Mental health has so much to do with “my why”. It played a big part in why I decided to go into holistic medicine. There are so many people suffering from different forms of mental illness, and I believe my experience can be used to help some of them come out of it.
The Mental Health Landscape
There are many types and causes of mental illness. They can all influence our lives in many ways. Mental illness affects our relationships, our jobs, and our lives. It can show up as disrupted sleep, depression, and anxiety. It also can cause eating disorders and substance abuse. If you or someone you know is going through mental illness, the first and most important step is to recognize it and ask for help.
Get Help in Figuring It Out
There may still be a stigma around it, but mental illness is a disease like any other, and needs treatment from an experienced practitioner. In mild cases, that might mean seeing a talk therapist, or getting something like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). More severe cases may need medical treatments, like medication or hospitalization. Finding a counselor or doctor you trust is the next important step on the journey.
CAM as Part of a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
In treating mental illness, there are then many tools you can use, including complementary and alternative medicine. Because of how acupuncture works with the nervous system, it can be used to help with many of the above symptoms. Since it helps calm the nervous system without interacting with other medications, it is very good for ongoing care. It works well along with meditation, counseling, appropriate exercise, and for some, medication.
Baby Steps
For someone suffering from mental illness, even the smallest steps can seem like an impossible chasm. If you're concerned about your mental health, talk to someone you trust. If someone you care about might have this issue, do whatever you can to help them find the help they need. It can be a long road, but one well worth it. Remember - “The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.”
If you have any questions for me, you can always reach out.
Michael Savalli LAc
(934) 221-7111
Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
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