The World Health Organization estimates that hundreds of millions of people worldwide suffer from mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Unfortunately, many individuals never seek treatment for their mental health, because of stigma and misinformation. While psychiatric treatment is still the norm, more sufferers are exploring alternative treatments for mental illness. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is not necessarily against doctor's orders, but many holistic treatments work well with psychiatric medicine.
Support Groups
Often a debilitating injury or sudden life change can be overwhelming, causing depression, addiction to drugs or alcohol, or emotional instability. Sufferers can complement their psychiatric care by joining a support group. These groups are usually run by survivors, counselors or laypeople on a non-profit basis. Sharing and supporting others who are suffering from a similar malady is known to be an effective and healthy way to heal. Additionally, online support groups are available, with the advantages of being anonymous and easy to join from anywhere in the world. The National Mental Health Association provides a free list of support groups, online and off, for those seeking mental health support.
Art Therapy
Art therapy, a respected treatment tool used by psychologists and mental health professionals, can also be used for self-help. The Stanford University Cancer Center recommends art therapy as way for patients to express emotional conflicts, pain and even unconscious concerns about their illnesses. Art therapy invokes the creative right-brain, which makes associations through images and metaphors, rather than languages. Not only is it a powerful healing modality, but art therapy also can be exciting and engaging.
Diet
Changes in diet can affect mental health as well as the rate of improvement for many conditions. For example, wheat gluten has been known for decades to worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia. In general, a healthy optimized diet can reduce the risk of mental illnesses. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and grains, with smaller portions of meat, dairy and fats, can help with mental health recovery, according to the Center of Mental Health Services.
Exercise
Regular exercise is also an easy way to improve mood and emotional balance. Running, for example, is as effective for mild depression as the leading pharmaceuticals. Aerobic exercise, such as yoga, also has proven effective with improving mental health. A 2005 study published in the "Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal" suggests that yoga performed by psychiatric patients a New Hampshire Hospital directly lead to improved mood, including a reduction in anxiety, depression and aggression.
Stress-Reduction Techniques
In general, any stress-reduction technique can help with the symptoms of mental illness. Anxiety is not just a symptom, after all, but an instigator of lower immune response. CAM therapies specialize in stress reduction, and medical providers are happy to make suggestions about how self-help stress reduction can address your mental health concerns. Always speak to your doctor first when trying stress-reduction methods, such as meditation, massage, or music therapy, as complements to traditional treatments.
