How Does Spa Facilities Aid in Treatment for Mental Health Patients - Essay Example

How does Spa Facilities Aid in Treatment for Mental Health Patients? How does Spa Facilities Aid in Treatmentfor Mental Health Patients? Yoga Yoga has gained such popularity with many people over the past few years that it is not hard to come across a yoga studio as one goes through their daily routine or read about it in the newspaper or the magazine. According to research, it was discovered that yoga actually had the ability to recover from symptoms of psychological disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. Research shows that yoga may have an effect on mental health by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which will in turn increase bone-derive neurotrophic factor (BDNF). As a result, this will lead to a reduction in activity in hypothalamic- pituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the part of the brains that serves the function of governing stress response (McCray, 2009, 102). However, there are no conclusive results as to whether can actually be used in mental health treatment as different studies have come up with different results on this matter. However, it is safe to assume that yoga offers an acute benefit for patients suffering from depression. The only problem that makes yoga a little hard to incorporate is the fact that it is rather a cultural phenomenon which makes it hard for people to distinguish between the facts about yoga and mere hype. As much as physicians recommend the use of yoga in treating mental illnesses such as depression, it is recommended that the patient combines it with supervision from a trained therapist who can monitor the performance and warn against any negative effects that may occur as a result. Swimming Pool Aerobic exercises such as swimming has over time been proved to improve mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The sudden improvements in the moods of the patients can be attributed to the exercise-induced increase in blood circulation in the brain which will consequently affect the hypothalamic pituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis, which in turn affects the psychologic reactivity to stress. The other associated benefits with swimming include distraction, social interaction and self-efficacy. As much as structured programs are best suited for patients suffering from serious mental illnesses, lifestyle alterations that are mostly focused on buildup and enhancement of moderate-intensity activity throughout the patient’s day can be most effective for patients with mild cases of mental illnesses such as depression (Ridge, 2009, 28). Swimming for about 30 minutes three times a week is more than enough to help with treating mental patients suffering from depression. Gym Physical exercise has always been viewed to be good for one’s health. According to psychologists, physical exercise is also good for a person’s mental health. Experts are of the belief that by exercising, the brain releases chemicals that will make a person. In addition, it has been claimed that dynamic physical exercise has positive effects on mental health in both clinical and nonclinical conditions. Exercise can be beneficial in boosting happiness in depressed individuals and alleviate the symptoms of depressions. This is because through exercise, the body releases endorphins, which are the hormones which cause the feeling of happiness and euphoria in an individual. In some cases, exercise was found to be the best antidepressant pill for treating depression among some clinically diagnosed depression patients. Furthermore, one of the most common benefits associated with physical exercise is that it reduces stress in most people, both physical and mental stress. Through working out, the body finds a way to deal with the in-built mental stress that could be the prime cause of depression. However, excessive exercise and overtraining can result in serious mental health conditions. Most people simply frequent the gym as a way of keeping fit, build a muscle and of course for having a rocking body. However, most of them are not for the mental benefits that come with it. Using physical activity as a way of treating mental illnesses requires a physician present to offer guidance on how best to about it (Walsh, 2009, 29). Therefore, this means that if physical exercises are to be used to treat mentally ill patients, it is imperative that the trainers gain an understanding on exactly how this phenomenon works. Massage According to research, physical chronic pain is often one of the causes of depression in most patients. Psychotherapists believe that depression has major psychological and anatomical components; it is in this sector that massage can have profound and significant effects on the patient’s life. However, it is necessary for one to understand the different types of difference in order to understand how each type of depression responds to different types of massage therapy. Applying massage with the intent of freeing the structural collapse associated with depression which will help in transforming the patient from hopeless and feeble collapsed organization to one that is supported and erect. This sense of support will beneficial in giving the patient a sense of support and in turn make them feel stronger and endowed with the capability of dealing with issues related to their depression (Walsh, 2009, 169). The key areas that the masseuse should while massaging the patient include the neck, shoulder, front of chest and the abdomen. All these will result in significant changes in the structural support in the depressed patient. Massage does not only release the structural collapse associated with depression. It is also important is