Mental health comprises our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It influences our daily thoughts, feelings, and actions and is critical in our ability to make decisions, manage stress, and interact with others. However, it is estimated that more than 1 in 5 American adults live with a mental illness.
At Mercyland Psychiatry, we believe that taking care of your mental health is crucial to living a fulfilling life. That is why we provide exceptional outpatient mental and behavioral healthcare services to the greater metropolitan area of Madison, Wisconsin. Our approach emphasizes family-centered care, which is based on evidence-based medicine.
In this article, we discuss the importance of mental health and the harm caused by societal stigmas surrounding mental illness.
Why is Mental Health Important?
Emotional and mental health are essential to your life as they influence your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Maintaining good emotional health promotes productivity and effectiveness in daily activities, including work, school, or caregiving. It also plays a crucial role in the quality of your relationships and equips you to cope with life’s challenges and adapt to changes.
When Should I Seek Professional Help?
Someone does not have to be suffering from a diagnosed mental health condition or illness to seek support. In reality, everyone will experience circumstances in life that challenge their psychological, emotional, or social wellness. Therefore, everyone should have access to the benefits of mental health support!
But sometimes, someone may need temporary support to overcome a particular difficulty or transition.
Many people seek mental health services to address things like:
- Grief or loss
- Changing family dynamics
- Transitioning from school to work, or changing jobs
- Physical health changes or complications
- Difficulty with relationships
- Undesirable or damaging habits
Others may need more intensive mental health counseling due to diagnosed conditions or mental illness. Diagnosis for a mental health condition is not something that happens quickly or casually. This evaluation takes place in the clinical setting with specially trained professionals.
A few examples of mental health conditions that must be professionally diagnosed include:
- Addiction or substance abuse disorder
- Depression, anxiety, or mood disorder
- Schizophrenia or personality disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Whether seeking strategies to cope with a challenging time or needing therapeutic services to manage a diagnosis, they should be encouraged to reach out for support. It is important to seek professional help if you have been experiencing severe or distressing symptoms for 2 weeks or more.
These include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Altered appetite or unexpected weight changes
- Struggling to get up in the morning because of mood
- Difficulty focusing
- Loss of enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities
- Inability to finish routine tasks
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Why People Don’t Seek Treatment
Many people avoid getting the help they need for mental health issues because of the negative attitudes and discrimination towards those who suffer from such conditions. Research published in the Journal of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine in 2014 discovered that the stigma surrounding mental illness was a significant obstacle to people seeking treatment.
The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
The greater societal view of mental health support is positive, but that has not always been the case. Unfortunately, old mental health stigmas and misconceptions still affect many people today. The more we openly discuss mental health and available services, the better we can overcome fears.
In decades past, people with mental illness were often institutionalized and treated harshly in terrible conditions. Though in-patient hospitals still exist, they are typically short-term treatment centers rather than permanent residential facilities. Mental health professionals are committed to treating individuals with ethical and compassionate care that respects their human rights. The goal for anyone in an in-patient setting is to get the therapy, medication, and other tools they need to return to an independent life.
Mental health support is promoted daily among the wider medical community. Family doctors readily refer patients to therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers as part of a multidisciplinary approach to overall well-being. The medical field recognizes the vital connection between physical and mental health. Therefore, doctors today are more willing than ever to encourage mental health resources alongside physical treatments.
When individuals avoid mental health services due to stigma, they will often experience additional physical symptoms, relationship problems, difficulties at work, and worsening of their emotional or psychological symptoms. What helps many people overcome their fear of seeking help is to hear from their friends, family, or co-workers who have received services. The best way to defeat misconceptions is to talk about the personal benefits one has experienced through mental health therapy.
Why Seeking Treatment Is Important
It is essential to prioritize the treatment and management of mental illness to improve your overall quality of life. Although living with a mental illness can be challenging, receiving appropriate treatment can make it more manageable, helping you enjoy life without any hindrances from your condition.
Apart from improving mental health, seeking treatment can also enhance physical health by improving sleep patterns, boosting the immune system, and reducing pain levels. Enhancing mental health can increase productivity, allowing for better focus on daily tasks and motivation to complete them on time.
Moreover, taking care of your mental health can also increase your life expectancy. According to a 2012 study, even mild mental health problems can reduce life expectancy.
Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment for mental health conditions, irrespective of the type of treatment you prefer. Whether you opt for medication, therapy, or one of our clinical trials, there is a solution to cater to your specific needs. We encourage you to find the right treatment for a happier life with good mental health.
Here are some ways you can get help:
- Connect with friends, family, or others for emotional support.
- Explore resources on emotional health, such as Psychology Today, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
- Consider taking a mental health assessment to see if stress, anxiety, or depression is impacting you.
- Reach out to a professional if your emotional and mental health affects your daily life.
Mental Health Services Available in Wisconsin
If you have been trying to address your mental health on your own, it’s time to reach out for help. There is nothing to fear in seeking mental health support. The benefits of mental health services are often life-changing!
At Mercyland Psychiatry, we have licensed psychiatrists who specialize in treating mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, and loss. There are times when you may feel the need to discuss your mental health issues with someone other than your close family or friends. We understand this, and we encourage you to reach out to us for support.
Contact us to schedule an appointment today!