Taking Care Of Your Mental Health From A Naturopathic Perspective

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Mental Health Impacts Physical Health

Mental health has a significant impact on physical health. Mental health can actually affect physical processes in the body. There is research now showing that stress, depression and anxiety can have very real physical symptoms. Some symptoms are more well known like high blood pressure, but did you know mental health imbalances can also cause a host of other symptoms?

Your mental health can have an impact on your stress hormones like adrenaline and it can also completely turn your ability to get restorative sleep upside down. There is research showing that your mental health can affect your heart, your circulation, your skin, your digestion, your hormone systems, increase inflammation and more.

If you have chronic illness or an autoimmune condition, you have an increased chance of experiencing mental health challenges. There is evidence showing that both the condition itself and the stress from having the condition can drive mental health issues.  As well, mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression can have a negative impact on chronic health conditions themselves. Even if you have an existing condition it’s important to know that chronic stress, anxiety, or worry as well as depression are treatable. 

Mental health is such an important part of a holistic model. When we are considering mind, body, spirit medicine, Mind/mental health is one of the main pillars that is considered that can contribute to overall health and well being.

Some Signs You Need To Have a Check In With Your Mental Health:

• Feeling constantly sad, empty, numb anxious, restless, irritable, frustrated, overwhelmed hopeless, increasingly indecisive, or more pessimistic than usual

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• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping

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• Lack of interest in activities used to bring you joy or pleasure

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• Persistent feelings of guilt, like you are worthless or not good enough

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• Digestive issues, headaches, pain or general aches

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• Increased  memory, or concentration issues

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• Changes in weight

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• Low energy especially if this is not typical for you

You Don’t Have To Be Ashamed Of Your Mental Health Challenges But It’s Ok If You Feel That Way Too

Mental health is something that is being more normalized in today’s world.  There are many that have struggled with mental health challenges that have felt like they’ve needed to keep it a secret and was something that was not safe to talk about and get support with.  We’ve seen that this type of culture does not lead to good long term health outcomes;  As individuals and as a culture, we need to realize that mental health applies to everyone and each and every person deserves and should have access to mental health support. You are not bad or wrong if your mental health isn’t perfect and everyone deserves to have a safe place to let it all out and to feel supported.

What To Look For When Searching Out Naturopathic Mental Healthcare

When you are shopping for a Naturopathic doctor to work with on your mental health, It's important to know that naturopathic doctors and many medical doctors don’t have counselling training at all or very little. As  you are searching for a good fit for your mental health care you’ll want to look for someone that is Licensed to practice Naturopathic Medicine and has specialized training in mental health beyond their basic Naturopathic medical education.
After having a look at the training of the physician you are wanting to work with you also want to make sure you are a good fit to work together. All the training in the world sometimes can’t overcome a fit that is not quite right when you are receiving mental health care. If the practitioner you are wanting to work with has a meet and greet or consultation option it’s a good idea to utilize it. Don’t be afraid to take some time after your consultation to decide if this would be the best fit for you. If it’s not a good fit you can ask for help with a referral to colleagues that the practitioner might have connections with as well. You can also check out more than one practitioner and then choose whoever you felt like you “clicked” with the best.

How To Work With Me

I am both a licensed Naturopathic physician and I have undergone a 3 year education program in counselling training. If this resonates with you and you would like to work with me, click here to apply to be a patient.