Functional Medicine and Mental Health
I was first introduced to the term “Functional Medicine” in 2013 after seeking medical help in a non traditional format after feeling stuck and frustrated with traditional means. Thus began my journey into searching for the root cause of symptoms, which is now taking a seat for me at the professional mental health table. Functional medicine is defined as a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Each symptom or differential diagnosis may be one of many contributing to an individual’s illness.
It seems to me that the current American way of handling physical and mental health concerns is highly segmented, addressing primarily symptoms. While I respect and live under the reality that no one can be an expert in all the things, I can’t help but wonder what difference it would make to people if we, the professionals, would look at the whole body from a functional medicine lens to help discover why the symptoms are present in the first place.
What could mental health look like from a functional lens perspective?
In the past couple of years, I have seen an increase in anxiety amongst clients. Is it due to increased pressures at school? Is the pandemic and all its consequences catching up? They are definitely possibilities and are realities for some. Or, does the same client have a MTHFR gene variant that is leading to increased anxiety or depression?
MTHFR gene variations are known to influence psychiatric disorders. If so, what difference would it make if that genetic variation was identified, and lifestyle changed to accommodate that variation so that coping skills and “managing” were less of a need? As the Institute of Functional Medicine website states, “one condition, many causes; one cause, many conditions”. Or in the world of nutrition deficiencies, did you know that a major symptom of magnesium deficiency can be anxiety? Understanding the role of any genetic variation, nutritional deficiency, presence of inflammation, or other factors can help empower one to live life more fully.
I want to invite you into this way of looking at mental health with me. Can we look at mental health, and process life together, while also acknowledging other influences that may be contributing to those feelings of anxiety, depression or feeling stuck? Can we approach this as a team, so that genetic, lifestyle and environment are all taken into consideration when addressing mental health concerns? I invite you to shift from surviving to thriving. Are you game?
By Rachel Nauss, LCSW-S, RPT a mental health therapist at The Hope Place in Mansfield, Texas. Rachel sees children through adults with a functional lens on mental health development.
Are you an adult looking for a therapist who sees you as a whole person - body, mind, and spirit? Or maybe you’re searching for the right therapist for your child and looking for someone who will let them be a child through play even in therapy. If either of these things are what you’re looking for, let’s talk!
As a holistic therapist, I believe a person is more than just a mental health condition. I work with adults to understand their whole beings, considering things like nutrition, spirituality, and lifestyle. I also believe in the power of play. As a Registered Play Therapist, I let the child lead and communicate through playing and being a kid while partnering with parents every step of the way.
