Breaking the stigma
Society often stigmatizes behavioral health disorders. Despite some progress in recent years, especially among the younger generation, behavioral health issues still may be viewed as something people bring upon themselves. A common attitude towards people with mental disorders is, "If they try hard enough, they can fix themselves."
Yet at some point, everyone needs care from a medical professional - whether to help heal their bodies, minds, or both. It is important to understand that professional help is available and accessible. The journey towards better health is not meant to be taken alone.
Sharon Reed, LCPC, a clinical therapist at SSM Health Behavioral Health in Centralia, Illinois, describes the challenges many individuals face when seeking help for mental conditions: "Blaming someone because they are depressed or anxious is a significant barrier to wellness. No one wants to be miserable. No one wants to suffer. So often, as humans, we don’t know how to get better, or how to handle what we are suffering from.”
Behavioral disorders are medical conditions that can be inherited just like any other biological disorder such as heart disease or diabetes. Just the same as these common health disorders, mental health disorders can be improved with proper care and treatment.
Taking the first step
The journey towards mental wellness can begin with your primary care doctor. Symptoms of a mental disorder can appear as physical signs, such as:
- Oversleeping or not getting enough sleep
- Irritability
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
Beginning the wellness journey with a primary care provider will help narrow down the cause of symptoms. If there is no physical explanation, then that provider can begin virtual behavioral health sessions between the patient and mental health experts, at no additional cost to the patient or insurance. Or, they may refer the patient to clinical counseling.
Primary care as a first step is usually a more approachable route, especially for patients who are suffering from trauma or significant grief.
“Some patients just aren’t ready to receive immediate help in these circumstances," Reed said. "But within a few months, if the symptoms are still present in a loved one who you notice needs help - understand that the individual is usually more willing to see a primary care provider than they will a therapist."
"Many providers will do a mental-wellness screening to check for psychological factors that impact health. If mental health is flagged, they will direct the patient to the proper resources,” she said.
It is important to understand what mental wellness looks and feels like. So many people are simply unaware of their suffering. "I've had clients who didn't even know they suffered from depression until they began getting alleviated from it through counseling. Patients have told me, 'I've been depressed my whole life, and I didn't even know it.' It is important to recognize and acknowledge mental wellness as a part of overall health check-ups for this reason," Reed said
Be an advocate for your wellness
Mental health treatment looks different for everyone. SSM Health Behavioral Health offers medical treatments including long-acting injectables, individual and group therapy, and sometimes a combination of both. Patients are matched with therapists best suited for their needs - but if a patient doesn't feel heard or connected to their therapist, they should keep searching for one who is a better fit. As a society, we are familiar with shopping around to find the right mechanic or a good restaurant, and searching for the right therapist should be treated the same way.
Tips on speaking with a loved one about mental health
- Lead by example. If you have gone through the journey yourself, share your own positive experiences with behavioral health care.
- Take the journey with them. It can help a loved one to not feel alone if you offer to go with them to appointments. Many times, patients will even invite you into their sessions with them. If not, stay in the waiting room until their session is over. You physically being there is great support for them.
- Don’t minimize other people’s feelings. When people say things like, “I'm depressed,” it is important to recognize these statements as outreach for help. Responding with, “Oh, everyone feels that way” or “I understand what you’re feeling,” can invalidate that individual’s experience. Instead, listen and offer to connect that person with their primary care doctor or counseling services.
It can be hard to identify mental health concerns in ourselves or our loved ones. SSM Health offers free, online, confidential assessments to analyze risk for anxiety and depression. Remember, it’s important to make mental health a priority.
