Everyone wishes for a healthy mind & body however, not all of us are fortunate enough to have that. In fact, 1 out of every 5 Australians suffers from some form of mental health problem. Most of these people choose to ignore their problem till the time it becomes toxic enough to severely affect their lives.
As for those who do realise that they suffer from a mental health problem, generally, opt for traditional methods. The regular procedures involved in these methods are regular psychiatric consultations and medication.
But just because the Mainstream medical establishment applies drugs as the “go-to” solution does not mean it is the only method that cures treat mental health challenges. There are cases in which patients going through these medical treatments gradually spiral down towards anxiety, depression, and even drug addiction.
If you have found yourself in a similar situation then you would be happy to know that there are other ways that can help restore one’s mind.
There are alternative methods that have gained considerable attention in the world today. Most of the alternative mental treatment therapies have proven therapeutic benefits. In this article, we are going to discuss all these alternative forms of mental health treatments.
A bit about alternative treatments for mental health problems
These Complementary or alternative therapies are purely health-related and are not considered a part of mainstream medical techniques. They are focussed on promoting positive mental health and aid relaxation.
Not all alternative therapies are regulated which is why It is crucial to do thorough research before opting for one. Here are a few examples of some alternative mental health care methods that might help you cope with mental health disorders.
1. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation involves using powerful magnets to produce repetitive magnetic pulsing. These pulses can stimulate and regulate neural activity and allows the practitioner to optimize your brain activity.
There is a lot of clinical evidence that supports this therapy and the best part is that it has no side effects. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been majorly applied in the treatment of depression for a while now.
Initially, there were certain concerns about the safety levels of this procedure, however, after several medical trials, it was proved that the TMS alternative method is not damaging to the patients.
2. Acupuncture
This an ancient Chinese treatment in which the practitioner will insert small, thin needles into your skin at certain points on the patient’s body. It is believed that acupuncture needles can help to start the healing process on the body.
Acupuncture can be applied to help heal those suffering from addiction, to alleviate anxiety and stress and treat ADHD in children. It is also used to help those suffering from negative side effects of depression.
There are some insurance companies that even cover the cost of several acupuncture treatments to treat various ailments and conditions which further advocates the potency of this treatment.
3. Neurofeedback Therapy
This form of alternative mental health treatment revolves around modulating the brain functions, os that the brain learns to function more efficiently.
The therapy involves the application of electrodes to the brain to study brain frequencies. The flow of these frequencies are shown back to the patient, who then attempts to change the activity level Eventually, the frequencies are modified into more forms.
Neurofeedback generally addresses mental health challenges such as anxiety-depression spectrum, attention deficits, behaviour disorders, sleep disorders, headaches and emotional disturbances. Although the Neurofeedback method might not be considered a cure, but it is considered a way of managing the brain functions in a healthier manner by many researchers.
4. Art/ Music/ Dance Therapy
Creative outlets like art, music or dance are tremendously helpful to patients suffering from mental disorders such as anxiety, depression or PTSD. This alternative therapy provides a relaxing way to reinvigorate the patient’s mind by diverting from their mental problems.
It has been proven in many cases that art has curative capabilities for both psychological and physiological disorders. Moreover, art, music or dance therapy is considered very successful in the treatment of trauma as well.
The most useful thing about the alternative mental treatment method is that it can be easily integrated into an individual’s treatment.
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Many studies have suggested that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. This method of mental recuperation is based on the concept that the thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and emotions can lock you in a vicious cycle.
This type of therapy is generally applied in short-term, goal-oriented forms of treatment that can be considered as a hybrid between behavioural therapy and psychotherapy.
The treatment helps by changing the behaviour and attitudes with a deeper understanding of thoughts, images, beliefs, of the patient. Unlike other alternative therapies, CBT focuses on the present and not the past.
6. Nutrition Therapy
There are about 40 different chemical agents in the body that integrally affect mental health. An upcoming trend in modern psychiatry involves analysing the patient’s blood work to identify the chemicals that are out of balance and prescribing the required vitamins to help fix it naturally.
This nutrition therapy is backed by medical research as it to help people suffering from mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and even major depression.
As in the case of Art/ Music/ Dance Therapy, nutritional dietary supplements can be easily prescribed for any patient undergoing other forms of mental health treatment.
A healthy body and a healthy mind as the saying goes.
Final thoughts
As we said before, not all Alternative form of mental health treatments are legit. This is why it is best to consult a professional practitioner for opting in.
In case you would like to learn more about these alternate therapies then you are invited to join us to watch “The Taboo of a Broken Brain” on the 9th of March at the Luna cinema in Leederville. This world\’s first compelling and thought-provoking documentary on healing mental illness using natural alternate methods was inspired by Terri Bowman (our founder).
Terri’s natural alternative method has treated thousands of people for more than a decade and you can witness firsthand how natural alternative methods can help people to heal from their past and live a more inspired life.
Give the Blissiree ™ a try by booking a free 25-minute telehealth consultation. Or discover a seamless way to rejuvenate your emotional and mental health by becoming a member. It will give you access to more than 75 audio programs that can help your child and you to live inspired and improve mental wellbeing.
Hope to see you there,
Cheers!!