4 Alternative Treatments to Improve Your Mental Health : Mental health issues have become an increasing concern, with roughly 1 in 5 adults in the US experiencing mental illness every single year. Although many mental health issues are highly treatable, treatment is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach, and not everyone may even have access to the right treatment.
Traditional SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which are common mood-stabilizing medications prescribed for a variety of mental health conditions may not be for everyone. They aren’t always effective and sometimes can actually worsen existing symptoms. Some people may even prefer a more holistic alternative, choosing to skip out on medication completely and find more natural methods to look after their mental health. If you’re seeking alternative treatments to boost your mental health, that don’t require medication, we’ve got you covered. Here are 4 simple, alternatives to try.
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Exercise
It’s common knowledge that exercise is important for our overall health, but many may be unaware of just how beneficial it can be to our mental health as well. Our physical and mental health go hand in hand, and physical activity can prevent mental illness, help you overcome existing mental health symptoms, and maintain overall health with virtually no side effects. Exercise has been proven to boost your mood, relieve stress, and even improve your self-image and self-esteem. So the next time you’re feeling down, move your body.
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TMS Therapy
Individuals living with more severe forms of anxiety or depression may find it discouraging to find a treatment that actually works long-term and doesn’t have a laundry list of negative side effects that may even outweigh their actual symptoms. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a highly effective, yet safe FDA-approved therapy used to treat anxiety, depression, and other common mental health conditions. This alternative therapy uses gentle magnetic pulses to soothe parts of the brain that are in control of our responses to fear or threats, ultimately changing how we handle stress and our reactions to difficult challenges in our life that would typically cause our mental health to deteriorate.
TMS therapy is completely safe, has few side effects, and has been proven to have long-lasting results well after the course of treatment has been completed. TMS providers like TMS & Brain Health, create personalized treatment plans that are consistently monitored and adjusted based on your unique mental health needs which maximize the success of the overall treatment. Courses of treatment are roughly 5 sessions a week for 6 weeks, providing lasting results once the treatment is completed. However, the latest protocol for Accelerated TMS can be done in just one week, with 10 sessions per day for just 5 days.
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Medicinal Herbs
Medicinal herbs, commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, have been around for 1000s of years, and have been proven to effectively treat various mental health issues. They’re also a simple and healthy way to look after your mental health, compared to other forms of treatment.
Depending on the particular herb, they can be ingested in herbal teas and smoothies or taken as a supplement, while other medicinal herbs are applied topically to the body in the form of steams, oils, poultices, and balms. While there are numerous medicinal herbs and adaptogens to take depending on your personal mental health concern, there are a few that are well-known for improving and maintaining overall mental health.
- Lavender – A sweet-smelling flower that provides a relaxing effect and is commonly used to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Lavender is often used in oils, creams, steams, and teas.
- Ashwagandha – A well-known adaptogen and herb used in Ayurveda that helps your body and mind adapt to stress better, reducing symptoms of anxiety and high levels of stress. Ashwagandha is commonly taken as a supplement or used as a powder that can be added to drinks or smoothies.
- Turmeric – An herb known to boost serotonin and dopamine levels while also reducing inflammation which is often linked to anxiety and other physical and mental illnesses. Studies show turmeric may be as effective as common mood-stabilizing medications with zero side effects. You can ingest turmeric as a fresh herb or in powder form by adding it to foods and drinks or even take it as a supplement. Ingesting it with black pepper is known to increase its benefits.Finally, there is another type of product that you can use to release stress and improve mental health and that’s edibles. They come in various shapes and sizes even in the form of gummy bears with THC. However, you should consult with your doctor before introducing them into your diet but many people left positive reviews.
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Mindfulness
Mindfulness plays a vital role in improving your overall mental health and it’s virtually free. Essentially mindfulness is the state of being conscious or aware of the present moment. The idea behind mindfulness is that if you are focused on the “now” without living in the past or worrying about the future, and accepting your thoughts and feelings as they are, you can achieve greater peace of mind.
You can easily incorporate mindfulness into your everyday routine by trying to be more present in everyday moments – putting your phone away while you eat, stopping to smell flowers on a walk, or relishing in a peaceful moment while you enjoy your morning coffee in complete silence. However, some of the most commonly used mindfulness practices include meditation and deep breathing techniques which are scientifically proven to improve your mental health.
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4 Alternative Treatments to Improve Your Mental Health
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