Let’s face it, drugs are not the best answer to all medical
conditions. No matter what the symptom, there seems to be a medication
to treat it. Whether it is indigestion, acid reflux, insomnia, anxiety,
depression, hypertension, or headaches, there is a pill for it. For the
most part, these drugs only treat the symptoms temporarily. They
usually are not getting to the cause of the problem or stopping the
symptoms permanently.
Behavioral health training is an area that takes into account a
person’s behavior and the role it plays in their health and overall
well-being. What are some of the things that a person does that can
affect their health and well-being? Here is a partial list: physical
activity, eating, sleep, attitude or outlook on life.
Healthcare providers are beginning to acquire additional training so
that they can help patients to become and stay more healthy. Does your
doctor follow the old drug model, asking what is the symptom and then
quickly prescribing a medication? If your doctor is incorporating
behavioral health into their practice then they will be asking you about
much more than your symptoms. Some of the kinds of questions that you
should expect to be asked are: What kind of work do you do? How much
do you exercise? What kinds of foods do you eat? Do you smoke? How
much alcohol do you drink? Do you use any drugs? What is your social
life like? Are you married? Do you have children?
These questions are not because the doctor just wants to get in your
business. All of these things can play a part in your health and
well-being. This is related to the idea that we are mind, body, and
spirit and what affects one part affects the whole. There are other
elements outside of the person that can play a part in health and
wellness that would also come under the heading of behavioral health
like where you live and what the environment is. Things like pollution,
overcrowding, lack of proper nutritional food sources, and high crime
which could make some kinds of exercise difficult can all have effects
on a person’s health.
Some health care facilities are incorporating counseling and training
in these areas so that patients realize the effects these factors can
have and they work with them on what is in their power to make positive
changes. Some of these programs include patient education, meditation,
biofeedback, exercise, yoga, nutritional counseling, and more. Often
when these kinds of things are addressed and lifestyle changes are made
better results are gained than with medication or medication alone.
I no longer will even consider working with healthcare facilities or
providers that don’t include working with me on the kinds of things that
I can do or consider that could have an effect on my health in addition
to advising me on medications that may help.
For More Info:
Behavioral Health Seminars
