Medication helps some people keep their heads above water, but for others, medicine alone isn't enough. If you're one of those people, know that many alternative treatments can help supplement your medication regimen. Check out our top three supplemental mental health treatments, from mushroom supplements to meditation, to help you overcome your mental health challenges. Remember, before attempting to do anything that alters your mental state, always contact your doctor and make a plan with them. Don't leave your health team in the dark.
There's much promising research about how medicinal mushrooms positively impact brain health. From turkey tail mushrooms that deter oxidative stress to the lion's mane variety that improves cognitive function, medicinal mushrooms are amazing supplements. People usually take medicinal mushrooms in pill or powder form, which are relatively easy to find. Alternatively, you can purchase a mushroom-growing kit and reap the benefits of growing your own mushrooms. If you receive them in powder form, you can put them in your coffee for an added boost.
Meditation is perfect for both short- and long-term brain health. Within one week, you'll be a calmer and healthier individual. This is because meditation thickens the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for increased awareness, concentration, and other higher-order functions. Additionally, it increases grey matter in the brain, which is the number of neurons present there. Meditation helps control emotions and improves memory and coordination. Try sitting down and focusing on your breath for 10 minutes. Focus on where it enters and exits your nostrils. During this time, if you have a thought, see it and let it go. Meditating in this way for 10 minutes a day will have far-reaching benefits.
Professionals often use horses, dogs, and other animals to help people with mental health conditions function. Animal-assisted therapy and emotional support animals can reduce psychiatric symptoms due to depression, bipolar disorder, and much more. This is a special supplemental mental health treatment. Even if your psychologist, general practitioner, or psychiatrist doesn't actively prescribe this form of therapy, getting a pet can help your mental state. This is because animals are vigilant and sensitive to people's emotions.
Overall, many supplemental treatments are available to assist your medication regimen—you only have to look. Consider improving your mental health with one of these treatments today!
