Friday, May 14, 2010

Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it is a fitting time to discuss alternative approaches to care. An estimated 1 in 4 Americans over 18, are affected by a mental illness each year. That is staggering when you realize that is over 57 Million people each year. There is a huge toll when it comes to lost productivity, loss of relationships, and even the loss of life as a result of aberrant thinking. While not a mental health professional, I do firmly believe that complimentary care has a justified place in the treatment of mental illness. Mental illness can be characterized by anxiety and mood disorders, bio-chemical disorders of the brain, pathology of the brain, as well as behavioral disturbances. Some conditions result from Trauma either physical or psychological as in the case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Others have genetic components, while others are organic and arise from toxic substances and situations.

Reiki is an excellent modality for stress reduction and has been shown to decrease anxiety, pain, and fears associated with various conditions and illnesses. There are studies which support the use of Reiki in just these sorts of imbalances and Reiki practitioners who are at least a Level 2 are well qualified to address these issues.

Very few techniques are as effective for behavior modification and mental relaxation as Hypnosis. Hypnotherapy goes to the source of manifestation and provides the client with substantive relief. Hypnosis need not grapple with the underlying disease or root cause to be effective, as the target is eliminating the behavior or the resulting disturbance in the person's life. It can be used with other types of care including psychotherapy, medicine, and other changes such as diet and other healing techniques. That being said, those on heavy duty psychotropic medications, or who have unstable conditions will not make good candidates for this type of treatment. Hypnosis subjects should be of at least average intelligence, not intoxicated, and able to focus and follow directions. If the client is able to achieve these conditions, then and only then should Hypnosis be considered an option.

Mental illness still carries a stigma in our society which is unfortunate for those who can and would benefit from care. People are told by their loved ones and friends that they shouldn't take their medications, that they shouldn't let people mess with their heads, and that there is nothing wrong with them. Imagine someone telling cancer patients not to see their doctor or any type of practitioner and to forget about their tumor because there was "really nothing wrong" with them! Coming out and admitting there is a problem is the only true way to be helped. I remember when I was traumatized by a personal event and could not close my eyes without reliving the crisis. I had thought I was having a heart attack and went on to have a perfect echo cardiogram to prove that it was not in my chest but in my head. I laugh when I think of how embarrassed I was, or how much I wanted to deny there was a problem. It took courage to seek care, but looking back my life has been enriched in innumerable ways, by taking that first step.

While not a cure-all for every type of condition, Hypnosis and Reiki can help support those experiencing Mental disorders. A reputable practitioner should look to evaluate your case to see if it is within their expertise to handle and if not should refer you to another type of provider for care. Some conditions are far more severe and require stabilization prior to supportive care. As a practitioner it would be unethical for me to overreach my capabilities or credentials by attempting to treat these cases. That being said if you or a loved one are being treated and are interested, have a frank discussion about adding a natural component to your care. Peace of mind is a priceless commodity which every body deserves. For more information on resources or
services, please visit my website at www.soulcenteredhealth.com