Mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life, especially in the context of co-existing chronic illness. For example, patients with chronic pain experience significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression than those without chronic pain. Patients may grieve who they were before chronic illness appeared. Medical burnout and trauma is unfortunately common. Chronic health conditions co-existing with mental health challenges make daily self care and social connections markedly harder, which in turn may decrease quality of life. A strong doctor-patient therapeutic relationship fosters a foundation on which healing may begin to bloom. The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms.
People experiencing mental health challenges often present with certain signs and symptoms. Early recognition can lead to more effective treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Some of these signs and symptoms include:
~ Keep scrolling for some further clarifications of certain symptoms ~
irritability
mood swings
anxiety
sleep disturbances
low mood and/or depression
low self-esteem, poor body image
fatigue
anhedonia
brain fog
decreased sex drive
decrease in daily self-care activities
thoughts of self harm or suicide
· sleep disturbances = sleeping too much or not enough, difficulty falling or staying asleep, unrefreshing sleep, nightmares
· anhedonia = inability to feel pleasure or joy, feeling numb
· decrease in daily self-care activities = personal hygiene, eating nutritious meals, social connection, hobbies
Mental health issues are a complex interaction between psycho-social, socio-economic, and biological factors. These issues can arise from a multitude of factors, including whether or not basic needs (food, clothing, housing, safety) are met, chronic stress, past trauma, lifestyle habits, diet, and hormonal fluctuations. Naturopathic doctors take a comprehensive approach, examining how these elements contribute to mental and emotional well-being.
Effective treatment of mental health concerns begins with a thorough evaluation. Naturopathic doctors employ a variety of diagnostic tools, such as taking a patient history, subjective patient questionnaires, lifestyle evaluations, and blood tests to assess nutrition and infection based status. Personalized treatment plans are designed to address specific concerns and increase quality of life. These plans often incorporate stress management techniques, dietary adjustments, targeted supplementation, acupuncture, and homeopathy. NDs help empower patients to take an active role in restoring and maintaining their mental health and emotional balance.
FAQs
Common treatments include botanical medicines, dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, acupuncture, homeopathy, and short and/or long term supplements. Self-care practices are important and include but are not limited to grounding exercises, healthy hobbies, social connection, breathwork, and meditation. First and foremost, all plans are individualized for emotional and mental safety. The patient is met where they are with open-mindedness, curiosity, and compassion.
Lifestyle changes are beneficial, especially in those with co-existing chronic illness, as they serve as a big part of the foundation for good mental health. Examples of lifestyle modifications include but are not limited to good sleep hygiene and restorative sleep, exercise as tolerated, good nutrition and hydration, and stress management practices. Prioritizing this foundational care is the first step of many people’s treatment plans.
Absolutely not. Mental health struggles, though common in today’s world, are not in any way a sign of weakness or character flaw. They are a complex interaction between psycho-social, socio-economic, and biological factors. Humans are dynamic beings and require understanding, compassion, and connection.