Holistic Approach in Mental Health Treatment
There is a growing trend in the mental health field towards a holistic approach to treatment. Read on to learn more.
What Causes Mental Health Conditions?
There are many different things that can cause mental health conditions. Some of the most common causes include drug and alcohol abuse, unemployment, domestic violence, physical injury, long-term stress, and social disadvantages, including poverty. Each person is unique and will respond to different causes in varying ways, potentially leading to a mental health condition.
Read on to learn more about the cause behind various mental health conditions and how you or a loved one can seek proper treatment.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Those who abuse drugs and alcohol are more likely to develop mental health conditions as well. It could be that the substances themselves cause changes in the brain that lead to mental illness, or it could be that people who are vulnerable to mental illness are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the symptoms of their mental condition.
It’s also possible that drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness are both the result of another underlying factor, such as trauma. Whatever the cause, it’s clear that there is a strong link between substance abuse and mental health problems.
Unemployment
Mental health conditions can be caused by several different factors, but unemployment is one of the most common. When someone loses their job, they often lose their sense of purpose, identity, and routine. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, intense stress, and isolation. Unemployed individuals are also at a greater risk for substance abuse. This is because they may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their feelings of stress and anxiety.
Substance abuse can then lead to even more mental health problems, creating a vicious cycle. Unemployment can also cause financial problems, which can add to the stress and anxiety that a person is feeling. This can make it difficult to afford treatment for mental health conditions, which can further worsen the problem.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can cause mental health conditions in a few ways. For one, it can cause immense stress and anxiety, which can lead to depression or other mood disorders. Additionally, domestic violence can also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as substance abuse problems.
If you have been a victim of domestic violence, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional as soon as possible. Domestic violence can have a serious impact on your mental health, and it is essential to get treatment as soon as possible.
Physical Injury
It’s well-known that physical injury can lead to mental health problems. But how does this happen? On one hand, the stress of the injury itself can be overwhelming and lead to anxiety or depression. Also, the pain of the injury can be so intense that it leads to PTSD. The physical changes that come with an injury can be so drastic and disorienting that they lead to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) as well. It’s important to remember that not everyone who experiences a physical injury will develop a mental health condition. But if you do, know that you’re not alone and there is help available.
Long-Term Stress
When we experience long-term stress, our bodies go into a state of constant fight-or-flight. This means that our sympathetic nervous system is constantly activated, which can lead to several physical and mental health problems. Some of the most common mental health problems associated with long-term stress include anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Long-term stress can also lead to physical health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.
Social Disadvantage
The mental health of an individual is shaped by the conditions in which they were born. Environmental and economic conditions impact a person’s outlook and perspective, which in turn can affect mental health outcomes. Poverty and deprivation are key determinants of children’s social and behavioral outcomes. People who live in poverty tend to have poor physical health when compared with those in middle- or upper-class households, and this can be due to the lack of access to health care and the inability to afford quality care. 1
What is a Holistic Approach to Mental Health?
A holistic approach to health means considering the whole person, including their mind, body, and spirit. It is about creating balance in all areas of life and recognizing that everything is connected. When it comes to our health, we often focus on one specific area, such as our physical well-being. But true health requires a balance of all aspects of our lives. This includes our mental and emotional health, as well as our spiritual well-being.
Benefits of a Holistic Approach
A holistic approach to mental health allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the patient’s situation and can lead to more targeted and effective treatment. This approach can be beneficial for both the practitioner and the patient. However, it is important to note that a holistic approach should not be used as a replacement for traditional mental health treatment. Rather, it should be used in conjunction with it. Every individual is unique, meaning the holistic approach to mental health will look different for each person. 2
What Are Some Benefits of a Holistic Approach to Mental Health?
A holistic approach to mental health considers all aspects of a person’s life, including their habits and lifestyle, diet and physical activity, stress and anxiety levels, and the natural healing abilities of their body. This approach can have many benefits, including reducing symptoms of depression, promoting happy and healthy living, and helping the body to heal itself. 3
Habits and Lifestyle
A great benefit of utilizing a holistic approach is positive changes in lifestyle and habits. As we focus on our overall well-being, we are more likely to make healthy choices that benefit our physical and mental health.
Diet and Physical Activity
A holistic approach to mental health recognizes that the mind and body are interconnected and can impact each other. For example, someone who is struggling with their mental health may not have the energy or motivation to make healthy choices in their diet or exercise routine. Conversely, someone who is eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise may find that their mental health improves as a result. Diet and physical activity are just one part of the puzzle when we approach health and mental well-being holistically.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
One of the most important benefits of a holistic approach to mental health is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety. By considering all aspects of a person’s life, potential sources of stress and anxiety can be identified and addressed. This can lead to a reduction in overall stress and anxiety levels, as well as an improvement in mental health overall.
Improvement of the Natural Healing Abilities
A holistic approach often includes natural therapies such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage. These therapies can help to reduce stress, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. This can ultimately lead to a decrease in symptoms and an improvement in overall health.
Lessening of Depression Symptoms
A holistic approach to mental health can be an effective way to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress. By considering the whole person, this approach can provide a more comprehensive and holistic treatment plan. This can ultimately lead to improved mental health and well-being.
Happy and Healthy Living
A holistic approach to mental health means considering all aspects of a person’s life when contemplating their mental well-being. This includes looking at physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. The more in sync all these parts become the more likely a person will be able to lead a happy and healthy life.
We can get a better understanding of what might be causing someone distress or difficulty, and this knowledge can then be used to develop programs or support structures that can reduce the likelihood of these problems developing. It also allows us to develop more targeted and effective interventions.
What Are Some of the Clinical Approaches in Holistic Mental Health?
There are a variety of clinical approaches that can be taken in holistic mental health. These include medications, dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle changes. Each approach has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to discuss with your doctor what would be best for you or your loved one. 4
Medications
Medications can help to stabilize mood and alleviate symptoms, but they can also have side effects. Using medications in conjunction with other healing modalities is the goal.
Dietary Changes
Modifying your diet to include whole foods, including grains, fruit, and vegetables, can help to improve overall health and well-being.
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements can provide additional support for the body and should be used alongside other approaches.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and relaxation techniques, can also be helpful in managing symptoms and promoting overall health.
Holistic Addiction Treatment Methods at Essence Healthcare
At Essence Healthcare, we know that each individual has a unique set of circumstances, needs, and expectations. We curate each treatment plan to fit those specifications. Reach out today to begin your personalized healing journey.
Resources
- https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookuptitle=Does+Money+in+Adulthood+Affect+Adult+Outcomes?&publication_year=2015& </>
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618172/#:~:text=Such%20holistic%20approaches%20are%20characterized,health%20and%20are%20cost%2Deffective.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618172/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456435/
