Every person’s experience with a mental illness is unique. As a result, so are their responses to treatment. For some, traditional therapy and prescription medication works well. For others, an alternative treatment option might be more ideal. Here are some worth considering.
1. Art Therapy
Art therapy is a method of treatment that allows people with a mental health diagnosis to explore their feelings, manage behavior, develop social skills, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem through creative expression. One of the benefits to this form of therapy is that anyone can participate because everyone has something creative to offer. It also helps to reduce stress, increase expression and allow for problem solving in unique ways.
2. Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy is a wellness-based approach to recovery. Individuals learn the value of self-reflection, stress-reduction, positive visualizations, optimism and group support while increasing strength, flexibility and mental clarity. Studies suggest that practicing yoga can also positively affect your mood.
3. Equine Therapy
Another non-traditional form of treatment is equine therapy. In this practice, individuals interact with a horse through various exercises and training opportunities as part of their recovery. It allows them to overcome fears, boost their confidence, learn responsibility, and build a trusting relationship with the horse.
4. Tapping
Tapping, also known as “Emotional Freedom Technique,” is another alternative method used to cure physical and mental illnesses by engaging one’s invisible energy pathways. Put simply, it helps individuals remove negative emotions. To do this, they focus on specific problems while tapping with their fingers on a what is called an “endpoint of an energy meridian,” allowing for a feeling of freedom and release.
5. Nutrition & Exercise Regimes
One other important alternative to traditional treatment to keep in mind is perhaps the simplest: maintain healthy nutrition and exercise regimes when recovering from a mental illness. For example, recent research has suggested that regular exercise might work in addition to or even in place of medication for individuals living with ADHD. Furthermore, food plays an important role in shaping our moods, so it’s important to encourage diets that are balanced and high in nutrients for your teens.
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