Many people suffer from mental health issues. Some disorders are so serious that those inflicted need to seek inpatient or outpatient help. Mental health is a very serious issue and is one of the top causes of disability in the U.S. Among the top disorders are clinical depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and OCD.
Here are some additional surprising facts from Johns Hopkins Medicine:
- Nearly one in four adults suffer from some type of mental disorder per year.
- Many suffer from more than one disorder as depression often occurs with substance abuse.
- Women suffer from major depression twice as frequently as men.
- Major depression usually develops in the mid-20s.
- Most people who commit suicide have been diagnosed with mental disorders.
- Men commit suicide four times more frequently than women.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death among adolescents ages 15-24.
- Social phobia typically occurs in childhood and adolescence.
Seeking Help for Mental Illness:
If you have been diagnosed with a mental illness, or if you or someone you know has been showing signs of mental illness, they may need treatment. The National Institute of Mental Health Department has some suggestions for those in need of help managing their mental health.
Those with mental health issues should visit their primary care provider who can provide initial health screenings and help by providing referrals to mental health specialists. The course of treatment varies according to symptoms and diagnosis, but many are treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Finding the Right Solution:
After diagnosis, you will need to find the right provider to treat your issue. Before you decide on one provider, you should speak with several, and ask them the following questions as part of your review.
- “Tell me about your experience treating patients with my mental health issues?”
- “What is the typical course of treatment?”
- “How long will the treatment be administered?”
- “Will the treatment plan be accepted by my insurance provider?”
- “What expenses should I expect to incur?”
- “What is the success rate for those with my mental health issue?”
If you get satisfactory feedback on your questions, you may want to consider this health provider for your treatment.
You should feel comfortable with the mental health professional as you need to share information with them; this is easier when there is a comfortable relationship between patient and caregiver.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Today, unless there is an immediate concern about suicide or self-harm, most programs will try to work with patients on an outpatient basis. Every area has numerous programs designed to help those with a variety of health needs. For instance, the Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program in Knoxville, TN, specializes in helping people regain good health, with medication and talk therapy on an outpatient basis.
Outpatient treatment can be crucial to those who suffer from mental illness but still have to maintain responsibilities like working, raising children, etc.
Relieving the Stigma:
Thankfully, today, people are much more honest about their health issues and society is much more open about helping people, realizing that it is an illness just like any physical illness.
You don’t have to suffer from mental health issues. Find a caregiver that understands your needs and is dedicated to making you feel better.
