Real-life mental health services examples are all around us. But when was the last time you heard someone talk openly about their mental health challenges?
Imagine a world where everyone looks after their mental health just like their physical health. A world where there is no stigma around seeking help for the mind, and people start acknowledging why mental health services are important.
Turning this into a reality is quite achievable once you recognize the importance of seeking help when necessary. Mental health services can improve the quality of your life significantly.
In this blog, we learn about the transformative power of mental health services with examples. Let’s dive in.
How Many People Have a Mental Illness?
First, it’s important to understand the prevalence of mental health issues.
According to the survey conducted by Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than one in five US adults were living with mental illnesses in 2021.
This means that there is a high chance you know someone grappling with a mental health issue.
We hope this statistic has opened your eyes to the gravity of the situation. Most importantly, we hope you’ve realized you’re not alone. In fact, you are one among scores of people who are affected by deteriorating mental health.
By now, it’s clear that most of us are sailing in the same boat. Then why haven’t we paid more attention to this widespread problem in our society?
How Do I Know If I Or A Loved One Needs Help?
Mental illness can go unnoticed as it doesn’t always have visible signs. Moreover, people can hide their issues well. This highlights the need for awareness and understanding to support those struggling silently.
Every mental health condition has its signs and symptoms. As per the article published in the the American Psychiatric Association, the following are a few general signs to look out for:
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in mood
- Unable to perform daily tasks
- Cognitive problems
- Increased sensitivity
- Apathy
- Feeling disconnected
- Illogical thinking
- Nervousness
- Unusual behavior
- Changes in school or work
If you notice yourself or your loved ones exhibiting these signs, you definitely should check in with them.
How Can You Help?
We don’t intend to come out preachy, but the sooner you accept your condition, the sooner you can start your healing journey. Create a safe and secure space for your loved ones where they can approach you regarding their mental health problems without the fear of being judged.
It can be hard to find the right words to say to someone who is tackling mental illness. Your statements might not come from a place of malice, but you still must be careful with your words. Try to validate your loved one’s feelings rather than challenging or minimizing them.
Bite your tongue before you say the following:
- Just don’t worry about it
- Things will be better in the morning
- Stop acting crazy
- Therapy is for weak people
Given that they are already facing a difficult time let’s create an environment that makes it simple for them to seek help.
Seeking Help Is Extremely Normal
You don’t often hear about mental health issues because people choose to remain silent about them. They stay mum as if they have committed a grave sin. But shoving it under the carpet will only worsen your mental and physical health.
Think about it: mental health services exist for a reason.
If you type “mental health services near me” or “mental health services with examples” on Google, there will be no shortage of options on the results page. The results page will be flooded with mental health services and their examples.
You need to realize that help is available because these issues are real, and people like you and us are availing these services. But you don’t usually get to know about it because we live in a society where people are still not comfortable discussing their mental health issues.
Please remember that it is normal to feel that something might be wrong with you and that you have miserably failed. But just like a fractured leg will not make you feel unworthy, your mental health struggles should not make you inferior, either.
Most Common Types Of Mental Health Services Examples
Let us throw light on the various types of mental health services examples that will support and heal you so you can go back to living a healthy life.
1) Counseling And Therapy
One of the most common treatments, counseling, is usually one-on-one. These sessions provide a safe space to discuss your concerns with a trained professional. By hearing you through and through, they try to understand the root cause of your situation and help you with coping strategies. This type of therapy can also be helpful for those who don’t really have a mental health condition but are facing some challenges in life, such as:
- Divorce
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Self-esteem issues
- Grief and loss
- Sleep issues
- Phobias
2) Prescription Medicine
Medication is a crucial part of the treatment for people suffering from significant mental illnesses such as extreme depression, bipolar disorder, and severe anxiety. Most treatment plans are a combination of medication and therapy.
To help you understand these better, we have listed down a few common types of medications.
Antidepressants: Used to treat depression, anxiety, pain and insomnia.
Anti-anxiety medications: Used to reduce symptoms of anxiety like panic attacks and extreme fear. Clonazepam and Alprazolam are two types of anti-anxiety medications.
Mood stabilizers: Prescribed for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses characterized by significant mood fluctuations.
