Using Integrative Mental Health
Integrative Mental Health weaves together the best of science and the best of all therapies. These therapies might include common sense (get enough sleep), nutritional advice, the tools of allopathic and functional medicine, as well as the wisdom from naturopathic resources. Integrative Mental Health insists that we assess and treat the body, and also the mind, social conditions such as poverty, and the spirit. Treatments need to be tailored to the individual—recovery is not a one size fits all proposition.
Treating Depression
Decades of research reveal an abysmal track record for anti-depressant drugs. They do not cure. If they have any positive impact it is this: they simply override symptoms for a short period of time. Depression is a complicated condition with many co-mingling factors. Fortunately, there are now many effective choices you can make for treating the causes and moving towards a positive outcome.
Why Worry?
According to National Institutes of Mental Health, an estimated 15.7 million adults had at least one major depressive episode in 2013. This represents 6.7 percent of all adults in the US[1].
We have previously been taught to connect serotonin with feeling good. Six decades of scientific investigation have failed to prove that depression results from low serotonin levels in the brain. Researchers have recently revealed that high serotonin is actually associated with low mood, as well as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and autism. Increased levels of serotonin, and its metabolite 5H1AA, are associated with suicide, violence, alcoholism, bulimia, and exhibitionism.[2]
Exceptional Resources
The latest brain science and brain imaging offer new models of depression and an overview of natural treatments that are scientifically shown to be safe and effective in relieving symptoms of depression. Feeling better may be as simple as ramping up your vitamin intake and moving your body more during the day, but finding what works for you may require experimenting with a variety of therapies.
To find out more see the book “Choices in Recovery” by Craig Wagner, or click on “21stCSolutions2Depression,” a 22 page pdf created by GreenMedinfo in 2018.
This blog is sponsored by “Integrative Mental Health for You“. We offer 26+ presentations and courses online offering choices in treating mental health issues.
[1] National Institute of Mental Health. Major Depression Among Adults
[2] Brogan K. (January 16, 2014) “A Psychiatrist’s Perspective on Using Drugs” Mercola.com