Alternative Treatments in Mental Health

While antidepressants have been a great help to many mental health patients, some either don't want or can't ingest antidepressants. Luckily, there are other ways to treat mental health issues and they include exercise, massage, meditation, deep breathing, acupuncture, aromatherapy, supplements and herbs.

Exercise and Massage

• If you can't take a "feel good" pill, why not take yourself for a walk, where endorphins will be released. Endorphins are feel-good hormones that can conjure up feelings of euphoria. In fact, they are the same hormones released during sexual intercourse. Additionally, massage can target certain pressure points that release toxins in your body. This, too, can conjure up a feeling of euphoria. In addition to feel-good hormones, exercise and massage reduces stress, one of the major causes of depression and anxiety disorder. Adopting a solid exercise and nutrition plan also can help improve your mental state in ways pharmaceuticals simply cannot replicate. By treating your body in this holistic way and not just relying on a pill to make the problem go away, you can achieve the best mental health possible.

Meditation and Deep Breathing

• Never under-estimate the power of meditation and deep breathing. While meditation can offer you a vacation from your thoughts, deep breathing actually can provide the relaxation and relief that you so desperately crave. Yoga and tai chi are both great movements to combine with meditation and deep breathing therapies. If you do not know how, join a class at your local community center. This also is a good way to meet other people, and getting out of your rut can help alleviate many mental health issues such as depression. Alternatively, just sit on a mat or towel in your home, close your eyes, and focus on a single object or idea while deep breathing. This simple act of taking time for you to focus can yield remarkable results.

Other Remedies

• Kava root and 5-HTP are both considered natural alternatives to ingesting antidepressants. Do not take these supplements while on antidepressants, and consult your doctor before trying these remedies. Acupuncture, in which a licensed professional places sterile needles on certain points of the body, also can help resolve your mental health issues. Aromatherapy, which uses scented oils to treat the body and music therapy, which uses sound to soothe the body, are two other alternative therapies for mental health patients. Be sure to use alternative medicine as a compliment to your present mental health treatment.