Holistic Approaches To Your Mental Health

People suffering from depression and anxiety have to regularly manage many emotional and functional challenges. Therefore, identifying these difficulties is one of the significant advantages of a holistic approach to mental health. 

In a holistic approach to mental health, the patient is at the center of the treatment plan, not their symptoms or diagnosis. In other words, a holistic approach addresses the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs of a patient. However, it does not mean that medicine is completely avoided. On the contrary, medication also plays a vital role in holistic care and is complemented by therapeutic activities such as group therapy, talk therapy, mindfulness, and art therapy. 

What Are The Different Kinds Of Holistic Mental Health Treatments?

Holistic care in mental health takes a whole-body approach to heal the person’s mind, body, and soul. It not only takes into account your diagnosis but everything within the body. These are the most common types of holistic treatments used:

Talk Therapy

In talk therapy, the person meets with a certified mental health therapist personally, during which they work on various concerns, mental health symptoms, and behaviors. Talk therapy proves very beneficial in alleviating emotional and mental health symptoms and helping people to resolve personal issues.

Art Therapy

As the name suggests, art therapy allows people to express themselves and their behaviors through sketching, painting, and journaling. In addition, it is often used to bring light to the deeper subconscious emotions. 

Group Therapy

Another popular method is group therapy. People get feedback and support from other people with similar mental health experiences or diagnoses. In simple words, it’s much more like talk therapy, but the only difference is that you’re getting the entire group and not just one professional. 

Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness helps people build awareness about their diagnosis and experiences and become more active in their present lives. Moreover, people can set an intention to bring attention to their emotions and sensations to work on their emotions in a non-judgemental manner. 

Yoga Therapy

Through a combination of breathwork, yoga poses, meditation, and guided imagery, yoga therapy increases the body-mind connection, flexibility, self-awareness, and most importantly, improves physical and mental health. It can also help with back pain, anxiety, depression, and stress.

Why Is A Holistic Approach So Important?

The major advantage of adopting a holistic approach is that it helps improve overall well-being and not just physical symptoms. Moreover, it is incredibly effective in eradicating anxiety, mood swings, and depression. Besides this, the holistic approach helps the mind become a healing tool to prepare the mind to respond differently to a given situation. This is especially helpful if someone is experiencing anxiety disorder or panic attacks as they can train their minds against any provoking stimulus. 

Holistic Activities And Their Advantages

Exercise

Working out regularly has numerous benefits, including a fit and active body, improved concentration, a distraction from negative thoughts, enhanced sleep quality, and improved self-esteem. 

Meditation 

Meditation is the method of preparing the mind to create awareness of an object, an activity, or anything that causes a relaxed and calm state. 

Nutrition 

“Food can impact mood.” Diet has a huge impact on a person’s mood and mental health. Therefore, one should eat food items that enhance mental health, such as oily fish, yogurt, fruits and veggies, whole-grain bread, low-fat dairy, nuts, and seeds. Some supplements are also given along with a proper diet, such as vitamins, herbs, oils, and certain enzymes prescribed by professionals. 

Tips For Taking Care Of Mind, Body, And Spirit

Read More Often

Reading isn’t only for book lovers; you can read or learn a new language, culture, or anything that interests you. Reading helps open up the mind to new possibilities. You can also take online classes or attend workshops. 

Spend Some Time Outside

If you’re spending too much time indoors, this is the time to step out and explore new things. Plan hiking, picnics, boating, foraging for wild foods, outdoor sports, camping, and lunch with your friends. 

Cut Out Major Stress Sources

The key to keeping your mind and soul happy is staying away from situations or people that bring unnecessary stress to your life. This includes excessive spending, the job you hate, clutter, or unhealthy relationships.

Opt For Natural Remedies

With the proper guidance of a holistic health practitioner, you can opt for natural remedies in your healing process. Certain herbs, some right foods, and a few essential oils have numerous healing properties and fewer side effects than most medicines used.

Spend Time With Your Loved Ones

No matter how busy you are, always make time for the people who matter to you. Spend the weekend with your friends, plan holidays, visit your parents, or take time to call and check on them daily. 

The Bottom Line

Experiencing mental health issues or drug and alcohol abuse can impact all aspects of someone’s life. For those who wish to adopt a holistic approach to mental health, it’s advisable to start small. Firstly, talk to your primary care physician or a professional counselor you trust. They can suggest the right direction and even provide you with resources to help you get started.