The Comprehensive Power of Holistic Mental Health Treatment

Often, medical providers only treat the symptoms of a condition rather than the cause. However, the field is seeing a rise in the holistic approach to mental health treatment, which attempts to get to the root of the problem and provides better outcomes for those with mental health conditions. For patients who have questions about holistic care, here are key points about and examples of this valuable practice.

 

What Is a Holistic Approach to Mental Health?

As its name suggests, holistic care refers to treating the whole patient rather than just their symptoms or a particular area of the body. A physician might, for example, help a patient with a broken bone take steps to ensure good bone health rather than simply putting the patient in a cast and sending them home.

While that is an example of a holistic approach to physical health, the concept easily transfers to mental health. For instance, a medical practitioner who sees a patient for anxiety might suggest that they make lifestyle changes to address the anxiety, such as getting enough sleep, rather than just prescribing an SSRI or benzodiazepine.

What Are the Benefits of Holistic Mental Health Treatment?

Because holistic mental health treatment addresses not just mental health but areas such as physical and social health, this type of therapy may help patients with things they may not have even considered before. For example, someone who seeks treatment for depression may not realize the connection between their depression and chronic physical pain. A counselor who uses a holistic approach would encourage that patient to seek the assistance of a physician to address their chronic pain as part of their mental health treatment.

Another benefit of a holistic approach to mental health is that it gets to the root of the problem rather than just putting a bandage on it. Take a patient with severe anxiety. A holistic professional acknowledges that taking medication for the disorder is not a good long-term solution for everyone, particularly in the case of taking benzodiazepines, which can be very addictive. In addition to prescribing medication, the practitioner will address other aspects of the patient’s life, such as:

• Their sleeping habits
• Their caffeine and alcohol consumption
• Their support network

Holistic health’s goal of looking at a patient comprehensively is its greatest benefit.

What Are More Examples of a Holistic Approach to Mental Health?

For patients wondering how holistic treatment could apply to their circumstances, other examples include:

• Practicing meditation, which can help patients reduce stress when done regularly 
• Engaging in mindfulness, which encourages patients to remain in the present moment rather than worrying about the past or future
• Beginning an exercise routine that also involves getting sunlight and fresh air 

While no one thing is a magic cure for a mental health condition, holistic treatment provides patients with as many tools as possible for their mental health toolbox.

Seeking a Holistic Approach to Mental Health?

At [Company Name], we encourage everyone to experience the power of holistic care. Contact [Company Name] today to set up an appointment with one of our caring professionals.

Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858#:~:text=Meditation%20can%20give%20you%20a,centered%20and%20keep%20inner%20peacehttps://americanaddictioncenters.org/benzodiazepine/symptoms-and-signshttps://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/pain-and-depression/faq-20057823https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/holistic-care-promotes-health-equity-and-improves-outcomes-/2022/06