Affecting one in five adults in the United States, mental illnesses are often invisible, with their signs and struggles hidden beneath the surface, making it difficult for others to recognize the pain someone may be going through. Coupled with the pressures of daily life, it can often feel like you are facing mental health struggles alone. The good news? You don’t have to navigate it on your own. From different types of therapy to medication, there are numerous ways to approach mental health treatment, five of which will be explored in this article.
Psychotherapy
A cornerstone of mental health treatment, psychotherapy helps individuals explore and understand their emotions and behaviors in a safe environment. You might not click with the first therapist you meet, so it’s important to give it a few sessions and if that doesn’t work, try a few different therapists (or even different types of therapy) until you find one that suits you best.
Psychotherapy is often the go-to treatment for many different conditions, such as mood disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, phobias, trauma, and self-esteem issues (to name only a few!). For many, psychotherapy is not just a way to manage symptoms but a transformative process that empowers them to live more fulfilling and balanced lives.
Inpatient care
For those experiencing severe psychological distress and who require a more intensive form of treatment, inpatient care provides a controlled environment to safely manage such conditions. As many graduates of online PMHNP programs will know, inpatient care is typically provided in hospitals or specialized mental health facilities and offers 24/7 supervision and support. This level of care might sound extreme, but it can be necessary for those dealing with conditions like suicidal thoughts, psychosis, severe depression or anxiety, or those who may be at risk of harming themselves or others.
The primary aims of inpatient care are to stabilize symptoms and, importantly, provide a structured environment where patients can focus entirely on their recovery, setting the foundation for further outpatient care or long-term wellness strategies.
Medication
Medication plays a crucial role in managing many mental health conditions as it offers a way for individuals to regain control over their symptoms. Although it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, the right medication can help restore balance to brain chemistry, alleviating symptoms that may feel debilitating. For those suffering from the fog of depression, antidepressants can allow individuals to regain focus and motivation, while anti-anxiety medications can provide a sense of calm in times of stress to those with anxiety disorders.
Used in combination with other forms of treatment, medication can help put individuals on the path to overcoming their mental health condition. However, much like therapy, finding the right medication often involves a process of trial and error, as it’s essential to match the drug with the individual’s unique needs and body chemistry, but with proper guidance from a healthcare provider, medication can provide significant relief.
Alternative therapies
If talk-based therapies aren’t your thing, there are many types of alternative therapies on offer. Being non-traditional approaches, alternative therapies provide individuals with options that go beyond conventional medication and therapy. These therapies often focus on the mind-body connection and aim to promote healing through holistic methods.
Practices like acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by releasing endorphins. If you are looking to treat stress, then yoga and meditation work wonders by improving focus and managing emotional regulation. These therapies can be a powerful complement to anyone’s healing journey as individuals can take an active role in their mental well-being.
Brain stimulation therapies
Perhaps lesser known, brain stimulation therapies are innovative treatments that use targeted electrical impulses to influence brain activity. Such forms of therapy offer hope for individuals with mental health conditions who have not responded to traditional treatments. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most common forms, which involves applying small electrical currents to the brain to trigger a brief seizure, helping to alleviate conditions such as severe depression and bipolar disorder.
Individuals seeking treatment for severe depression will be pleased to know that 80% of patients report a significant improvement in their symptoms after ECT treatment. These therapies are typically considered when other treatment options have not provided relief, and while they can sound intense, they are generally effective in treating mental health conditions.
Ultimately, mental health treatment is highly individual, and finding the right approach requires patience and support. It’s important to approach mental health care with an open mind and a willingness to explore different avenues, all while working closely with healthcare professionals to determine the best path forward. No matter where you are in your mental health journey, remember that help is available, and options are abundant.
