The Future Of Mental Health Treatment
I think most people would agree that the mental health system is not effectively serving our communities. Individuals can be treated as a “problem” or “defective/broken”. Couples are often seen as failures. Families, especially parents, get judged and belittled. Where is the compassion or understanding? Why are most therapists, clinicians, and counselors more concerned about charging a rate that “respects their self-value” than considering their client’s ability to receive services without adding undo stress due to prohibitive costs or not even being able to afford the fees at all? Then there is the whole insurance industry!!!
Holistic counselors, therapists, social workers, and psychologists offer respite from the mainstream mental health system, and we still often do not meet the needs of our clients. There are so many variables that contribute to mental and emotional challenges, including diet, sleep/rest, exercise, “the gut”, the nervous system, trauma(s), finances, work, school, relationships, environment, sensory issues, childhood attachments or lack of attachments, etc. We share so many common characteristic and experiences as humans but our specific journeys are incredibly complex and unique, therefore, treatments needs to be unique to the individual, couple or family.
I invite you to read this article on the future of mental health treatment, knowing some of these methods and practices are available today.
The Future Of Mental Health Treatment
Holistic approach will rule the field.
“The future of mental health is “community” based healing. People connecting with each other from around the world on the journey of healing, together.
There won’t be such a strong focus on experts and credentials. The focus will be on finding somone who’s faced themesleves truly done the work to heal. The person(or group of people) will act as a support, a trusting safe place. Not as a guru or all knowing source.
Here is the holistic future of mental health treatment.
1# Blood Tests For Nutrients Deficiencies & Mental Health
There is endless research that links nutrient deficiencies (Vitamin B, D, Omega 3 fatty acids) to mental illness. Psychological symptoms like panic, irritability, mood swings and depression are often not linked to nutrient deficiency or undiagnosed conditions which is why blood tests are so important.
2# Epigenetics & Mental Health
The current mental health model over states the “fixed” nature of genes. Genes are expressed(or repressed) based on the environment we are in.
Our lifestyle choices have ability to create genetic wellness, which means we must to activate participants in what we consume, who we spend our time with and how we treat ourselves.
#3 Nervous System Regulation & Mental Health
Nervous system deregulation comes from unresolved trauma within the body. We have four states within the nervous system:fight, flight, flee or fawn. These states impact, how we feel in our bodies, our ability to function within the relationships.
#4 Childhood trauma Awareness & Mental Health
Childhood trauma shapes how we see ourselves, our core beliefs, how our nervous system functions, how we relate to others, how we regulate our emotions .The coping mechanisms we use to adapt .
“Without addressing childhood trauma, we don’t address the root cause of the mental health.”
#5 Attachment Theory Focus & Mental Health
Attachment theory is the understanding that our first relationships we experience shape all other relationships we have throughout life .
If those relationships were health( safe, secure) we have higher self worth, coping skills, and emotional maturity.
“Studies consistently show that children raised in homes with insecure attachment struggle with self worth are more likely to commit crimes and have high rates of addiction. “
6# Consciousness & Mental Health
Conscious awareness is the foundation of healing. Without consciousness we have no access to choice.
“Choice creats Change. “
#7 Spirituality & Mental Health
We are mind, body and soul. Not just mind. Spirituality is about having an inner experience and recovering the truth of who you are beyond conditioned thoughts and patterns.
#8 Ego Work & Mental Health
The ego is our “I” identity are the concept of who we believe we are. Ego work is the practice of becoming the witness of your thoughts, patterns and behaviors. This allows you to make conscious choices beyond the ego that leads to transformation.
9# Gut Awareness & Mental Health
Our gut plays a key role in communicating to our brains and our nervous system. The health of our gut is impacted by: what we eat, the stress we face and how we sleep.
These factors will play an important role in the future of “holistic” mental health treatment. Because mental health issues are complex and they need versatile coping strategies. Only one approach is insufficient to deal with them
So, to tale a deep picture of a modern persona’s psyche, we need to adopt holistic approach because it benefits the patients.”
The full article is posted on Medium.
What elements or practices interested and/or excited you? What about peer support and counseling? Imagine treatment in which the provider leaves their own ego at the door and is OK with not knowing and sharing that with you.
For more info on the gut-health connection, please read How Your Belly Could Heal Your Brain.
Michael Swerdloff
Providence Holistic Counselor, Coach and Reiki
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