An
alternative approach to mental health care is one that emphasizes the interrelationship
between mind, body, and spirit. Although some alternative approaches have
a long history, many remain controversial. It is crucial to consult with
your health care providers about the approaches you are using to achieve
mental wellness.
Self-help groups
Many people with mental illnesses find that self-help
groups are
an invaluable resource for recovery and for empowerment. Self-help generally
refers to groups or meetings that:
- Involve people
who have similar needs
- Are facilitated
by a consumer, survivor, or other layperson;
- Are operated on
an informal, free-of-charge, and nonprofit basis;
- Provide support
and education; and
- Are voluntary,
anonymous, and confidential.
Diet and Nutrition
Adjusting both diet and nutrition may
help some people with mental illnesses manage their symptoms and promote
recovery. Similarly, some holistic/natural physicians use herbal treatments,
B-complex vitamins, riboflavin, magnesium, and thiamine to treat anxiety,
autism, depression, drug-induced psychoses, and hyperactivity.
Pastoral Counseling
Some people prefer to seek help for mental health problems from their
pastor, rabbi, or priest, rather than from therapists who are not affiliated
with a religious community. Counselors working within traditional faith
communities increasingly are recognizing the need to incorporate psychotherapy
and/or medication, along with prayer and spirituality, to effectively
help some people with mental disorders.
Animal Assisted Therapies
Working with an animal (s) under the guidance of a health care professional
may benefit some people with mental illness by facilitating positive changes,
such as increased empathy and enhanced socialization skills. Animals can
be used as part of group therapy programs to encourage communication and
increase the ability to focus. Developing self-esteem and reducing loneliness
and anxiety are just some potential benefits of individual-animal
therapy.
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 Expressive
Therapies
Art Therapy: Drawing, painting, and
sculpting help many people to reconcile inner conflicts, release deeply
repressed emotions, and foster self-awareness, as well as personal growth.
Some mental health providers use art therapy as both a diagnostic tool
and as a way to help treat disorders such as depression and abuse-related
trauma. You may be able to find a therapist in your area who has received
special training and certification in art therapy.
Dance/Movement Therapy: Some people find that their spirits soar when
they let their feet fly. Others-particularly those who prefer more structure
or who feel they have "two left feet"-gain the same sense of
release and inner peace from the Eastern martial arts, such as Aikido
and Tai Chi. The underlying premise to dance/movement therapy is that
it can help a person integrate the emotional, physical, and cognitive
facets of "self."
Music/Sound Therapy: It is no coincidence that many people turn on
soothing music to relax or snazzy tunes to help feel upbeat. Research
suggests that music stimulates the body's natural "feel good"
chemicals (opiates and endorphins). This stimulation results in improved
blood flow, blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing, and posture changes.
Music or sound therapy has been used to treat disorders such as stress,
grief and depression, and to diagnose mental health needs.
Culturally
Based Healing Arts
includes traditional Oriental medicine, Indian systems of health care and Native American healing practices. Read more.
Relaxation
and Stress Reduction Techniques
include biofeedback, visualization and massage. Read more.
Other
alternative approaches, such as hypnotherapy, recreational, and nature
programs, offer opportunities to explore mental wellness. Before jumping
into any alternative therapy, learn as much as you can about it. In addition
to talking with your health care practitioner, you may want to visit your
local library, book store, health food store, or holistic health care
clinic for more information. Also, before receiving services, check to
be sure the provider is properly certified by an appropriate accrediting
agency.
Where
can I find more information?
Source:
US Dept of Health & Human Services - SAMHSA
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