Condition Spotlight
Recent evidence suggests that depression, anxiety, antisocial behavior, learning disorders, or schizophrenia can be caused by biochemical imbalances, toxins, allergies, food sensitivities, and other environmental factors. Advances in nutritional therapy, orthomolecular medicine, mind/body medicine, environmental medicine, and other alternative therapies now offer many solutions to the treatment of mental disorders.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 30% of Americans suffer from some type of mental disorder severe enough to require psychiatric treatment.1 Incidences of depression and suicide are also rapidly increasing, especially among children and adolescents.
Psychiatric hospitalization is an important part of the process of managing mental health conditions. It can be a scary experience, but it can also provide important structure and support for individuals in crisis. In this Read More
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, can be a very difficult condition to live with. It not only has a huge negative effect on the life of the sufferer, but it also has an impact on the Read More
A healthy lifestyle can keep your brain healthy as much as the rest of your body — and may lessen the risk of cognitive decline (a loss of the ability to think well) as you Read More
Mental health is a big component of holistic medicine. For many, the word holistic brings to mind images of yoga mats and herbal remedies only, but in its truest sense, holistic simply means taking the Read More
A survey of 22 countries revealed that the lifetime prevalence rate of specific phobias ranges from 2.6% to 12.5% across regions, according to a study on NCBI. Everyone has fears that are difficult to rationalize, be Read More
Taking care of your mental health can be one of the most important things you can do for yourself. It can affect every aspect of your life in positive and negative ways, and helping yourself Read More
Getting good quality sleep, exercising, and eating more raw fruits and vegetables predicts better mental health and well-being in young adults, a University of Otago study has found. The study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, surveyed Read More
Do you know that lack of a good night’s rest often results in one becoming irritable and cranky the following morning? Improper sleep often messes up one’s mood much than one would have anticipated. There’s Read More
Lovers of Indian food, give yourselves a second helping: Daily consumption of a certain form of curcumin — the substance that gives Indian curry its bright color — improved memory and mood in people with Read More
In the first research of its kind, a new University of California, Davis, study suggests that for the most part, people formulate life goals consistent with their personality traits — and an individual’s goals are Read More
Complementary and alternative therapies are health-related therapies that are not part of mainstream medical care. They are thought to increase wellbeing, aid relaxation, and promote good mental health.
You can use complementary and alternative therapies for different mental health needs and symptoms. There is more research into some complementary and alternative therapies than others. This means that there is more evidence that some work than there is for others.
While many physical conditions and disorders have been shown to cause psychological stress, studies have also found that psychological stress can likewise contribute to physical illness. The central nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system all respond to psychological stress. Depressed immune function is associated with many kinds of stress including bereavement, divorce, job loss, examinations, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and sleep deprivation. Up to 80% of health problems in the U.S. are considered stress-related. In large-scale studies conducted in 1967, those who became seriously ill reported having more stressful life events than those who were well.
Multiple daily stress has been shown to undermine health. When the body systems are overstimulated by stress, illness is likely to occur and cardiac disease may set in. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness increase digestive problems and cancer growth. Fear, anxiety, and stress can also interfere with healing, compromise the immune system, and encourage cardiovascular disease.
Not all complementary and alternative therapies are regulated. It is important to make sure the therapist you choose is qualified.
