By Chef K.T. Murphy

Alternative Treatments For Mental Health:

Sadly, depression and anxiety are now running rampant in America. There could be a wide variety of reasons for this, but essentially, we live in an ever-changing world that expects us to be at the top of our game 24/7, we put in my hours at work and then rush home to look after our families and it can all get to be a bit too much. Not everyone responds to typical treatments, like medication in the same way and finding the right medication for those who need it can be a long and painful process.

For those who don’t need medication or are resistant to try a prescription, there are alternative treatments available. Some of these can be used instead of medications, while others work with medication to improve treatment. Whatever you decide, it’s important that you make the decision under the care of a medical professional.

Alternative Treatments

• Relaxation Techniques – there is a wide variety of relaxation techniques, which provide short-term relief from symptoms of anxiety, including deep breathing and hobbies.

• Yoga – yoga is one of the most popular alternative treatment methods and what makes it different from the others is that it combines meditation with breathing exercises and physical movements that stretch and tone the body. It is a wonderful way to relieve the symptoms of both anxiety and depression.

• Meditation – there is evidence that medication can help relieve the symptoms of both depression and anxiety.

• Acupuncture – this ancient technique is generally used to relieve pain, however, there is some evidence that it’s also effective in treating anxiety disorders.

Natural Alternatives

Alternative mental health treatments cover more than just physical solutions; there are plenty of other natural alternatives you can try. Certain vitamins and minerals have become popular ways to reduce the symptoms of mental health issues.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – they’re known for being good for your brain and as such, there have been studies, which indicate omega 3 fatty acids can play an important role in managing mental health issues. There are plenty of supplements available, but you can get yours naturally if you eat plenty of fatty fish and nuts.

• Folate – your body needs vitamin B9 (just another name for folate) and people who struggle with mental health issues are often found to have deficiencies of this vitamin. Therefore, a folate supplement may just help you manage your mental health. In fact, the FDA has approved deplin (a form of folate) as an acceptable course of treatment for both schizophrenia and depression. It’s not considered a primary treatment course, rather a supplemental or complementary treatment method.

• Foods – certain foods are designed to help treat certain health conditions. These foods are made without (or with) specific ingredients. A good example would be how gluten-free foods are made to allow those with Celiac disease the opportunity to eat foods that would normally make them sick. There are medical foods available for mental health issues.

Equine Therapy

We know that pets can help reduce anxiety, but equine therapy has grown popular in that it provides patients with the opportunity to learn about caring for, grooming, and riding horses. There are licensed programs across the US and they are operated by mental health professionals.

Again, you shouldn’t embark on any of these treatment courses without first consulting your doctor. It’s important that they be aware of what solutions you are trying and that you don’t change your medications (or stop taking them) without first speaking to them. This isn’t just an issue that could affect your mental health, but also your physical health. Coming off anti-depressants is a gradual process and going cold turkey could result in severe side effects.

Sadly, depression and anxiety are now running rampant in America. There could be a wide variety of reasons for this, but essentially, we live in an ever-changing world that expects us to be at the top of our game 24/7, we put in my hours at work and then rush home to look after our families and it can all get to be a bit too much. Not everyone responds to typical treatments, like medication in the same way and finding the right medication for those who need it can be a long and painful process.

For those who don’t need medication or are resistant to try a prescription, there are alternative treatments available. Some of these can be used instead of medications, while others work with medication to improve treatment. Whatever you decide, it’s important that you make the decision under the care of a medical professional.

Alternative Treatments

• Relaxation Techniques – there is a wide variety of relaxation techniques, which provide short-term relief from symptoms of anxiety, including deep breathing and hobbies.

• Yoga – yoga is one of the most popular alternative treatment methods and what makes it different from the others is that it combines meditation with breathing exercises and physical movements that stretch and tone the body. It is a wonderful way to relieve the symptoms of both anxiety and depression.

• Meditation – there is evidence that medication can help relieve the symptoms of both depression and anxiety.

• Acupuncture – this ancient technique is generally used to relieve pain, however, there is some evidence that it’s also effective in treating anxiety disorders.

