Anxiety, Overwhelm, Depression: How Supportive Therapies Can Offer Greater Outcomes

In a world where the media is relentlessly negative, expectations exponentially high, and opportunities for balance and tranquility scarce, our collective mental health has taken a great toll. Globally, 4 in 10 adults suffer with anxiety or depression or have someone close to them who does. And while some may escape significant mental and emotional difficulties, most are still challenged with persistent stress and feelings of overwhelm.

Thus, it’s not hard to see the ever-increasing need for a diverse range of therapies that can address these issues. While Western medicine approaches offers effective treatments, integrating alternative and complementary therapies can enhance overall well-being without competing with conventional treatment. This well-rounded approach can harness the strengths of both worlds, creating a comprehensive and personalized plan for mental health.

Alternative and complementary therapies encompass a wide range of practices and products that are not typically part of the conventional medical establishment. These therapies include:

Mind and Body Practices: Yoga, tai chi, qigong, meditation, sound therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.

Alternative Medicinals: Herbs, aromatherapy, homeopathy, and more.

Physical Therapies: Acupuncture, massage therapy, shiatsu, chiropractic care, and other forms of bodywork.

Creative Therapies: Art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, forest bathing, and more.

Combining Western medicine with alternative therapies addresses can address aspects of your being that are intricately correlated to your mental and emotional health, like physical comfort or connection with nature, but not necessarily addressed by counseling or medication alone. Multiple studies have shown that therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, mindfulness meditation, and more can reduce anxiety and depression, even though they may not address these emotions directly. This whole-health approach feels more personal, and as a result, has a greater ability to address your unique needs. And the best part is, alternative therapies usually have little to no side effects.

If you’d like to integrate alternative therapies into your mental health treatment, talk about your interest with your primary care physician or mental health professional. To work with a alternative practitioner, head over to Tribe’s practitioner directory.