OVERVIEW OF A WHOLISTIC NATURAL HEALTH APPROACH TO
STRESS MANAGEMENT, MOOD DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH
Stress is an unavoidable fact of life, yet the effects of stress vary dramatically between individuals. One person may experience large amounts of stress and thrive, while others may be seriously impacted and develop mood disorders that can be severely debilitating and affect all aspects of life while driving alterations in brain structure and function.
A ‘functional medicine’ model utilising natural medicines provides support to key common elements among major mental illness such as anxiety, insomnia, depression and addiction giving hope to those affected by these conditions.
So, let's look at some facts…
WORRYING STATISTICS. A SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS
While depression receives far greater attention, anxiety disorders are equally prevalent and crippling to sufferers. Conventional medicine has not seen any significant advances in its therapeutic offering in decades. Functional natural medicine can fill this gap by applying insights from the latest research on the pathophysiology of anxiety and mood disorders and taking a 'systems biology' approach to mental illness.
ADAPTIVE VERSES MALADAPTIVE BRAIN PLASTICITY
Common overarching features affect the physiology of our brain. Understanding how the Amygdala (our ancient brain) works, its adaptive ability, how it processes stress and its hormonal chemistry are all central to our better understanding of the physical response in mood changes. Our goal is a resilient mind with a high level of plasticity.
NOT JUST A HERBAL BAND AID BUT GREEN PHARMACY
Several herbal and nutritional medicines have many proven and effective benefits in the treatment of mental health disorders. Particularly interesting is the naturopathic axion that 'disease starts in the gut’. The importance of the ‘gut/brain axis’ is an emerging science validating this naturopathic principle. Current pathology testing such as ‘microbiome assessment’ provides an in depth look at gut health, ensuring a targeted, individualised treatment.
HOW CAN WE SLEEP WHEN OUR BEDS ARE BURNING
Another common mental health issue that has a marked impact on mood and wellbeing is insomnia. To add to this is the recurrent theme that inflammation plays in mood disorders. This combination is like a 'flame in the brain' worsening mental health. Natural treatments target better sleep and decreasing inflammation to protect and positively influence brain changes.
'LEARNING AND GROWING' IS A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE THING involving your community
Growth and change requires learning and implementing new habits for healthy brain activity and healthy moods. Practical every day habits can change the way we are. There are a number of easy practical activities that support genuine change including engagement with your community which is critical in reducing isolation and creating connection.
Jude provides up to date, scientifically validated strategies to help you manage everyday pressures of life and improve your health and vitality.