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Treatment Blog Category: Dual Diagnosis

Do I Need Mental Health Treatment?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one in four individuals worldwide has a mental health condition. Unfortunately, many people who are battling this condition do not seek treatment. Because of the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and treatment options, many people choose to suffer in silence, even though their condition is treatable. However, many people use substances, such as drugs and alcohol, to help balance out their mental health condition. Unfortunately, this can lead to worsening mental illness. 

For help finding a mental health treatment professional in your area, visit Treatment Connection today. 

Do I Need Mental Health Treatment?

There are many types of mental health conditions, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia

It is possible to live a healthy and happy life despite mental health conditions. However, it is vital to seek treatment at a professional treatment center for this to be possible. Are you asking, “Do I need mental health treatment?” Talk to a doctor or mental health treatment professional about your concerns. Here are five signs that indicate you should seek mental health treatment.

Excessive Anxiety

Everyone experiences worry and anxiety from time to time. You may get nervous before giving that big presentation for your boss or when you’re about to go on a first date. However, if you’re dealing with excessive anxiety and stress that simply won’t go away, you may be dealing with an anxiety disorder. If you’ve tried a range of treatment strategies to combat your condition but haven’t been able to find relief, it’s time to seek mental health treatment. 

Experiencing Crippling Trauma

When a person is involved with a traumatic event, their brain unleashes specific hormones, which raise their heart rate, adrenaline, and blood sugar. This state of being is often called the “fight or flight” instinct. Repeated or prolonged trauma may cause a person’s brain to remain in that state, playing it repeatedly in your mind. If this is the case for you, you may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. However, with the help of therapy and effective coping mechanisms, you can go back to “normal” life. 

Withdrawing From Friends and Family

Most people know that introverts need a certain amount of time to rest and recharge after being around other people. However, after that moment of seclusion, they can engage in your life again. If your alone time leads to extensive withdrawal and disinterest in activities that you formerly consider hobbies, you may be battling depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental health condition.

Notable Changes in Appetite or Sleep Patterns

When you move or change jobs, a change in your eating or sleeping habits is to be expected. However, as you adjust to these life changes, you generally return to your normal patterns. If the changes come out of nowhere or seem to last for a period of longer than two weeks, you may actually be dealing with a mental health condition. If you’re sleeping too much or dealing with insomnia, you may be battling depression or anxiety. Not wanting to eat at all or wanting to eat a great deal might also be a symptom of depression. Mental health treatment can assist you in restoring your normal habits. 

Using Drugs or Alcohol

Many people who battle mental health conditions use drugs and alcohol as a way to help them cope with their symptoms. For instance, if you’re struggling with bipolar disorder, you might use depressants such as alcohol to get yourself through a manic phase. However, using substances can lead to further mental health conditions or exacerbate the symptoms. With the help of dual diagnosis treatment, you can address both conditions simultaneously. 

Get Mental Health Treatment Today

If you’re still asking, “Do I need mental health treatment?” Treatment Connection can help. Using our site, you can anonymously search for treatment providers around you. We can help you determine what type of treatment is most likely to fit your needs and you can submit confidential inquiries to mental health treatment providers. For more information about mental health treatment options, visit Treatment Connection today. 

DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material (collectively, “Information”) contained on this blog post are for informational purposes only. None of the Information is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog post.

Holistic Mental Health Treatment Methods

Rather than mental health treatment, as usual, many treatment facilities have taken on a new approach to mental health treatment utilizing effective, evidence-based holistic mental health treatment options instead.

Holistic medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person — body, mind, spirit, and emotions. It considers all mental and social factors rather than just the present symptoms of mental health disorder. It attempts to address the root cause of mental health struggles and heal the entire body.

As an effective solution to help people on their recovery journey, many treatment centers now offer holistic mental health treatment programs and services. Treatment Connection, an online resource for those who suffer from mental health disorders and their families, can connect you or a loved one with the facility to best suit your needs. Use the online portal to find a treatment program near you.

Holistic Treatment Methods

Taking a holistic approach to mental health treatment simply means that treatment options encompass an overall well-being methodology. While talk therapy and medications may be necessary in some cases and for some levels of mental illness, some people may respond very well to alternative methods of treatment in their treatment plan.

Some effective, evidence-based holistic treatment options include:

Recreational Therapy

The goal of recreation therapy is to reduce mental health issues by lowering stress and anxiety through relaxation, recovering basic motor functioning through physical activity, enhancing reasoning abilities, building confidence, and improving communication. Recreational activities may include:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Animals
  • Sports
  • Games and puzzles
  • Dance and movement
  • Drama and comedy
  • Community outings

Equine Therapy

Sometimes referred to as horse-assisted therapy, equine therapy is a form of treatment where individuals work through their issues by developing a relationship with horses. Clients work with horses to develop and promote self-esteem, address fear and anxiety stemming from trauma, and practice empathy. Through equine therapy, many of those with substance use and mental health disorders may also learn to become more mindful and develop and practice patience.

