The Road to Mental Wellness with Desert Rose

Welcome! In this edition of The Road to Mental Wellness, I will discuss alternatives to traditional therapy. We are going to think outside the box. Talk therapy isn’t for everyone and that’s okay. There are many ways to get help through therapy, you just have to do a bit of research. I have settled on 4 different ones for today. Art therapy, animal therapy, mental health coach and spirituality/higher power.

Art Therapy – You don’t have to be an artist or even “artsy” to make art. Everyone is creative – and we all remember making art as children. Art therapy is particularly effective during times of crisis, changes in circumstance, trauma, and grief. According to research, art therapy helps people feel more in control of their own lives, and helps relieve anxiety and depression, including among cancer patients, tuberculosis patients in isolation, and military veterans with PTSD. In addition, art therapy assists in managing pain by moving mental focus away from the painful stimulus.

Animal Therapy – Animal-assisted therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses trained animals in treatment plans to enhance physical, emotional and social well-being. Unlike service animals or emotional support animals, therapy animals assist multiple people in various settings under professional guidance. Documented since the late 18th century at the York Retreat in England, the practice has grown In healthcare and education due to its proven benefits. AAT involves structured interactions between trained animals and individuals to achieve specific therapeutic goals. These sessions are guided by professionals and tailored to patient needs.

Mental Health Coach – A mental health coach is a type of life coach that specializes in non-clinical mental health issues. The coaching ventures deeper than typical life coaching but stops short of diagnosing or treating mental illness. Coaching and therapy (or mental health counseling) have more in common than not.

Both coaches and counselors:

Are paid as professionals

Require training rooted in psychology

Act as accountability partners

Meet with clients regularly, usually for an hour at a time, with homework suggestions in between sessions

Talk to people about goals, problems, and solutions

Focus the effort exclusively on the client

Ask probing questions and offer feedback

Reference the past, present, and future

If you had to be a licensed counselor to do any of the above, you’d be in trouble. Talking to others about what they’re going through is one of the most common things people tend to do! Life coaches do this but so do mentors, consultants, supervisors, and even good friends. You don’t have to be a counselor to talk to people about their problems! (I’m actually taking a course in Mental Health Coaching)

Spirituality/Higher Power – Research consistently highlights the positive impact of spirituality on mental health outcomes. Studies show that spiritual beliefs and practices can serve as protective factors, reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Spirituality helps individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives, which can mitigate feelings of hopelessness and despair. It fosters coping skills by promoting hope and resilience, especially in times of illness or trauma. Spirituality intersects with mental health by providing individuals with coping mechanisms that can be vital in managing stress and emotional upheaval. Practices such as prayer, meditation, rituals, and engaging with spiritual communities can bolster resilience, foster inner peace, and support recovery during challenging times.

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining mental wellbeing is more crucial than ever. One in four people will experience mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Challenges often arise early, with 75% of all mental health conditions beginning by age 24. It’s viral to foster a lifestyle that promotes both physical and emotional health.

By openly discussing and addressing mental health issues without stigma, we can encourage early intervention and cultivate an environment that supports recovery and resilience. Improving mental wellbeing is a journey, not a one-time fix. It involves making small changes in your daily life, being aware of your mental health, and seeking help when needed.

Let’s promote kindness towards ourselves and others, and remember, early intervention is key to handling mental health challenges effectively. You are not alone, and help is always available.

As always, if you or someone you love feels suicidal or that they are in a crisis there is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for confidential, free, 24/7/365 help. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org. Another resource is the Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. I’m Desert Rose signing off and wishing you all good mental health.

*I would like to apologize for the grammatical errors of last week. I type this on my phone and as I’m sure you can relate, autocorrect got me. I will do better.