers to the relationship between our thoughts, feelings and physical well-being. Mind-body wellness strategies make the connection between the two with activities that benefit both. Exercise, sleep and nutrition impact physical health and mental wellness. When we exercise, we improve our physical fitness. However, exercise also releases endorphins, which help improve our mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Eating a well-balanced diet supports brain health, while poor nutrition can affect your mood.
Stress can also affect both your physical and mental health. High-stress times can trigger anxiety and depression and increase cortisol in the body. High levels of cortisol can cause high blood pressure, weight gain, increased blood sugar and bone loss. Chronic health conditions can also make mental health issues worse. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, cancer and multiple sclerosis, can trigger depression.
The Role of Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being
Emotional wellness refers to how well you can adapt and manage life’s stresses. Someone emotionally healthy has a positive outlook on life, takes care of themselves and is willing to ask for help when needed. Spirituality refers to the connection with a higher power. Emotional wellness and spirituality provide multiple benefits and offer a natural approach to mental health treatment.
- Improving emotional health. The foundation of holistic mental health treatment is emotional health. Professional counseling and therapy can improve your mental well-being by teaching you ways to deal with negativity. It can also find the source of your anxiety and depression. Activities like journaling can help you healthily process your emotions.
- Discovering meaning and purpose. Spirituality can help you find purpose and meaning in your life. Meditation and prayer provide hope, inner peace and a sense of belonging.
Benefits of Complementary Therapies
There are hundreds of complementary therapies that may be used with or without traditional Western medicine. Each type provides its own set of benefits. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Massage. Massage therapy involves moving the soft tissues to alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress and promote healing. This form of manual therapy is useful for those with heart disease, stomach problems and anxiety. It also improves sleep, improves immune function and lessens fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Reflexology. Reflexology involves applying gentle pressure on various parts of the body, especially on specific points on the feet and hands, to reduce anxiety, pain and fatigue.
- Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts to help improve your health and well-being. This holistic mental health treatment can help improve an individual’s sleep quality, relieve stress, make it easier to breathe and reduce some types of pain. These oils may be applied topically with a carrier oil or diffused and inhaled.
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture is an alternative form of medicine where thin needles are inserted into different areas. The needles stimulate the central nervous and immune systems by releasing endorphins. Benefits include reduced pain and tension.
- Chiropractic. Chiropractic care is provided by a licensed chiropractor. These professionals use their hands to realign the spine, bones, muscles and joints in the body to help promote healing. Heat, ice, exercise and relaxation techniques may also be used in conjunction with chiropractic care.
- Herbal medicine. Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to provide nutrition and reduce symptoms of illness. This holistic treatment uses plants, including flowers, roots and bark, to treat disease and illnesses. Some herbs known to reduce stress and anxiety include chamomile, lemon balm, lavender and ashwagandha.
Building a Personalized Holistic Care Plan Through Mind-Body Wellness Strategies
Creating a personalized holistic mental health treatment plan requires a comprehensive approach to care. What works for some may not work for others, but you can customize the plan to work for you.
- Assessing your needs. Visit your physician for a complete health assessment. Evaluate your personal mental health needs and identify any patterns and behaviors that contribute to stress and anxiety.
- Create an eating plan. One of the cornerstones of a holistic treatment plan is good nutrition. Work with a nutritionist or do your research to create a plan that addresses specific dietary needs. Choose foods that reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing processes, such as fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, nuts and seeds and olive oil. Probiotics can help improve your gut health and support the immune system.
- Set goals. Define goals for your mental health. This may include establishing a sleep routine, improving physical relationships and reducing stress.
- Establish a routine. Create a daily routine that supports your goals. This may include regular exercise, setting specific mealtimes and going to bed at a certain hour each night.
- Seek professional help. Talk to your doctor or health care provider for recommendations on holistic mental health treatments. You can even seek out a holistic treatment provider to help you develop a personalized care plan. This plan may include integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies and massage therapy.
- Regular monitoring and adjustments. Be flexible when it comes to your care plan. A holistic treatment plan is an ongoing process that requires regular adjustments as your health changes or improves. Keep follow-up appointments with your doctor and follow any medical advice given to you.
Getting Help
If you or someone you love struggles with mental health issues, we can help. Contact Sun Health Center to speak to one of our counselors who can provide information on our available treatment options.
