Holistic Healthcare: Mental Health and Physical Healing
How can healthcare providers help provide a patient experience that goes beyond healing physical symptoms? The following story is from a patient whose experience with her healthcare practitioner allowed her to find relief both physically and mentally.
Posted in Patient Experience on Wednesday, May 29, 2019
How can you help provide a patient experience that goes beyond healing physical symptoms? The following story is from a patient whose experience with her healthcare practitioner allowed her to find relief, both physically and mentally.
Mental health is more than just a catch phrase. It is so important to take care of ourselves. As I reflect on my own journey of physical pain, I realize just how invested in my overall health everyone I have seen has been. From naturopathic care to chiropractic care to acupuncture, every part of the process, every interaction, every person I have encountered has seen me as more than their patient. They have truly been invested in my own health and well-being. And for that I am extremely grateful.
Bringing Mental Health Into Physical Healing
The pain started after breaking my foot, shortly before getting out of a boot after eight weeks. It started as a tingling in my foot, went up my leg and into my spine and lower back. On and off sciatic twinges. If I’m honest, I went into my first appointment with an alternative healthcare provider skeptical, but optimistic.
I began a long journey, but one that provided more than just treatment of my physical pain.
Each time I would check in and visit my provider, I was greeted with encouragement. Asked how I was feeling and offering feedback based on the day’s symptoms. Shown how I could care for myself. Given an opportunity to rest and recover in the midst of the chaos of daily life. On the days when the physical pain was just too much to bear, she sat intently and listened. I was given more than just a plan for treatment. I was given hope. And a sense of calm.
I remember the day my doctor said she could feel the stress I was carrying in my body. By this point in my treatment plan, she had gotten to know me pretty well. She knew that I had some stress in my life, and she genuinely cared about how I was doing.
That’s when it clicked. Visiting my healthcare provider wasn’t just about treating my pain. It was about treating myself and how I respond to stress in my life. My doctor could tell that my symptoms were exacerbated by stress and was invested in treating me beyond my physical symptoms. She truly cared about my wellness – inside and out.
How does your body respond to stress? Have you thought about how practitioners can help? Investing in self-care is critical to a greater well-being.
Investing in Patients, Treating the Whole Person
Healthcare professionals in any position have the opportunity to care for their patients beyond their practice. By seeing their patients on an ongoing basis, they develop a relationship that allows them to provide treatment for the whole person. And if they see that a patient may need treatment beyond what they have to offer, a referral for their well-being may just be what doctor ordered.