FLEX Psychology: Serving the General Toronto Area
  • About
  • The FLEX Team
    • Join The FLEX Team
  • Think FLEXibly Blog
  • Services
    • Psychotherapy
    • Exploring Psychotherapy
    • Online Psychotherapy
    • Assessment
    • Giftedness
    • Learning Therapy
    • Groups & Workshops
    • Webinars & Training
    • Resources >
      • Client Resources
      • Professional Resources
      • Frequent Questions
  • Locations
  • Contact

The Think FLEXibly Blog

Some ideas anyone can benefit from. Our blog is intended to provide current and future clients some ideas and resources that we think are great.
Contact FLEX

Embracing the Placebo Effect in Mental Health and Wellness

6/5/2023

 
Picture
The placebo effect, often viewed with skepticism in medical discourse, has gained a reputation as an illusion – a mere trick of the mind. However, in the realm of mental health and wellness, this traditionally negative connotation is shifting, and the placebo effect is beginning to receive recognition for its potential benefits.
Typically, the placebo effect is discussed in the context of controlled medical trials, where a treatment group receives a therapeutic agent, and a control group is given a placebo - a sugar pill, a saline injection, or something similar that should have no therapeutic effect. However, intriguingly, the control group often experiences some improvement. This response is the placebo effect, our brain's remarkable ability to convince our body that an inert treatment is working, creating real, physiological changes.

So, how does this link to mental health and wellness?

In areas such as anxiety and depression, studies have indicated that the placebo effect might contribute to the efficacy of treatments, with placebo groups sometimes showing similar improvements to those taking active medications. The boundary between mind and body is not rigid; our thoughts and feelings can bring about physical alterations in the brain, just as our physical state can affect our mental wellbeing.

This interplay is where the placebo effect can shine. In an age where self-care and personal wellness routines are paramount, there's a wide array of techniques and products marketed towards enhancing mental health. Meditation apps, wellness journals, essential oils - the list is endless. Scientifically, some of these may not have a proven basis for functioning as they claim. Still, if a user truly believes that they will work, the placebo effect can step in, creating a perceived improvement in mood, reduced anxiety, or a better night's sleep.

This doesn't mean that these strategies should replace professional mental health treatment when it's needed. Rather, it's about acknowledging the power our mind has over our wellbeing and harnessing this potential positively. The placebo effect can become an empowering tool for individuals to take control of their mental health, particularly when used in conjunction with established treatments.
The therapeutic relationship itself can contribute to a placebo effect. If a person has confidence in their psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker, the trust and expectation of help can promote a placebo response. This reveals an important aspect of the placebo effect; it's not just about deceiving the mind with a sugar pill or false treatment. It's about the power of positive thinking, expectation, and belief in the process of recovery.

Embracing the placebo effect can also aid in reducing the stigma around mental health. Recognizing that a positive outlook can induce real changes encourages an open conversation about the importance of mindset in mental health management. It validates the experiences of those who have found relief from non-traditional or non-medical forms of treatment.

The placebo effect, rather than a nuisance to be controlled for in clinical trials, can be a powerful ally in promoting mental health and wellness. It’s not a universal solution, but it's a component of holistic health that deserves our attention and respect. By incorporating an understanding of the placebo effect into mental health discourse, we can broaden our strategies for promoting mental wellness, validating diverse experiences, and reducing stigma. The placebo effect is a testament to the power of the mind, an inner resource waiting to be tapped into for the betterment of our mental health.


Comments are closed.

    Disclaimer

    The information provided on the Think FLEXibly Blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as therapeutic advice.

    While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to note that every individual's mental health needs are unique.

    The blog's content is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or guidance. Always consult with a qualified mental health professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information provided on this blog.

    FLEX maintains the right to use a variety of content creation tools to assist in developing content for this blog and website. Any material not authored directly by FLEX team members has been reviewed, approved, and, where appropriate, modified, by a member of the FLEX administration team.

    ​FLEX Psychology uses a combination of original, AI generated, licensed images, and images used through non-revocable creative commons license. We restrict use to Creative Commons licenses that allow sharing, modification, and commercial use under the terms of Attribution (providing appropriate credit), this license, and notification of any changes made.

    Images are reviewed annually to determine if sources have been removed. While the agreed upon license provided irrevocable rights to use, we chose to remove these photos to avoid any possible misattribution and confusion regarding the nature of the initial license agreement.

    You can learn more about Creative Common licenses by CLICKING HERE.

    RSS Feed

The information and resources found on FLEX Psychology and its sister sites are provided for educational purposes only. The details contained on this site are not intended to be taken as therapeutic advice, nor have they been focused towards your individual needs. Use of these resources or documentation are intended for self-help purposes only and are not reflective of a therapeutic relationship with the clinical team at FLEX Psychology. Any purchases or e-commerce solutions that are offered are not likely covered by your extended health coverage for psychological services. Individualized supports may be covered by such plans. All material are provided under the Creative Common's license unless otherwise specified. Material that has been gathered from other resources is always identified and are only replicated (beyond sourcing) with permission. CLICK HERE to view FLEX Psychology's Social Media Policy
Photos from CollegeDegrees360, Wonderlane, SuperFantastic
  • About
  • The FLEX Team
    • Join The FLEX Team
  • Think FLEXibly Blog
  • Services
    • Psychotherapy
    • Exploring Psychotherapy
    • Online Psychotherapy
    • Assessment
    • Giftedness
    • Learning Therapy
    • Groups & Workshops
    • Webinars & Training
    • Resources >
      • Client Resources
      • Professional Resources
      • Frequent Questions
  • Locations
  • Contact