Healing network for mind, body, soul
The discussion was especially refreshing as we considered alternatives that would not require further funding or political support.
This might be the way of the future given rising health costs. A common view is that patients would benefit from more holistic and integrated services.
Health providers too often function as individual silos, dispensing interventions without taking into account what others might be doing.
But health services vary greatly in treatment models and language. There can be a world of difference between psychology and psychiatry, let alone general practice and naturopathy. How can we hope to integrate efforts across the health professions?
I believe any attempt to promote truly holistic health services would require some shared focus on aspects of health that relate to body, mind and soul. For what they’re worth, these are some of my musings.
We could start with the body. One common theme for virtually all areas of health is the universal and specific benefits of physical exercise. It would cost little to encourage our clients to be physically active. Encouraging exercise also symbolically reminds people of the importance of taking an active role in their own treatment.
With regards to the mind, the one universal seems to be the benefit of adopting an optimistic outlook. This is because our mind and body are so closely related in all health and illness. Placebo effects are real and biologically powerful. Our mindset can literally make us better or worse.
All health professionals can help improve outcomes at no extra cost by minding our language. We can offer explanations for health problems that fit the facts, but which encourage resourcefulness and hope.
For example, regardless of whatever treatment is offered, we can resist the old standard explanations that those suffering from depression have a biochemical imbalance caused by faulty genes, which primarily requires medication — an external fix. That’s unnecessarily pessimistic.
By contrast, we can advise someone who is depressed that they are likely to fully recover while acknowledging their personal strengths and supports.
Medication may be helpful, especially if the person’s depression persists or is severe. Optimistic language encourages hope, bolsters immunity, and promotes a patient’s active involvement in treatment. It works better, but costs nothing more.
To be truly holistic, we might acknowledge the soul. We don’t have to be religious fanatics to consider the notion, we just have to be open to there being a deeper level of awareness beyond the usual conscious realm.
For mental health in particular, it can also be important to be open to discussing our clients’ spiritual beliefs, including their values and sense of life purpose. Conflicts at that level can show up as psychological and physical problems, but are too often ignored.
Geelong’s professional networks are closer-knit than those in bigger cities. We’re well placed to learn from each other and to better integrate our efforts.
— Chris Mackey is the principal psychologist at Chris Mackey and Associates, Geelong, and is a Fellow of The Australian Psychological Society
* This article was originally written and published on http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/opinion/chris-mackey-any-attempt-to-promote-truly-holistic-health-services-would-require-some-shared-focus-on-aspects-of-health-that-relate-to-body-mind-and-soul/news-story/0f65ba222862c6b1a2756a2ab0118e4d
