Mental Health Conditions inc Bi-Polar, Major Depression, Anxiety..

Major Mental Health Conditions and Their Differences.
Bipolar Disorder involves distinct episodes of depression and mania/hypomania.
During depressive episodes, people experience low mood, loss of interest, and fatigue.
During manic episodes, they may have elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive behaviour.
This differs from conditions like:
Major Depression, which involves persistent low mood without manic episodes
Schizophrenia, which primarily involves psychosis, delusions, and disrupted thinking
Anxiety Disorders, which centre on excessive worry and fear responses
Alternative Therapies and Complementary Approaches: While these should never replace prescribed medical treatment for severe conditions, some evidence-supported complementary approaches include:
Mindfulness, Breathwork/Pranayama, meditation and yoga for anxiety and depression symptoms
Regular exercise, which can help stabilise mood
Sleep hygiene practices
Nutrition therapy and omega-3 supplements
Art and music therapy as emotional outlets
Peer support groups
Restrictions on Alternative Practitioners:
Alternative practitioners like hypnotherapists and some counsellors typically cannot work with severe mental illness because:
1. Safety Concerns:
Lack of medical training to handle crises or emergencies
Unable to prescribe or adjust medications
May not recognise warning signs of psychiatric emergencies
Limited ability to coordinate with medical professionals
2. Scope of Practice:
These practitioners are typically trained for mild to moderate issues
Severe conditions require specialised medical oversight
Risk of inadvertently triggering or worsening symptoms
Legal and ethical obligations to refer to appropriate medical care
3. Clinical Complexity:
Severe conditions often require integrated treatment approaches
Symptoms may interfere with therapy engagement
Higher risk of self-harm or crisis situations
Need for careful medication management
For severe mental health conditions, treatment should be overseen by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists who have:
Advanced medical training
Crisis management capabilities
Ability to prescribe and monitor medications
Hospital admission privileges if needed
Regular supervision and support systems