EMDR Therapy and Mental Health
There are hundreds of different types of therapy and practices that people use to take care of their mental health. Since all of us are different, what works for someone else may not be what works for you, which is why it’s so important to explore all your options if you’re struggling with your emotional health or wellbeing. EMDR therapy is one alternative that can be helpful for patients who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or who have been through a traumatic experience, though many people don’t understand what it is. If you want to learn more, read on to find out what EMDR therapy is and how it works.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is short for eye movement desensitization reprocessing, which is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that is used to treat a wide range of mental health issues, including many types of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Before beginning EMDR therapy, patients will have a history-taking session where they can discuss treatment goals and personal history with their therapist. During your sessions, your EMDR therapist will guide you through processing traumatic memories in a way that allows you to let go of negative thoughts and self-imposed limitations.
Surviving a traumatic event can be extremely overwhelming and often results in a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some trauma survivors have difficulty with symptoms like painful memories, emotional distress, and hyper-vigilance, which can be disruptive to their daily lives. Trauma can also be the cause of other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. EMDR is one option available that can help those who are struggling t regain more control over their lives.
Advocates say that EMDR therapy promotes a sense of safety, reshapes harmful perspectives, and helps you turn your negative thoughts into productive and self-affirming ones. The goal of EMDR is to help patients develop healthier emotional processes and reduce symptoms associated with PTSD. It can be particularly helpful for those who don’t feel comfortable discussing details of their trauma through talk therapy yet.
What Else Can You Do to Improve Your Mental Health?
No matter what mental health issues you’re struggling with, there are some lifestyle factors that can exacerbate the symptoms you’re experiencing. Making healthier choices can impact your mood and overall wellbeing. One thing that you should make a priority is getting enough sleep at night. The long-term negative impact of sleep deprivation can be serious, as chronic lack of sleep has been linked to issues like memory problems, weakened immunity, weight gain, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It can also cause changes in mood, which can make it more likely that you’ll develop anxiety or depression in the future.
Practices like meditation can also be helpful, though they are most effectively used in combination with other forms of mental health treatment. Meditation has been used for thousands of years in many parts of the world, and traditionally was thought to help increase understanding of scared or mystical forces. Now, many people practice meditation as a way to relax and decrease stress. There are many different ways to meditate, so it may take a little trial and error before you find a routine that works for you. Still, meditation is an accessible and affordable way to take better care of yourself.
As you can see, there’s a lot to learn about EMDR, but it’s worth researching the practice if you’re looking for ways to manage your stress or trauma. There are a number of benefits associated with EMDR, and many studies are currently underway aimed at learning more about how it works and what conditions it can effectively treat. If you have any questions about EMDR or want to try it for yourself, you can ask a mental health professional in your area for more details, or look online for an EMDR therapist whom you can make an appointment with.
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