treating the breath process which will in a way re energize the depressed patient and they will tend to have more energy. The additional energy exhibited in their lives will help them to focus on other areas in their leaves and move out of their depression. Therapy Room Light therapy rooms are often used in treatment of winter depressions. However, the efficiency of this therapy in treating depression is yet to be confirmed and can be said to be an experimental procedure. This therapy is grounded on the idea that the patient is placed in a room with artificial light that mimics natural outdoor light. This exposure is said to alter the patient’s circadian rhythm and restrain melatonin levels. Consequently, this will be helpful in preventing depression. The duration that the therapy lasts, the brightness of the light and the time of the day chosen will be dependent on the patient’s needs. Outdoor Garden/Space This has been viewed since time immemorial to be one of the most natural treatments for depression. The main activities in this form of therapy include gardening, walking and playing sports or other games. Some of the health benefits that accrue to patients suffering from depression who are in touch with nature include reduced stress levels, improved levels of physical activity, an improvement in the patients mood and self-esteem, heightened levels of physical activity and a lowered likelihood of engaging in drug and substance abuse (Wilborn & Prosser, 2008, 45). In addition, outdoor activities can be viewed to be peaceful and can help the clinically depressed patients find some form of peace and the ambience can be a bit unraveling. Rehab Centers Rehab centers have many benefits for mental patients especially those suffering from depression. This could be associated to the change in the environment. Advantages of Rehab Centers 1. At the rehabilitation centre, patients will receive individual and group counseling which are mostly focused on helping them get well. Most rehab centers are well equipped to help patients recover. In addition, the professionals employed at the facilities 2. At the rehabilitation facility, patients have professionals who are there to help them through the recovery process day and night (Gilbert, 2000, 72). This means that if at all it gets to a point that they feel that they cannot take it anymore, they have someone they can talk to full time. The kind of support that these professionals lend to the patients is crucial in aiding in the recovery process. 3. The follow up that is offered by most rehabilitation facilities even after the end of the treatment can be beneficial in ensuring that patients do not backslide after they leave the facility. There are programs out of the facility whose main aim is to help with the recovery process. The patients meet from time to time and counseling and group sessions are offered in order to ensure that the patients stay in line and do not lose track of all the progress they made at the rehab centre. 4. The structure at the rehabilitation centre is very crucial as the patients as kept on a strict which they have to follow. Their activities are often planned, and they do not get to experience likely to be caused by outside stressors that may deter their recovery. Functions of Rehabilitation Centers 1. One of the main functions of drug rehabilitation centers is to help patients recover from drug addiction or mental ailments such as depression. The rehab centers are equipped with highly professional doctors and staff who provide the required treatment for the patients suffering from re-occurring disorders such as depression and drug addiction (Bewley, 2008, 91). They will additionally provide the necessary education to the patients to help them through the recovery process. 2. A top notch rehabilitation centre should be able to provide the patient with a chance to heal spiritually, mentally and physically. First of all, personalized care can help in guaranteeing that the patients get the motivation they need to go through with the entire recovery period. After the patients have been admitted into the facility, it is up to the professionals to suggest the program that would best serve the function of helping the patient heal. If deemed necessary, they can offer a dual diagnosis program. 3. After the patient has been admitted into the facility, the professionals at the facility have the responsibility to constantly monitor and supervise the patient on a daily basis. The treatment varies from one patient to another, which is why the nurses to be on the look out to determine whether the treatment is actually working or not. Alternate therapies are used depending on the needs of the patient. Furthermore, most rehabilitation centers have different facilities which is important is helping the patients with their unique problems. Bibliography Bewley, T. (2008). Madness to mental illness: a history of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. London, Royal College of Psychiatrists. Gilbert, P. (2000). Counselling for depression. London, Sage Publications. Mccray, J. (2009). Nursing and Multi-Professional Practice. London, Sage Publications Ltd. http://www.SLQ.eblib.com.au/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=743689. Ridge, D. (2008). Recovery from Depression Using the Narrative Approach a Guide for Doctors, Complementary Therapists and Mental Health Professionals. London, Jessica Kingsley Publishers. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=412877. Walsh, L. (2009). Depression Care Across the Lifespan. Chichester, John Wiley & Sons. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=427936. Wilbourn, M., & Prosser, S. (2008). The pathology and pharmacology of mental illness. Cheltenham, Nelson Thornes. Read More