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Alternative Treatments for Mental Health: Points to Consider

Alternative treatments for addiction and mental health issues have grown in popularity over the past few decades and are now commonly referred to as holistic or natural programs. With this trend, there’s now a variety of options available for individuals seeking emotional and mental balance. While there is increasing acceptance, it is still important to know what role they have in recovery, how they should be utilized, and when they should be used. Step One Halfway House outlines some points to consider:

What Alternative Treatments Are Available?

The process of restoring emotional equilibrium can be complex, and it has many different facets. One such element is holistic treatment, which involves treating the entire person, not merely a specific disease. A holistic approach to a physical illness, therefore, might take into consideration the patient’s mental health and such factors as family situation, financial condition, and life goals in general. 

Before exploring the various options, it's important to remember that holistic treatment is most effective when utilized as a complement to more traditional treatments. For example, many in-patient facilities also incorporate holistic programs in addition to individual and group therapy sessions.

Certain programs can offer fulfilling experiences that can stay with you throughout your journey. You may find some programs resonating with you on a personal level, giving you a treatment experience that can feel tailored to your needs and interests at a time when recovery can seem physically and emotionally draining.

Productive Work

At first blush, work may not seem like an alternative therapy option, but the feeling of self-worth that comes from being a productive member of society cannot be overstated. While a traditional job may not offer the flexibility required during recovery, the “gig economy” offers plenty of opportunities to earn an income while maintaining independence.

If you work from home, it’s important to create a relaxing, stress-reducing environment. Let in some sunshine, declutter, and include a few easy-care houseplants like Peace Lilies, spider plants, and philodendron. Use expert guides online to learn the variety of plants and how to care for them.

You can take advantage of creative pursuits like art and music therapy, utilize animal therapy, or practice meditation and yoga as alternative treatments. If combined with conventional treatments, holistic options can potentially bring mindfulness, self-confidence, and joy into your life.

What Should Be Avoided?

There are certainly a number of alternative treatments that have helped many people, but vigilance is important when it comes to unconventional methods. It's important not to seek out holistic treatments in the hope of a quicker recovery. There are no “miracle cures,” and mental health issues can't be overcome overnight. It's an enduring, long-term process that requires multiple steps.

If alternative treatments offer promises to the contrary, then it's imperative that they be avoided. Holistic and natural options can have value, but there are no easy solutions. The mental health community generally recommends against pursuing anything that positions itself as an exclusive alternative to science-based, conventional methods.

Look Into Rehab Centers

Try to research the treatment, confirm who is offering it and what credentials the people involved have earned, and find out if there is a proven track record of effectiveness. If possible, ask probing questions, such as soliciting available evidence and what the treatment entails. This is especially relevant to looking into rehab centers near you. Ideally, there’s one or more of the best free rehab facilities in the US in your area, as these offer a variety of services such as outpatient treatment, detox, and counseling. You’ll find that many facilities accept insurance and even provide financial assistance.

Consider also consulting with a medical professional or therapist unrelated to the treatment itself. Collective World notes that mental healing can be such an exhausting process, but caution is essential when it comes to alternative treatments. Whatever holistic treatments you consider, it is important to see them as supplemental to established programs. Above all else, keep in mind that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Nutrition & Exercise

While some holistic treatments are controversial, two areas that have widespread acceptance are the roles of diet and exercise in recovery and overall well-being. The key to maintaining good nutrition is having a structured routine of frequent meals rich in vitamins and minerals throughout the day, starting with breakfast.

While what can personally benefit you depends on your specific issues, there are several ingredients that should be avoided, specifically sugar and caffeine. They can be easily embraced as substitutes for a person’s substance of choice, but during recovery they may provide unhelpful highs and lows. If you're unsure about what to eat or otherwise would welcome some clarification, consult a nutritionist to develop a diet that is ideal for you.

Like good nutrition, Very well Mind points out that a thoughtful workout routine can boost chemicals in the body that may contribute to self-improvement. Whether it's running, yoga, swimming, or something else, exercise can be beneficial to your physical and emotional health. This can be as simple as walking, and if you combine it with getting outside, it is all the better for your mental state. Look for areas that have a high Walk Score, so that finding a park or simply a walkable neighborhood is easy and convenient.

Both nutrition and physical activity may help raise self-esteem, decrease unhealthy cravings and harmful urges, and reduce anxiety and depression.

There are various options when it comes to holistic and natural treatments, including those administered as established programs at rehab centers, but it's important to pursue them for good reasons and know how best to utilize them. As you forge a path of psychic well-being, these supplemental treatments may help your overall well-being, both physically and emotionally.

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