There are many treatment options for mental illness. Because there are so many causes of mental illness, there are various approaches to treatment.
Some influence your brain chemistry. Others give you tools for managing your behavior. Many mental health treatment options address multiple aspects of your psychological condition to give you the best chances of living a meaningful, fulfilling life.
The primary types of treatment for mental health disorders include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes and holistic therapies.
Psychotherapy is a broad term that covers a variety of treatment approaches to mental health. It often involves talking with a counselor or therapist, uncovering causes and triggers of psychological issues and finding methods for coping with the complications of mental illness.
Many people are able to relieve symptoms of their mental illness through psychotherapy as a primary treatment. Different therapists use various tools to tailor their treatment plans to the individual. Patients may undergo psychotherapy treatment in an individual, family or group setting.
Solution-focused therapy allows clients to concentrate on their strengths so that they can harness them to reach their goals. This type of treatment requires a great deal of support from the therapist. But all types of psychotherapy require cooperation from the patient.
The therapist will help the client become more aware of their inherent skills and proficiencies so that they can become more confident in managing their mental health issues or addictions. Solution-focused therapy helps clients become motivated to identify what they want out of life and create ongoing meaning throughout their journey.
Medications are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy treatment to help people with certain mental health disorders. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications are often prescribed as treatment for people with various mental health disorders.
What works for one person may not work for you, though. Everyone’s body and brain chemistry is different. You should work closely with a psychiatrist to ensure that you’re taking a dose and type of medication that works well for your illness and produces few side effects.
Although you probably know that eating well and exercising are essential for your physical health, you may not realize that these lifestyle habits can be an effective mental health treatment. Exercise is an valuable first-line treatment for depression and anxiety and can enhance the usefulness of certain medications.
Fueling your body properly is an essential treatment too. Eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep and avoiding drugs and alcohol can relieve symptoms of mental disorders.
You might not be aware that many holistic and alternative options exist for treating mental health disorders. Holistic treatments take all the aspects of who you are into account so that you can focus on your physical, spiritual, emotional and mental health.
Treatment that tackles just one aspect of a mental health disorder can leave you struggling in other areas of your life. Holistic treatment is well-rounded and provides opportunities to improve your relationship with yourself and others. This type of treatment also helps you learn how to manage stress, cope with triggers and relieve some insecurities.
Some examples of the holistic mental health treatment programs that we offer at New Method Wellness include:
• Wilderness therapy
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Art therapy
• Sand tray therapy
• Nutritional counseling
• Surf therapy
• Equine therapy
• Wolf-assisted therapy
We also offer evidence-based approaches to mental health treatment, such as psychotherapy. Our goal is to help our clients achieve personal growth and develop the skills that are necessary for them to live rewarding lives.