Mental HealthWhat Types of Therapy Can Improve Mental Illness?

A lot of people are thinking more seriously about their mental health lately, especially since the national conversation in the United States has started to focus on how important it is. Still, it can be difficult to know what to do if you want to take better care of your mental health, especially if you’ve never had to confront issues like this before. There are many different forms of therapy, and even the specific therapist you work with can make a big difference in the effectiveness of any treatment plan. Keep reading if you want to learn more about some types of therapy that can improve mental illness.

What are some types of therapy that can improve mental illness?

There are a number of types of psychotherapy, but one interesting new development in the mental health field is the use of video games as a form of treatment. If you or your child is using gaming as a type of therapy, you’ll need gaming equipment. Beyond having a console like the Playstation 5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch to play games on, you’ll also need accessories. Finding the best headset is particularly important, so take the time to find the best model to suit your needs. Beyond excellent sound quality, popular features for gaming headsets include Bluetooth compatibility and noise cancellation.

The science behind gaming as therapy is still evolving, but recent studies are optimistic about its benefits. In 2020, the FDA even approved its first game-based therapeutic technique in the form of EndeavorRx. It’s designed as a nondrug treatment option for children diagnosed with certain forms of ADHD. There is also evidence to suggest video games could be used to help veterans manage mental health conditions like PTSD or substance abuse.

One of the more traditional forms of therapy is CBT therapy. CBT stands for cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of behavior therapy that is used to examine and alter negative thought patterns, prevent unwanted behavior, and treat the symptoms of mood disorders like depression. CBT can be an effective treatment for a number of mental health issues.

What else can you do to improve your overall wellness?

Therapy is an important part of taking care of your mental health, but it’s also necessary to develop routines and make lifestyle choices that support your well-being. Making sure your body gets the vitamins and nutrients it needs is essential, as there is significant research backing up the idea that what we eat can meaningfully affect how we feel. It’s important not to focus on calories or weight loss but on creating a diet plan that gives you everything you need to thrive.

Sleep is also an essential part of creating a healthy lifestyle. The negative effects from lack of sleep can be significant and particularly challenging for anyone having trouble with their mental health. There can be many causes for poor sleep or insomnia, so it might take some trial and error to find out what works for you, but getting enough sleep is central to your wellness.

Given how many forms of therapy there are, it can be hard to know what the best fit is for you. It’s a good idea to reach out to a therapist to talk more about what treatments may work for you. Don’t give up if your first therapist or treatment plan elements don’t work for you; finding a therapeutic solution that works for you can take time. You should also stay up to date about new treatments and advances, like video game therapy. No matter what approach you take, there are few things more worth investing in than your mental health.

This is a sponsored post