TREATMENTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
Many people diagnosed with mental illness achieve strength and recovery through participating in individual or group treatment. There are many different treatment options available. There is no treatment that works for everyone – individuals can chose the treatment, or combination of treatments, that works best. So far, research has shown that the most effective treatments is found to be psychotherapy and/or medication.
Psychotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of mental illness provided by a trained mental health professional. Psychotherapy explores thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and seeks to improve an individual’s well-being. Psychotherapy paired with medication is the most effective way to promote recovery. Examples include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, etc.
Medication does not outright cure mental illness. However, it may help with the management of symptoms. Medication paired with psychotherapy is the most effective way to promote recovery.
In a minority of cases, hospitalization may be necessary so that an individual can be closely monitored, accurately diagnosed or have medications adjusted when his or her mental illness temporarily worsens.
A support group is a group meeting where members guide each other towards the shared goal of recovery. Support groups are often comprised of non-professionals, but peers that have suffered from similar experiences.
A self-help plan is a unique health plan where an individual addresses his or her condition by implementing strategies that promote wellness. Self-help plans may involve addressing wellness, recovery, triggers or warning signs.
Peer Support refers to receiving help from individuals who have suffered from similar experiences.
References
Adapted from Mental Health America, September 2016
WHAT ARE THE FIRST STEPS TO GETTING HELP?
