The number of people suffering from a mental health illness in the United States might be a surprise – One in Five adults (51.5 million, 2019). Unfortunately, many of these individuals don’t get the help they need. Having knowledge about mental health issues can be helpful when seeking treatment and make the process simpler.
First of all, it’s important for people to understand what mental health is. It refers to mental and emotional well-being. In general, people are healthy and happy when they maintain good mental health. Individuals are able to demonstrate resiliency and manage stress, trauma, and other hardships without breaking down.
Several factors can affect people’s mental health, including genetics, biology, daily habits, environment, and life-changing events. Those who have a healthy mental state can stay positive and help others. They also enjoy time with loved ones and ask for help when they need it.
When people have a mental illness, they are unable to cope during troubling times. While some can’t control their emotions, others can’t control their behavior. And some people will misuse substances to alleviate their symptoms and dis-regulation, which can have adverse consequences. This is why people with mental health issues need to consult with experts in the field. Individual clinicians or programs like Gateway Foundation can assess and make proper clinical recommendations based on each individual’s situation.
When choosing a treatment facility, people should focus on their specific needs and match these to a treatment center’s strengths and clinical offerings.
Knowing which clinical and medical interventions are most appropriate is essential in getting the best care for you or your loved one. At Gateway, we offer the best mental health rehabilitation in Illinois.
Medication-Assisted Treatment isn’t necessary for everyone, but some people need it to manage their mental health condition. Antidepressants, for example, improve symptoms such as poor concentration, sadness, lack of interest, and lack of energy. Many people in treatment only need antidepressants while they address the cause of their depression.
Also, programs may suggest anti-anxiety, mood-stabilizing, and antipsychotic medications during treatment. Other medications might be necessary in cases of a substance use disorder, which is also classified as a mental health disorder.
Treatment centers providing services for those with mental health issues should offer several types of talk therapy, known as psychotherapy.
During psychotherapy, people discuss their conditions and related problems with counselors. Therapists teach them about their illnesses and how it affects their behavior, moods, thoughts, and emotions. People can learn stress-management and coping skills to manage these elements. This therapy is either done on an individual or group basis.
Each type of talk therapy takes a slightly different approach to improving mental and emotional well-being. Counselors can assess each person’s situation and select the best therapies to help them. During the treatment process, the clinical plan evolves based on how one is progressing.
It’s common for people to have more than one mental health condition, especially when one of those disorders is a substance use disorder.
In such cases, people should seek programs that specialize in Dual Diagnosis/Co-occurring Treatment. This approach can address both psychiatric and substance use issues at the same time. When only one disorder is treated, the untreated illness can cause a relapse of either disease.
Ongoing treatment is a necessity. Going to an inpatient mental health/substance use disorder facility can provide a safe environment to enable individuals to focus on getting better, without distractions. Upon leaving an inpatient program, there is a chance that reintegration into daily life will creating a lot of stress that could lead to adopting old, bad habits and lead to relapse. This is why it is often recommended that an aftercare plan be put inplace before residential discharge, that includes structured programming. This may include intensive outpatient or outpatient services and potentially a supportive living environment. Gateway centers provide all of the above services necessary for comprehensive mental health care in conjunction with substance use disorder services. Some of the clinical and medical methods that we use include:
Are you in need of treatment for a mental health condition? Gateway Foundation can help. Call 877-505-HOPE (4673). Caring for people with substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric issues is our primary concern. Call us for a brief assessment, and if we are not the right program for you or your loved one, we will make recommendations that meet your need.
Don’t let a mental health illness lead you down the wrong path. Get the help that you need at one of our treatment centers. Call Gateway at 877.505.4673 for more information about how we can help you manage your mental health.
