Many people with mental illnesses are suffering in silence. The stigma, shame, and misunderstanding of psychiatric disorders often prevent a person from seeking help. (source – https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/blog/breaking-silence-around-mental-health, source, source, source)
I have been privileged to guide some courageous individuals through these societal barriers and assist them with the support they deserve. These clients, however, are in the minority. In a 2018 article of The American Journal of Psychiatry, the authors report:
The growing national discussion around mental health care has exposed mental illness as the leading cause of disability in the United States. Given that almost 50% of Americans will meet diagnostic criteria for a mental health disorder during their lifetime (1), yet only 40% of individuals receive treatment for their illness (2), this increased awareness of mental illness is timely and valuable. Although much of the explanation for the 25% increase in the suicide rate over the past 20 years has focused on poor access to and financing of mental health care, cultural and societal stigma around mental illness have remained largely unchanged over the past two decades (3). (source)
These statistics are disturbing, to say the least. Even more concerning is that, if treatment is finally sought out, it is usually only after years of an individual feeling like they were doing something wrong, or worse, they themselves were the problem. This can have devastating consequences. (source – https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/blog/breaking-silence-around-mental-health, source, source, source, source)
I believe these roadblocks to alleviating psychological suffering stem from a misunderstanding of brain functioning. Our current conventional treatment is not enough.
It’s time for a different conversation and a comprehensive approach to mental illness. As a naturopathic and functional medicine practitioner I dive deep into the many factors that could be contributing to the underlying cause of someone’s emotional imbalances.
I am on a mission to help educate the world that anxiety, depression, or any mental illness is not a personality defect. Viewing mood disorders in this way has negative ramifications to the individual and society.
Click here to read more in my latest article, “Suffering in Silence- The Barriers to Mental Health.”
I also discuss how essential oils fit into this topic.
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This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)
Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.
