Psychological conditions Psychological and Stress-Related Conditions
Patients suffering from psychological discomfort, psychiatric diseases, and psychosomatic complaints (physical illness due to general stress or more specific psychological causes) represent a high proportion of chronic-disease sufferers in our time. Psychological difficulties usually arise during specific, stressful periods of our life, but tend to relate to life-long struggles of identity and purpose.
The traditional approach
Conventional treatment of psychological conditions can be either psychological or biological. This model is based on the influential but limiting Cartesian paradigm of mind-body dualism, where mental-emotional phenomena are seen either as problems of the mind (hence treatable through psychoanalysis, behavioural therapy, etc.) or as problems of the brain (hence treatable by manipulation of the balance of neurochemicals in the brain through medications). While these two perspectives are sometimes helpful, they are not very effective at addressing the underlying problem which is, arguably, found at a level deeper than either mind or body. When these approachs are effective, it is often because they have been pursued for many years, as in the case of psychotherapy, or because they are pursued on a continuous basis, as in the case of the pharmaceutical treatment. Moreover, many whose functioning is improved suffer from undesirable side effects (both medical and economic), and still feel that something in their deepest self is just as ill as before. It is such patients that can most benefit from a change of perspective to a philosophy embraced by classical homeopathy and the other approaches that I practice.
The level of the spirit
This deep level of the self which these approaches are able to access is commonly known as the soul or spirit. Although most of us believe in its existence (or at least in its existence in ourselves), modern medicine is based on a scientific view that rejects spiritual reality. As a result modern medicine, despite its remarkable level of technical sophistication, is completely unable to address spiritual ailments. But when a correct perspective on psychological problems is taken — one that properly respects the unity of mind and body in the spirit of the person — many ‘incurable’ diseases suddenly become curable in a significant portion of cases. The same takes place when issues which are only apparently physical but are actually related to the spirit (i.e., psychosomatic or stress-related ailments) are addressed in this way.
Prevention
Treatment of psychological issues is also an excellent preventative strategy against future physical illness. It is well known that many diseases including hypertension and heart disease are related to psychological stress. Although lifestyle changes can bring about significant improvements, one’s state of mind is generally considered the greatest determinant of health, which explains why some people who do everything right are unhealthy while others remain healthy despite not taking care of themselves. Philosophically speaking, it is spiritual rather than physical factors that most determine our destiny, and it is through addressing these that we are most likely to remain healthy and vital to an old age.
