There is nothing wrong with using the medication that your doctor has prescribed for your mental illness. Many medications exist that have proven to work and have significant positive outcomes in people’s lives. In some cases, however, there are reasons why people might choose not to use medications to treat mental illnesses or why they might want additional tools to use in conjunction with their prescriptions. If someone has been taking medicines for any mental illness, they should always speak to their doctor before stopping the medication.
If you’re on the path to recover from mental illness and are looking for alternative therapies or a dual diagnosis treatment program, contact Evoke Wellness today at 866.931.9312 to learn more about our programs.
Alternative Ways to Recover from Mental Illness
Mental illnesses are disturbances in a person’s thinking, feeling, or behavior, or a combination of these, that reflect a problem in mental function. They cause distress or disability in social, work, or family activities. Just as “physical illness” is used to describe a range of physical health problems, “mental illness” means the same as it encompasses a variety of mental health conditions.
When dealing with mental illness, everyone wants to look at medication as the first step for every mental illness. But sometimes, that can’t be the answer for everyone. Everyone is different in their medical history, and medications might not necessarily be the right fit for some people. In addition, plenty of people just don’t respond well to psychiatric medications, or they don’t tolerate them. So there needs to be another approach.
Many people with mental illness are hoping for other ways to take control of their mental health rather than just taking medication; Such things are more behavioral-focused things that they can do at home instead of just relying on medication. Because of this, we can start looking at more of a holistic approach and seeing that medications may not be necessary to maintain mental illnesses.
Types of Mental Health Conditions and Treatment for Mental Illness
There are hundreds of mental illnesses, but instead of listing all of them, here is the most common:
- Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias
- Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia
Some of these mental health conditions, as per the gold standard, require some medication management. However, more people are turning to holistic approaches to complement medication therapy. Everyone’s journey is unique as they recover from mental illness, and it can be beneficial to look at different techniques, such as therapy treatment for mental illness.
Treatment for Mental Illness
Some of the following include popular treatments for mental illness that don’t necessarily include medication:
Therapy
One of the most effective treatments for mental illness is therapy. It can allow a person to talk about their experiences and gain insight into why they have the symptoms they do. It can also help them learn how to manage their symptoms in healthier ways and give them tools to cope with stressors in life.
Exercise
Exercise can help improve your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase self-esteem. Research has found that exercise can help people with depression, anxiety, and even schizophrenia. Exercise releases endorphins which act as natural antidepressants in the body. Additionally, it gives you a sense of accomplishment when you reach goals or complete workouts.
Diet and Nutrition
When dealing with mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder, diet plays an important role. Eating healthy, nutritious foods can improve your mood and make you feel better. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats will ensure your body gets the necessary vitamins and nutrients to function at its best.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a type of meditation that focuses on being present at the moment and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Practicing mindfulness helps you become more aware of how your body feels at any given time, enabling you to cope better with difficult emotions or stressors. It is an effective tool for managing anxiety, depression, and stress.
Self-Care
Self-care is an essential part of maintaining mental health. It involves relaxing and doing activities that bring you joy or relieve stress. Examples of self-care activities include getting enough sleep, spending time with friends and family, reading a book, taking a warm bath, and engaging in creative activities. Time for yourself is essential for managing mental health conditions and keeping your stress levels low.
In conclusion, mental health conditions can be managed with medication or more holistic approaches such as therapy, exercise, diet, nutrition, mindfulness meditation, and self-care.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar Has Specialists Ready to Help with One Phone Call
We at Evoke Wellness at Miramar take mental health issues of all varieties very seriously and provide a safe, nurturing environment where one can learn about the disorders plaguing them from an emotionally unstable life. Our licensed mental health clinicians will fully assess an individual that seems, feels, or has been previously diagnosed with a mental health disorder and meet them exactly where they are in life. Contact us at 866.931.9312 to learn more.