In equine therapy, individuals build up a more active and positive sense of self as they do work with the animals. It is a means to feel actively useful and needed increasing one’s sense of responsibility and acceptance. One of the reasons this form of therapy is so effective, fostering higher rehab retention and completion rates, is how it diverges from the usual therapeutic approaches. In equine therapy, individuals aren’t receiving direct treatment for their substance use disorder but rather a kind of adjunct therapy allowing them to commit more effectively to other concurrent treatments.

Art Therapy

Self-expression in any form is proven to be an effective treatment method as measured by the SERATS scale. This tool helps validate that “making art in a healthy way serves as positive emotion regulation and self-development” and is beneficial to mental health recovery. Common medium for self-expression may include:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Sculpting
  • Collage
  • Photography
  • Music Therapy

Music has a soothing, relaxing effect on many people, and it is no different in music therapy. Trained musicians encourage clients to express their feelings and emotions creatively through singing, listening, and moving to music.

Yoga Therapy

A yoga therapy program is designed to heal and strengthen the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga poses can be easy to do and can improve your overall well-being as well as other physical and mental benefits such as:

  • Increased flexibility, muscle strength, and tone
  • Improved breathing, energy, and vitality
  • Weight reduction
  • Improved cardiovascular health
  • Improved mental calmness

Benefits of Holistic Mental Health Treatment

The mind has a potent effect on the body. Therefore it is logical that if the mind is happy, the body will follow suit. There are many benefits of holistic mental health treatment, each revolving around developing and nurturing the mind-body connection to ensure life-long success in recovery.

The tools and skills learned in holistic treatment can be used in all areas of a person’s life to help them handle the many stresses, conflicts, and triggers that will inevitably threaten their mental health. Physically, holistic therapies help to relieve stress, relax tight muscles, and improve the immune system. The mental benefits of holistic therapy reach far and wide, touching all aspects of a person’s wellbeing, including creating an improved sense of self, increasing mental clarity, and reducing stress and anxiety.

Even for those who do not suffer from mental health issues, the benefits of holistic therapy methods have proven to be a tremendously effective and easy way to maintain health and well-being.

Treatment Connection: The Source for Holistic Treatment Options

Treatment Connection, an online resource for mental health treatment programs, connects those searching for therapy options with facilities and caregivers that can help. Use the online portal to learn more about the many centers near you to provide you with the mental health treatment options you or a loved one need and deserve.

DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material (collectively, “Information”) contained on this blog post are for informational purposes only. None of the Information is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog post.

Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health in Hispanic Communities

Rates of the prevalence of substance use disorder in Hispanic communities typically mirror that of the general U.S. population. However, some indicators show that substance use and mental health disorders, including co-occurring disorders requiring dual diagnosis treatment, may be slightly higher due to sociodemographic factors.

These factors may also prevent or deter those who suffer from substance use and mental health disorders from receiving the much-needed treatment to get them on the road to recovery.

Those in the Hispanic, Latinx (Latino/Latina), and Chicano communities can face difficulties when seeking the necessary treatment for mental health challenges. Using the Treatment Connection portal is an easy way to find trusted treatment providers and programs.

Sociodemographic Factors

Researchers examined the relationship between substance use and culture in the Hispanic community. They have determined several factors contributing to drug and alcohol addiction, including:

  • Cultural Values: Like many other cultures, some values within Latinx culture promotes abstinence and avoidance as the only means to address drugs or alcohol addiction.
  • Language: Researchers have found the stress of having to learn a non-familiar language can contribute to substance use rates. The process of learning, adapting, and assimilating can be significant stressors and triggers, especially when resources to provide aid for this are minimal.
  • Place of Birth: In some studies, it has been determined that birthplace may play a role in drug and alcohol use. Those who immigrate to the United States are less likely to turn to substances. However, for each generation born into the country, the chances of substance use disorder and mental illness increase. For example, a first-generation immigrant of Hispanic origin is slightly more at risk of using and abusing drugs than their parents.
  • Sociodemographics: Age, marital status, and employment status also seem to impact one’s likelihood to develop a substance use disorder. Married Latinx report fewer alcohol and drug-related challenges while those who are younger and often single report higher usage. For those who may be unemployed at any age, the risk and prevalence of use are much higher.

Treatment Disparities in the Hispanic Community

Assimilating to a new country and its culture can bring about many mental health challenges. As immigrants are faced with discrimination, stereotyping, prejudice, and even governmental laws, they may turn to substance use to help cope with the anxiety, stress, depression, and pressure that they may feel.

