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Alternative Mental Health
Alternative mental health attempts to find the underlying problem to the so called "mental" or "psychological" symptoms without the use of prescription drugs. It views the physiological and psychological as deeply entwined and impacting one another.
The underlying problem also known as body chemistry or biochemical issues can be one or a combination of many of the following: neurotransmitter deficiencies or imbalances, hypoglycemia, environmental toxins, diet, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, hypothyroidism, heavy metal toxicity, candida overgrowth, food allergies or sensitivities and , chemical sensitivities.
Prescription drugs only cover up a problem. If they work at all, they only serve as a band aid that typically comes with numerous negative side effects and actually lead to a variety of other mental and physical problems. Most often they actually result making the problem worse in the long run.
The focus in alternative mental health is uncovering the root of the problem, exploring techniques that relieve not only the symptoms but the root cause itself, instead of medicating or talk therapy. Rather than delving into the deep psyche for answers, alternative mental health is solution focused.
The great value of "talk therapy" is certainly recognized and respected, however it has limits and is not effective for all conditions. Talk therapy is invaluable for venting, coping and emotional support for things such as grieving the loss of a relationship, struggling to cope with a chronic health condition, mourning the loss of life as it used to be or grappling with major life changes. However, it is not so helpful for someone who is struggling with severe Depression when the root of the Depression is the result of food allergies, a pesticide exposure, Candida or hypothyroidism. It is also not beneficial for someone who's Hyperactivity is caused by eating sugar, wheat and dairy. There is no amount of talking that can relieve Depression, Anxiety, Hyperactivity etc., when it is caused by something biochemical.
Thousands of people report that they are able to find relief from a variety of mental health problems ,without the use of drugs. It's becoming more and more popular every day, because there's a great deal of concern these days over the safety of prescription drugs and the "pill-popping" attitude of our medical community. The way that doctors hand out medication as if it were "candy" is appalling and frightening.
Common Alternative Mental Health Modalities
There are many, many different alternative approaches to mental health that can be explored. Each one has it's own unique strengths. It largely depends on your particular circumstance and specifically your body chemistry as to which ones will be the most beneficial to you.
The best approach is for each individual to research their particular condition in relation to alternative mental health as thoroughly as possible and make an informed decision. Most people have more than one bio-chemical issue going on, but it varies from person to person. For example: One individual with Depression may have just hypothyroidism and is able to find relief by taking natural thyroid supplementation, while another person with Depression may have hypothyroidism, Candida, food allergies and chemical sensitivities and thus they will have several different treatment methods to explore.
Two Categories of Alternative Mental Health
Those that correct bio-chemical issues in the body and those that help balance body energy and benefit the health in this manner.
1. Biochemical Correction
2. Complimentary
*Acupuncture, Acupressure and Herbal Remedies, may actually fall under both categories.
Be sure to click on each of the issues in blue above to learn more about their impact on your mental and physical health and how to address them adequately.
It's important to keep in mind that if you follow an alternative mental health method such as Herbal Remedies and you are taking any kind of prescription drug that you inform both your prescribing doctor and your herbalist that you are engaging in both treatments, because there can be interactions between the two that can cause serious problems. Herbs are very powerful and can have side effects as well.
Here at Holistic Help the Alternative Mental Health focus is mostly on helping you identify what bio-chemical issues you may have, then educating you on how to address them as well as how to incorporate a variety of self care techniques such as exercise, relaxation, meditation and breathing exercises into your life to manage the symptoms as you explore your healing journey.
If you'd like to make an appointment with me, Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed., to discuss your mental health concerns or learn more about the services I offer, please visit the Counseling Page.
I have both professional and personal experience overcoming a variety of mental health conditions such as Clinical Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Hyperactivity and Alcoholism through holistic and alternative means.
Return from alternative mental health to holistic mental health
Some information on this web site has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The information on this web site or in emails is designed for educational purposes only and should not
be taken as professional medical advice. I am not a medical doctor and this information is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. With all medical conditions consult a qualified medical professional.
Web site and all
contents
© Copyright Cynthia
Perkins
2007, All rights reserved.
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