Other people seek religious and spiritual help for their mental health problems. Although he doesn't believe in God, Allan, 31, says developing a spiritual awareness has helped him recover from the effects of a major depression, suicide attempt and a history of physical and sexual abuse. "Basically, spiritual meditation has been really helpful in just connecting with the energy around me," he says. In Canada, around 4% of individuals with symptoms of mental health or substance use problems sought help from members of the clergy; this percentage rises to 25% in the United States. There are also a number of other studies showing an association between spiritual practices and better health and mental health.
People with more serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia may benefit from a combination of medication, cognitive therapy, music and art therapies. Cognitive therapies provide tools for reinforcing psychoeducational concepts and dealing with persistent symptoms such as hallucinations. Once considered to be "alternative therapies," cognitive therapies for people with psychotic disorders are increasingly being supported by clinical research and incorporated into mainstream mental health care. Music and art therapies allow people to explore their feelings through art and music, make positive changes in mood and emotions and develop self-esteem through participation in creative activities.
"The body's physiology changes from one of stress to one of deep relaxation, from one of fear to one of creativity and inspiration," according to Michael Samuels, a medical doctor and art therapist. In BC, creative arts are part of treatment programs at BC's Riverview Hospital, Vancouver Community Mental Health Services and others.
Alternative treatments are not a cure-all, especially for people with more serious mental illnesses. But it is important for people to have a sense of choice when it comes to treatment, says Holman of the CMHA. "We tell people to trust themselves and trust their own physical and emotional reactions to different treatments, no matter how helpless they have been made to feel. We want them to find the combination of alternatives that works for them."
In addition to their treatment choices, people with mental illness benefit from a holistic approach to community support, she adds. Community services should address the issues of income, housing and employment, and provide services offering peer-based and self-help support.
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca)
