​A Holistic Approach to Mental Health: Embracing Naturopathic & Natural Medicine Options

It is estimated that 1 out of 5 people live with mental health issues. Starting an open dialogue about mental wellness is crucial. Mental health is whole body health. One is not more important than the other, they are dependent upon one another. According to “No health without mental health” in The Lancet, “Mental disorders increase the risk for communicable and non-communicable diseases and contribute to unintentional and intentional injury. Conversely, many health conditions increase the risk for mental disorder, and comorbidity complicates help-seeking, diagnosis, and treatment, and influences prognosis.” This means that having a mental illness increases your risk of becoming sick and developing chronic disease, and that your physical health impacts your mental health.

If you have ever struggled with mental health issues, you may have received a prescription from your medical or mental health provider. Pharmaceuticals serve as the main and sometimes only treatment of these issues in a conventional model. They can be absolutely necessary and lifesaving in certain situations. But there is more to consider. Have you ever wondered why we have mental illnesses? What factors contribute to them? Have you ever thought, “There has to be more to this picture?”

There are a multitude of factors that affect our mental health. Factors including genetics and environmental exposures play a role. Some things that can affect a person’s mental health are:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Injury or trauma
• Gut Health & the intestinal microbiome
• Stress
• Poor sleep habits
• Toxins
• Infections 
• Inflammation
• Hormonal imbalances
• Genetics
• Systemic disparities and generational trauma

Each mental illness can look very different. Remember we are all bio-individuals! Here are some signs you or someone you know could use some support:

• Extensive fear and worrying
• Hyper-vigilance 
• Low mood for long stretches of time
• Changes in eating habits
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Extreme mood changes
• Physical ailments with no obvious cause
• Avoiding people or normal activities
• Numbing with or overusing drugs or alcohol
• Thinking about harming self or others
• Trouble thinking or concentrating
• Changes in sex drive

It's important to consider the root cause, rather than just masking the symptoms, when it comes to both physical and mental health. Used in combination with treatment provided by mental health counselors and other providers, the Naturopathic approach to integrative mental health examines many factors that contribute to your whole-person well-being. It supports your natural healing ability, promotes physical health, encourages healthy habits, and, when pharmaceutical intervention is necessary, helps to minimize medication side effects. When you work with qualified practitioners and address underlying issues, you can help support your body’s and mind’s optimal functioning. There are numerous treatment options available, and I encourage you to explore an integrative approach to your mental health. To support mental wellness, factors such as nutrition, exercise, relationships, spirituality, life stressors, and sleep need to be examined. 

Areas of focus to increase mental well-being naturally:

• Nutritional and supplemental interventions
• Counseling
• Self-care
• Lifestyle and habit upgrades
• Homeopathy
• Herbal remedies
• Breath and bodywork
• Movement and exercises like yoga and Qi Gong

 

Need to talk?
 
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Text or Call 988
 
NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Illness
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Text “helpline” to 62640 
 
NAMI: Teen & Young Adult Helpline
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Text “Friend” to 62640
 
SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
National Helpline
1-800-662-help
 
National Eating Disorders Association
Call 988
Text “NEDA” to 741741
 


Wishing you peace and vitality,
Vanessa S., contributor 


Remember folks, this blog is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician! Always consult your licensed healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen. 

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