Mental Health 101
Seeking assistance for Mental Health over the years has gotten a bad rap in our homes, churches, communities, and at large. There was a negative connotation attached to individuals or groups needing help in this area. Let’s talk about why.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and a Life Coach. And because of this, I want to dispel some myths, give some information and nuggets toward transformation.
I have once heard the phrase; we are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Well, there is no destruction over here where we are watering, planting, and shedding light for growth.
Let us get to it!
What is Mental Health?
Mental Health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.
What is Mental Disorder?
It can also be called a Mental illness or psychiatric disorder—a behavior or mental pattern that causes significant distress or emotional functioning impairment. Daily functioning can be impacted by the following: Emotional Difficulties, Life Changes, and Mental Health concerns.
What professionals specialize in this?
Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Mental Health Counselors, Schools, community mental health, Addiction Counselors, Family & Marriage Therapist, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, Psychiatrist nurse, Religious Counselors/ Pastoral Counselors
Who does what?
Psychologist- Usually do not prescribe medications and provide psychological testing for purposes of diagnosing and treatment.
Psychiatrist- A doctor who prescribes medication for purposes of treatment.
Mental Health Counselors, Schools, community mental health centers, prisons, etc. – help with things like job stress. General stress etc.
Addiction Counselors – provide assessment, counseling, and treatment services to those suffering from alcoholic, drug addiction.
Family & Marriage Therapist, LMFT – help couples and families manage problems within relationships.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, works with individuals, families, and groups in treating mental and emotional difficulties.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW- help clients deal with problems such as homelessness or drug addiction-social issues, etc. assessing, diagnosing, and treating individuals, families having difficulties with mental, emotional, and or life issues.
Psychiatrist nurse- works with treatment teams for personalized care for patients, individual counseling helping patients understand the illness.
Religious Counselors/ Pastoral Counselors- Trained mental Health Professionals provide psychological therapy and spiritual guidance to individuals, families, and groups.
What to consider who to choose?
Specialty
What does the mental Health professional specialize in? And what do you need?
It is just like physical health. If you had foot problems, you would go to a podiatrist. Now, with Mental Health, sometimes several professionals can do the same thing.
So, the next tips can help you narrow down even more.
Training
What specific training or certifications do they have? Are they certified in Eating Disorders? Are they trained in doing play Therapy with kids? These certifications and trainings will help you find someone that can provide your specific need.
Methods
In what ways do they go about HOW to help you? What techniques do they use? Talk Therapy, Case Management? Testing? Addiction support…..
This will help you better choose who is MOST LIKELY to help you with your needs.
Schedule & Availability
Take into consideration Office Hours, Fees, and length of sessions. Do you need crisis options after hours?
Convenience
Which insurance company works with this provider. Are there out-of-pocket fees you must pay? Is this agency or professional in a physical location that is helpful to you?
Common Diagnosis
Adjustment conditions- It’s just what it says, a person is adjusting to some adverse situation.
Trauma-related conditions
Major Depression conditions
Anxiety conditions
ODD or Conduct – in children
ADHD
Phobias
Personality conditions
Eating conditions
How do you know you might need to seek a Mental Health professional?”
American Psychologist Association suggest considering therapy when something causes distress and interferes with some part of life, particularly when
1) Thinking about or coping with the issue takes up at least an hour each day
2) The issue causes embarrassment or makes you want to avoid others
3) The issue has caused your quality of life to decrease
4) The issue has negatively affected school, work, or relationships
5) You’ve made changes in your life or develop habits to cope with the issue
Signs and Symptoms to look out for:
• Apathy. Have you or someone you know lost interest in usual activities, the world around you, or life, in general? If so, it can indicate mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
• Hopelessness. Have you or someone you know lost hope or motivation, or feeling as if you have no future? If so, it can indicate depression or another mental health condition. Feeling hopeless from time to time, especially after a period of difficulty, is not uncommon. But when it persists, it may lead to thoughts of suicide.
• Overwhelm. Do you feel like you have too many things to do or too many issues to cope with? You might feel like you cannot rest or even breathe. Stress and overwhelm can lead to serious physical health concerns
• Fatigue. Are you finding yourself sleeping more than usual or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning? This physical symptom often results from or accompanies mental health issues. It can indicate depression.
• Disproportionate rage, anger, or resentment. Everyone feels angry at times. However, if your anger does not pass, and is extreme compared to the situation, or if they lead you to take violent or potentially harmful actions.
• Agoraphobia. People with agoraphobia fear being in places where they might experience panic attacks or become trapped. Some people may become unable to leave their houses.
• Anxious or intrusive thoughts. It is normal to worry about things from time to time, but when worry takes up a significant part of your day or causes physical symptoms, therapy can help you deal with it.
• Social withdrawal. Many people feel better when they are able to spend at least some time alone. Introverted people may need even more time alone than others. But if you feel distressed around others or fear being with other people, therapy can help you understand and deal with these feelings.
If you or someone you know are experiencing the above then it is a pretty good indication that you might want to see a mental Health Professional.
The below list is an emergency list and if you are experiencing any of these you could be in a emergency mental health state and it warrants that you immediately seek help.
• Inability to work or go to school
• Difficulty in relationships or taking care of children
• Increased risk of health issues
• Hospitalization
• Thoughts of Suicide
What will seeking Mental Health professionals do for you?
This could be a safe, judgment-free place for you to get the help you need in life challenges, emotional difficulties, and Mental Health challenges.
You can learn more about yourself; it can help you achieve your goals.
Outcomes can include managing stress, improving productivity, strengthening relationships, and improving quality of life! Including improved moods, clearer thinking….
If your stomach or something else in your body hurt you too bad, you would most likely see a doctor. It is the same for Mental Health.
What if you already sought professional mental health assistance and it did not work?
There are a couple of things here!
Therapy sometimes does not help right away- it can take time for you to improve.
Not every provider will work for everyone. No single approach works for everyone either.
Looking for a mental Health professional that treats what you’re experiencing might be helpful.
If you don’t have a specific area that you know you need to see a professional, then talk about your symptoms, and a professional could point you in the right direction if they are unable to help.
Different diagnoses warrants different treatments, if you have been misdiagnosed – then the treatments might not have been helpful for you.
If you didn’t feel heard before or your symptoms did not change, you might want to seek another professional. Also, remember that you play a role in your treatment. Your participation is vital to the process of your goals.
If after reading this, if you feel that you need professional Mental Health assistance you could do any of the following:
- Look on the back of your insurance card and call the number for behavioral Health.
- Do a google search for the type of professional you are looking for in your area.
- Go to your local Social Service agency
- Call your Employee Access Program (EAP) on your job and seek professional.
If you would like more information on this topic of Mental Health you can look at my show on YouTube, Facebook or the promote her T.V App available on most streaming platforms such as apple, fire TV, google TV etc @TheSharquitaShow
If you are interested in Therapy or Life Coaching please contact me at [email protected]
If you need assistance with finding the help you need you can reach me at [email protected]