Mental health disorders should be evaluated by a mental health professional, and alternative therapies should be engaged in with caution. Alternative therapies work best when they are part of a complete treatment process that involves consultations with mental health professionals. A number of different alternative therapies have been tried over the years as ways to reduce the symptoms of mental health disorders.
Ancient Therapies
According to MayoClinic.com, although herbs are used by some people to treat mental health disorders, clinical research about their benefits and risks is limited, so they should used with caution. One herb commonly used to treat depression is St. John's wort, but it has been know to negatively interact with antidepressants, notes MayoClinic.com, so patients need to discuss any potential drug interactions with their health care provider. Acupuncture has also been known to reduce the symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder, reports MayoClinic.com.
Physical Activity
Engaging in regular exercise is often used as a way to treat and prevent mental health disorders, notes HelpGuide.org. Exercise has been effective at reducing the symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or AHDH. Engaging in physical activity causes the body to release mood-boosting chemicals such as endorphins. Therefore, a regular exercise routine, such as playing a recreational sport, joining a yoga class or working out at the gym, is often recommended to reduce the symptoms associated with many mental health disorders.
Light Therapy
Light therapy is an alternative treatment sometimes used to treat seasonal affective disorder and bipolar disorder. This treatment uses intense rays of light from a man-made light box that simulates natural light. People with seasonal affective disorder or bipolar disorder are regularly exposed to the light box in order to increase and stabilize their moods.
Electric Shock
Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, has been used to treat severe forms of depression, mania and those who are at high risk for suicide. Many times, mental health professionals only use this form of treatment if nothing else has worked. ECT works by sending small currents of electricity through the brain, reports MayoClinic.com. ECT's advantage is that it can be use by individuals who are unable to take medications, such as pregnant women and recovering addicts.