Unfortunately, studies also reveal that those within the Hispanic community are also faced with disparities in available options when they find themselves in need of mental health and substance use treatment. For example, several surveys indicate that Latinx people experience the following when seeking treatment:

  • Less access to treatment facilities
  • Longer wait time to access treatment options
  • Less satisfaction with services received
  • Reduced access to insurance/payment options

Aside from the systematic disparities Hispanics and Latinx experience in receiving necessary treatment, several cultural factors may hinder their desire and ability to enter into a treatment program. Shame and embarrassment that they may be experiencing a mental health challenge may prevent some individuals from entering a treatment program. Similarly, the fear of disrupting family relationships or the ability to work also prevents many people from receiving the treatment they need.

Seeking Substance Use or Mental Health Treatment in the Hispanic Community

Regardless of one’s birthplace, language, cultural values, substance use, and mental health disorders, serious diseases can lead to devastating outcomes if left untreated. At Treatment Connection, we help everyone who needs substance use or mental health treatment gain access to treatment programs to help them get on the road to recovery. If you or a loved one needs treatment, we can help you find the appropriate program to suit your needs, bearing in mind your specific cultural and family requirements.

Visit Treatment Connection to take a 13-question assessment and find the best type and intensity of addiction treatment for you or a loved one.

DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material (collectively, “Information”) contained on this blog post are for informational purposes only. None of the Information is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog post.

Tips for Avoiding Your Anxiety Triggers

Anxiety is a fact of life for just about everyone. For some people, the common signs of anxiety only have a minor, temporary effect. However, others have much more serious problems and require professional treatment. In either case, you may find that certain things trigger your feelings of anxiousness. You can take steps to learn how to cope with these anxiety triggers. You can also take steps that will help you avoid them altogether. Here are some tips on how to achieve this goal.

Understand and Recognize Your Anxiety Triggers

Not everyone experiences anxiety in the same kinds of ways. In addition, not everyone has the same kinds of anxiety triggers. Take time to read up on how these triggers form and operate. In addition, take the time needed to recognize your own specific triggers and when they arise. Common sources for bouts of anxiety include things such as:

  • Social interactions and/or speaking in public
  • Financial pressures
  • Strained intimate relationships
  • The daily demands of parenting
  • Pressures at work or in school
  • Serious illness
  • Threatening, scary, or unpredictable current events

You may be able to learn about and recognize your triggers on your own. However, you may also need help from your doctor or a mental health expert.

Exercise Can Ease the Intensity of Your Anxiety Triggers

Research shows that regular exercise can be an effective weapon against anxiety. This is possible because exercise helps lower your body’s levels of stress hormones. When the number of these hormones drops, you may find that you’re less sensitive to the things that trigger anxiety. You can get a benefit from aerobic exercises or activities that include:

  • Bicycling
  • Walking
  • Gardening
  • Sports such as tennis and basketball
  • Jogging

You can also get a benefit from anaerobic exercises like strength training.

Your Diet Has an Impact on Your Susceptibility to Anxiety

The foods you eat and the beverages you drink have a significant impact on your daily mood. A well-balanced, nutritious diet will help you stay on an even keel. In contrast, a diet filled with junk food and empty calories can have the opposite effect. Generally speaking, when your mood is more stable, you are less susceptible to the effects of stress and anxiety.

One common dietary item is known to have an especially notable impact on anxiety: caffeine. When you drink or eat things that contain caffeine, you boost the levels of one of your main stress hormones. By limiting your consumption of these foods and beverages, you help keep anxiety in check.

Seek Mental Health Treatment When Needed

Despite your best efforts, you may find that anxiety dominates your life. If your anxious feelings significantly disrupt your ability to function, you may have a diagnosable anxiety disorder. In such circumstances, professional mental health treatment is a must.

Anxiety treatment has two main components: psychotherapy and medication. There are therapies specifically designed to help you address your anxiety triggers. With their help, you can diminish the impact those triggers have on your life.

The two types of medication most often used to treat anxiety are anti-anxiety meds and antidepressants. Some people also benefit from other medications. Potential options include sedatives and beta-blockers.

Seek Effective Anxiety Treatment With Help From Treatment Connection

At Treatment Connection, we specialize in helping you find the best local providers for mental health treatment. Our nationwide network allows you to do anonymous searches for treatment resources either by name or zip code. And our built-in quality assurance system means that only truly qualified providers will appear in your results. When anxiety treatment is needed, there’s no reason to delay. Let Treatment Connection help you get started today.

DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material (collectively, “Information”) contained on this blog post are for informational purposes only. None of the Information is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog post.

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