The Benefits of Holistic Treatment for Mental Health Conditions

Nearly one in five adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness. With the rising prevalence of mental health conditions in the United States, it’s no wonder that many people are considering various methods of mental health treatment. 

Holistic treatment offers unique benefits for patients with mental health conditions. Here, we’ll discuss these benefits and consider the risks of conventional mental health treatment methods. 

The Drawbacks of Conventional Mental Health Treatment

Western medicine for mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, often involves prescription medications. While medications can, when prescribed prudently, help many patients attain relief from their symptoms, they come with a variety of risks. 

Side Effects

Taking prescription medications for mental health conditions comes with the risk of experiencing adverse side effects. Different medications can cause various side effects, ranging from stomach problems to drowsiness to weight gain to sexual dysfunction and more. In many cases, patients find that the side effects outweigh the benefits of taking a prescription medication. 

Physical Dependence

Certain drugs, like benzodiazepines, can lead to physical dependence over time. 

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety. Unfortunately, when this type of medication is taken regularly for a long time, it can cause physical dependence. In this case, the patient may build a tolerance to the medication and it will no longer have its desired effect. If the patient stops taking the drug, they may experience symptoms of withdrawal. 

The Benefits of Holistic Treatment for Mental Health Conditions

Holistic treatment can benefit individuals with mental health conditions because it:

• Encourages the development of coping skills
• Helps patients relax and manage stress levels
• Is simple to implement
• Poses little to no risk of side effects or complications
• Poses no risk of dependency
• Promotes a healthy lifestyle and good physical health

Holistic treatments at Mind Body Spirit Care, including therapeutic yoga and acupuncture, can benefit patients suffering from mental conditions. To learn about our holistic and integrative approach to medicine, schedule an appointment today!