Anxiety and depression are serious mental health issues that should be addressed with a health care professional as early as possible. Educating yourself about treatment options can lead to a more productive conversation with your doctor about ways to deal with anxiety and depression so that you can lead a full and productive life. These therapies are on the more innovative side of treating mental health issues and may surprise you with their effectiveness and ease of implementation.
1. Walking and talking therapy
Time outdoors can do wonders for your overall mental state and relaxation. You may be able to find a therapist who holds therapy sessions outdoors while walking. This relaxed environment can help to clear your mind and talk more freely about the issues that you are facing. Sitting in a sterile therapist's office can seem daunting and unappealing to many people. Embracing Mother Nature is a great way to avoid that stigma and allow yourself to open up in new and engaging ways.
Finding a therapist who employs this method could be as easy as asking for a recommendation from your doctor. It may involve trying out different therapists until you find the right fit for you to feel the most comfortable.
2. Hypnotherapy
This therapy often gets confused with hypnosis, which involves someone else controlling your thoughts and actions. On the other hand, hypnotherapy is about reorienting your focus and channeling your energy toward a positive outcome. This is typically used along side other therapies for anxiety and depression to increase their effectiveness. The best thing about this therapy is that it allows you to take control of your own healing process and harness your own focus.
3. Laughing
Laughter has been shown to reduce your blood pressure and help you to process stressful situations. While mediation is often praised as one of the most effective therapies for relaxation, laughing has been shown to have many of the same benefits. It also does not require the same level of focus and concentration as meditation does.
One of the great things about laughter therapy is that it does not necessarily have to be done in a formal setting. While many hospitals and exercise studies may attempt to incorporate laughter and humor into their regular sessions, laughter therapy is different for everyone. Spending time watching a funny movie or television show can be just the remedy you need to get that laughter going.