Australia (Commonwealth Union) – A multifactorial approach of treating a variety of conditions has long been recommended by scientists, medical professionals and native healers. Deakin University recently released the first series of clinical treatment guidelines for depression, which was part of a global research taskforce led by the university.
The guidelines are for implementing application of ‘lifestyle based mental health care’ in any nation or setting and deliver evidence that they can bring about positive effects to mental health.
Co-Director of Deakin universities Food & Mood Centre and co-chair of the international taskforce, Professor Adrienne O’Neil, stated that the guidelines were created to give evidence-based guidance on ways health professionals can implement lifestyle activities into their mental health care, giving patients further options and better results. She added that there is rapid increase in demand amongst the public and health professionals for additional evidence-based options to enhance mental wellbeing that is external or additional to medicines as there is lengthy waiting for psychologists and psychiatrists. “These guidelines provide clear recommendations on the effectiveness and safety of lifestyle approaches as well as implementation considerations,” Professor O’Neil said.
The nine lifestyle approaches for the guidelines include physical activity and exercise, relaxation methods like breathing exercises, re-engaging with others, enough sleep, mindfulness related treatments, dieting with health foods, stopping smoking, taking action on lonely feelings and nature interactions.
Co-author of the guidelines, General Practitioner and President of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr Sam Manger, stated that recent census data indicated that over 2 million Australians have a mental health condition. “We know that people with mental health conditions have a significantly greater risk of chronic diseases and early death,” Dr Manger said, adding that that they currently have good proof indicating the lifestyle-based approach has dual advantages to both the health of the mind and body.