Antipsychotic medications: Prescribed to address psychosis, a symptom present in various mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression.
Depressants: Used to help people calm down.
Stimulants: Used to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Note: Please remember that if you stop taking your medicines, your symptoms may return. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you plan to stop taking them, as stopping medication suddenly can cause unwanted side effects. Also, please avoid consuming medications not prescribed to you.
3) Support Groups
Imagine being surrounded by a group of people who understand your inner struggles. A safe space where they know where you’re coming from and don’t pass judgment.
Support groups are like a warm hug to your soul.
The phrase ‘You’re not alone’ starts making a lot of sense when you’re a part of such groups. You realize you’re not as isolated as you believe and can freely unburden your mind by vocalizing your emotions.
A support group is a safe space for individuals facing common issues to come together and share what’s troubling them. They may be coping with problems such as depression, anxiety, addiction, dementia, or even cancer.
A study published in the National Library Of Medicine revealed that engagement in support groups reduces feelings of isolation and enhances patients’ perspectives on their condition.
Let’s dispel some myths about support groups.
Myth: Support groups force you to share personal information
Fact: Sharing your story is voluntary. You can speak as much or as little as you want in most support groups.
Myth: You are required to attend support groups regularly
Fact: While support groups usually encourage regular attendance, they allow flexibility per your preferences.
Myth: Support groups are one-size-fits-all
Fact: You should find the right support group. Explore your options to find the one that fits your needs.
Myth: Support groups are only for people who want to talk about their problems
Fact: Support groups can also offer practical advice, coping strategies, and a sense of community among members.
Myth: Support groups are only meant for people with severe problems.
Fact: Support groups cater to individuals facing various challenges, varying from mild to severe, offering essential emotional support and advice.
4) Crisis Helpline
There is hope at the other end of the line.
Remember that in the darkest of times, there is always someone out there who can support you. Crisis helplines are more than just a string of numbers. They can act as a bright torch in a dark tunnel that guides you on the right path.
The following are a few benefits of crisis helplines:
- Cost-effective
- Confidentiality can be maintained
- No fear of stigma
- 24/7 support
- Immediate support
- Accessibility
- Play a very critical role in suicide prevention
- Non-judgemental listening
- Emotional venting
Since the beginning of the 2019 pandemic, calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline have consistently held steady at approximately 6000 calls per day, as reported by the American Psychological Association.
These findings help you understand the gravity of the situation.
We cannot stress the importance of how crisis helplines help people in moments of severe distress. They are a boon for times when you have lost all hope.
We urge you to always make cautious decisions in the heat of the moment. Don’t let your grievances come at a cost. Reach out whenever needed because there is hope, even in the darkest times.
5) Telehealth Service
Telehealth service is when telecommunications technology is used to avail a health service. With the advent of technology, telecare makes it possible to connect with your healthcare provider from the comfort of your home. All you need is a stable network connection. You can either connect over a call or video. This mental health service is available online.
As stated on The International Board Of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, around 111 million people live in areas reported to have a shortage of mental health professionals. Almost half of the counties in the US do not provide access to even one psychiatrist.
This is where telehealth services can play a significant role in giving access to mental healthcare.
Have a look at some of the benefits of telecare services.
- You don’t have to wait for an appointment
- Saves time and energy
- Access to specialists who are located away from your hometown
- Convenience
Conclusion
We hope you have understood why mental health services are important for your well-being.
Mental health services come in different forms. Whether it’s talking to a therapist, taking medication, joining a support group, or availing a crisis helpline or a telehealth service, the above are a few mental health services examples that offer hope, support, and understanding.
The message is clear — you don’t have to face mental health challenges alone. There are people and services to lend you a helping hand and guide you towards feeling better. You matter, and your mental health is essential. Help is available, and it’s important to reach out when needed.
Embracing mental well-being involves acknowledging that self-care is not a solo journey. Communities, online resources, and holistic approaches also play vital roles in fostering resilience and healing. Remember, your mental health journey is unique, but support is vast and diverse.
We hope you make the right decision now that you know the different types of mental health services with examples.
Are you struggling to find the right mental health service in your vicinity? Here is a complete guide to help you get started.
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You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!