Mental health treatment can be an essential part of maintaining overall well-being, but it can be difficult to know when to seek help. Mental health problems are common, but many people don’t realize that they may need treatment until their symptoms have become severe or have started to impact their daily lives.
In this article, The Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic takes a look at mental health problems and how to know when it may be time for you or someone you love to seek mental health treatment.
Stigma and Mental Health Treatment
Most of us wouldn’t think twice about getting medical help for a physical problem. If you have a continuing fever and nausea, you go to the doctor. If you started having blurry vision and a loss of balance, you would see your doctor too, right?
Yet when it comes to mental health problems like depression, anxiety or even addiction, far too many of us hesitate to ask for help. The reasons why vary
Some reasons why people don’t seek mental health treatment:
- Concerns about what others will think.
- They imagine the problem will pass if they just hold on.
- Pride: They don’t want to think of themselves as “mentally ill”.
- They think they can solve the problem themselves, listening to an audiobook etc.
- Worries about what treatment will be like, questions they will be asked etc.
- Concerns about the cost of treatment, if insurance will cover, etc.
We’re happy to tell you that while all of the above concerns are very common, they do not and should not be obstacles to getting mental health treatment. Most of them are examples of us either getting “stuck in our own heads”, being in denial or simply trying to find reasons not to get help.
It’s important to push yourself a little and have courage when it comes to seeking mental health treatment, if you think you may need it. You’re worth it!
Knowing when to seek help is important because early intervention can help prevent further deterioration of mental health and improve outcomes.
How Do You Know if You Need Mental Health Treatment?
Here are some signs to look out for:
1. Changes in mood
One of the most common signs that you may need mental health treatment is a significant change in mood. This can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, anger, or irritability that persist for more than two weeks.
If you find that your mood is consistently low or that you are experiencing intense emotions that are difficult to manage, it may be time to seek help.
2. Changes in behavior
Another sign that you may need mental health treatment is a change in behavior. This can include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, or social interactions. You may find that you have become withdrawn or that you are engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-harm.
If you notice a significant change in your behavior, it is important to seek help before these behaviors become more serious.
3. Difficulty functioning
If you are finding it difficult to carry out your daily activities or are struggling to perform at work or school, it may be time to seek help. Mental health problems can impact all areas of your life, making it difficult to concentrate, stay focused, or manage your responsibilities.
If you find that your mental health is affecting your ability to function, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
4. Persistent physical symptoms
Mental health problems can also manifest in physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach problems, or chronic pain. If you have been experiencing persistent physical symptoms that have no clear medical cause, it may be a sign that you need mental health treatment.
It is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions, but if there is no clear explanation for your symptoms, seeking help for mental health may be necessary.
5. Traumatic experiences
If you have experienced a traumatic event, such as physical or sexual assault, a natural disaster, or the death of a loved one, it is important to seek mental health treatment.
Trauma can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. If you have experienced a traumatic event and are struggling to cope, seeking help can be an important step in the healing process.
6. Family history
If you have a family history of mental health problems, you may be at increased risk for developing similar conditions. If you are experiencing symptoms of mental health problems and have a family history, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent further deterioration of mental health and improve outcomes.
7. Feeling overwhelmed
If you are feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts or emotions, it may be time to seek help. Mental health problems can make it difficult to cope with daily life, leading to feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or despair. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to seek help before these feelings become more severe.
What to Expect from Mental Health Treatment
If you have decided to seek mental health treatment, there are several different types of treatment available. The type of treatment that is right for you will depend on your individual needs and the severity of your symptoms.
Some common types of mental health treatment include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):
This type of therapy helps individuals examine and address negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health issues.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT):
This therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping individuals develop mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT):
This type of treatment involves the use of medications along with counseling and behavioral therapies to help individuals manage drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Psychodynamic therapy:
This therapy focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts and feelings that may be contributing to mental health issues. It often involves looking at past experiences and relationships to gain insight into current struggles.
Mindfulness-based therapies:
These types of therapies focus on developing mindfulness skills to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Examples include mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
How Do I Get Mental Health Treatment?
If you’ve realized that you or someone you care about might benefit from mental health treatment–congratulations! Believe it or not, realizing there is a need for mental health care and being ready to do something about it is the biggest obstacle to getting help most people face.
If you’re already acknowledging there’s a problem and you’re ready to act, then you’re ahead of the game! Don’t worry about trying to figure out exactly what’s wrong or what type of treatment you need. Leave that to the professionals. The best next step for you to make is to reach out for help.
Give the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic a call at (772) 444-8822, we’re here to listen and ready to help.