My Approach to Mental Health
As a naturopathic doctor, I have many different angles from which to address and support mental health and well-being. I use the following model- the therapeutic order- as a guide.
This means that I start by solidifying the foundations to health. We will discuss sleep, nutrition, movement, social connection, and stress management to identify areas with potential for improvement. Then I will collaborate with you to decide on realistic and attainable lifestyle modification goals that will support your mental health. Once the foundations for mental health have been addressed, then we move on to the next level of the therapeutic order- stimulate the self-healing mechanisms. I will sometimes use homeopathic remedies to help nudge your body towards healing. I also often refer to counseling to help heal old wounds and learn new coping strategies.
Then we address weakened organ systems and offer them support. For example, mental health is closely tied with digestive health, as many of our neurotransmitters are actually made in the gut. Therefore, part of my treatment approach might include supporting healthy digestive function. Another example is in pre-menstrual depression where I would support liver function because the liver is in charge of breaking down and processing hormones. When the liver is not functioning properly it can result in hormone imbalances and cause mood alterations.
Once weakened organ systems are supported then I move on to prescribing targeted supplements and herbs for the specific mental health symptoms you are experiencing. Many of the supplements and herbs I prescribe work to influence the neurotransmitters in the brain, thus helping to balance mental health. Lastly, if all of the other previous steps have been taken and you are still not experiencing mental well-being then I can prescribe a pharmaceutical medication.
I also sometimes prescribe pharmaceuticals or herbs in the beginning of our time working together just to help reduce symptoms while we work on the foundations of health. Especially in severe depression, anxiety, or PTSD it can often be hard to summon the focus and motivation to make difficult lifestyle modifications when symptoms are present. Thus, starting with some symptom control while addressing the underlying components and possible causes can be very effective. Then we can work together to wean off the medication once the natural treatment options and lifestyle components are in place and have had time to take effect.