Natural Alternatives

Alternative mental health treatments cover more than just physical solutions; there are plenty of other natural alternatives you can try. Certain vitamins and minerals have become popular ways to reduce the symptoms of mental health issues.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – they’re known for being good for your brain and as such, there have been studies, which indicate omega 3 fatty acids can play an important role in managing mental health issues. There are plenty of supplements available, but you can get yours naturally if you eat plenty of fatty fish and nuts.

• Folate – your body needs vitamin B9 (just another name for folate) and people who struggle with mental health issues are often found to have deficiencies of this vitamin. Therefore, a folate supplement may just help you manage your mental health. In fact, the FDA has approved deplin (a form of folate) as an acceptable course of treatment for both schizophrenia and depression. It’s not considered a primary treatment course, rather a supplemental or complementary treatment method.

• Foods – certain foods are designed to help treat certain health conditions. These foods are made without (or with) specific ingredients. A good example would be how gluten-free foods are made to allow those with Celiac disease the opportunity to eat foods that would normally make them sick. There are medical foods available for mental health issues.

Equine Therapy

We know that pets can help reduce anxiety, but equine therapy has grown popular in that it provides patients with the opportunity to learn about caring for, grooming, and riding horses. There are licensed programs across the US and they are operated by mental health professionals.

Again, you shouldn’t embark on any of these treatment courses without first consulting your doctor. It’s important that they be aware of what solutions you are trying and that you don’t change your medications (or stop taking them) without first speaking to them. This isn’t just an issue that could affect your mental health, but also your physical health. Coming off anti-depressants is a gradual process and going cold turkey could result in severe side effects.

Alternative Treatments For Mental Health

Sadly, depression and anxiety are now running rampant in America. There could be a wide variety of reasons for this, but essentially, we live in an ever-changing world that expects us to be at the top of our game 24/7, we put in my hours at work and then rush home to look after our families and it can all get to be a bit too much. Not everyone responds to typical treatments, like medication in the same way and finding the right medication for those who need it can be a long and painful process.

For those who don’t need medication or are resistant to try a prescription, there are alternative treatments available. Some of these can be used instead of medications, while others work with medication to improve treatment. Whatever you decide, it’s important that you make the decision under the care of a medical professional.

Alternative Treatments

• Relaxation Techniques – there is a wide variety of relaxation techniques, which provide short-term relief from symptoms of anxiety, including deep breathing and hobbies.

• Yoga – yoga is one of the most popular alternative treatment methods and what makes it different from the others is that it combines meditation with breathing exercises and physical movements that stretch and tone the body. It is a wonderful way to relieve the symptoms of both anxiety and depression.

• Meditation – there is evidence that medication can help relieve the symptoms of both depression and anxiety.

• Acupuncture – this ancient technique is generally used to relieve pain, however, there is some evidence that it’s also effective in treating anxiety disorders.

Natural Alternatives

Alternative mental health treatments cover more than just physical solutions; there are plenty of other natural alternatives you can try. Certain vitamins and minerals have become popular ways to reduce the symptoms of mental health issues.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – they’re known for being good for your brain and as such, there have been studies, which indicate omega 3 fatty acids can play an important role in managing mental health issues. There are plenty of supplements available, but you can get yours naturally if you eat plenty of fatty fish and nuts.

• Folate – your body needs vitamin B9 (just another name for folate) and people who struggle with mental health issues are often found to have deficiencies of this vitamin. Therefore, a folate supplement may just help you manage your mental health. In fact, the FDA has approved deplin (a form of folate) as an acceptable course of treatment for both schizophrenia and depression. It’s not considered a primary treatment course, rather a supplemental or complementary treatment method.

• Foods – certain foods are designed to help treat certain health conditions. These foods are made without (or with) specific ingredients. A good example would be how gluten-free foods are made to allow those with Celiac disease the opportunity to eat foods that would normally make them sick. There are medical foods available for mental health issues.

Equine Therapy

We know that pets can help reduce anxiety, but equine therapy has grown popular in that it provides patients with the opportunity to learn about caring for, grooming, and riding horses. There are licensed programs across the US and they are operated by mental health professionals.

Again, you shouldn’t embark on any of these treatment courses without first consulting your doctor. It’s important that they be aware of what solutions you are trying and that you don’t change your medications (or stop taking them) without first speaking to them. This isn’t just an issue that could affect your mental health, but also your physical health. Coming off anti-depressants is a gradual process and going cold turkey could result in severe side effects.

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