10/10/2023 A Holistic Approach to Mental Health: Embracing Naturopathic & Natural Medicine OptionsRead Now 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:
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:
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:
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. Comments are closed.
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THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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