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Canada’s demand for mental health services has surged over the last few years. Potential reasons may be the increased social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic but also reduced societal stigma around mental illness. While traditional methods of treating mental illness, such as psychotherapy, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications, are likely here to stay, they are not ideal for everyone, and there are many new and exciting treatment approaches on the horizon. This blog article will provide insight into some prevalent treatment approaches of 2024 that are currently being explored and used, from new technological developments to neuroscientific innovations and holistic approaches. It is important to note that the alternative treatment options mentioned in this article are not meant to replace consulting a mental health professional. Depending on the type and severity of the issue, a combination of different approaches may be required.
A relatively new and convenient way to receive mental health treatment is the use of online therapy services such as BetterHelp and Telus Health. These platforms allow patients to select from a vast network of licensed therapists and choose the format they prefer, whether this is video chat, phone calls, real-time chat, or a hybrid approach, combining in-person and virtual appointments. Online therapy can remove certain access issues since it can be more affordable. It is also more accessible to people with disabilities and anxiety disorders or those from rural areas that lack therapist’s offices.
Rapid technological change has affected most parts of society, and mental health treatments are no exception.
Virtual Reality Therapy: VR therapy immerses the patient in a realistic 3D environment, often using a headset. The best-known VR therapy form is Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET). Therefore, VR can provide the perfect conditions to treat phobias, anxiety, PTSD, and even chronic pain. It can also be used for mindfulness exercises.
Wearable Devices: Some smartwatches and fitness trackers are currently being adjusted to monitor not only indicators of physical but also mental health. This may be helpful for patients in managing their illness and symptoms and, for example, could advise them when to see a professional and provide them with valuable resources. Currently, some devices can measure stress levels and track your sleep, which can be indicators of your mental health status. Researchers are hopeful that the devices will soon be able to track many other mental health factors, such as resilience and motivation.
Gamified Therapy: While video games are often believed to have a negative influence on our mental health, they can also be therapeutic. For example, they add an interactive, engaging element to therapy and may motivate patients to participate. Some video games have been specifically designed to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or addiction and teach players valuable life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and coping strategies. Similarly to VR, some simulate real-life scenarios and provide patients with a safe environment to practice their newly learned skills. Additionally, research suggests that even regular video games may be beneficial as they foster intrinsic motivation in the players and give them a sense of achievement. While video games do not replace therapy, they can be a great addition.
Poor mental health can cause physical symptoms, and vice versa. Health providers and researchers increasingly pay attention to the strong connection between physical and mental health and are starting to integrate different approaches from either realm to improve patients’ lives. For example, they focus on sleep routines, good nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient social interaction, and a healthy lifestyle overall. For example, some researchers are currently exploring the effects of the nutritional and metabolic therapies on often debilitating mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The latest research in this area explores concepts such as repatterning and memory reconsolidation, which may help deal with anxiety or trauma. Neuroscientists also explore new and improved medications and, for example, test to what degree the use of psychedelics can benefit the treatment of certain mental illnesses.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, which can be achieved through various methods such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. Its goal is to help us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions without being overwhelmed. By doing so, mindfulness can equip us to handle them in a healthy manner. While anyone can benefit from incorporating mindfulness into their daily life, it can be especially helpful for those living with mental illnesses. It may alleviate some of their symptoms and serve as an effective tool to manage them in addition to other treatment options.
Ashton College offers the Mental Health and Addictions Support Worker Certificate for anyone interested in helping those fighting addictions. It is designed to provide entry-level competencies for employment in the field of mental health and addictions and includes a practicum for real-world application. The program focuses on client treatment and rehabilitation and, for example, allows you to explore:
The program is internationally accredited by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF). It is offered in a flexible online format with full-time and part-time options. All classes are live and instructor-led, while students can complete other course components on their own time. For more information on the program, visit the following link: https://www.ashtoncollege.ca/programs/mental-health-and-addictions-support-worker-certificate/
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.
