Treatment Methods
Mental disorders are the leading cause of poor health/wellness and disability worldwide, affecting a person’s overall mood, thinking, and behavior. They range in levels from mild, moderate, and severe. Conclusive evidence from various research studies, including Mental Health America (MHA) and SAMHSA, has statistically verified that 450 million people worldwide suffer from some type of mental health or behavioral illness in their lifetime.
More than half of American adults ages 18 and older currently live with a diagnosable mental health condition in a given year. Today, over 47 million Americans (19%) are experiencing some type of mental illness, 4.55% being severe.
It is important to note that there is no single cause for mental illness, as many biological, psychological, physical, social, and environmental factors can contribute to being at risk for, or have developed a mental disorder.
Many people can suffer from more than one mental disorder simultaneously, which is known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. The most common forms of mental illness that we treat at Montare Behavioral Health include:
Often individuals with addictions may not have access or the means to obtain effective mental health treatment resources. Most don’t for various reasons. These include:
- Lack of finances
- Denial
- Stigma/discrimination
- Wanted help, tried to find it but failed
- Wanted help, but didn’t make an effort to find it
- Biological (genetics): family history of mental health issues, chemical imbalance
- Psychological: Stress and trauma
- Physical: Mental health and physical health are fundamentally linked. Having poor health, as well as, people living with a condition or pre-existing mental illness, are at higher risk of experiencing a wide range of chronic physical conditions.
- Environmental: Triggers of grief, abuse, losing a job, death of a loved one, etc.
As there are various risk factors associated with the predisposition or onset of mental health issues, it is of utmost importance to find a mental health treatment program that specializes in dual diagnosis, where specialists can find the root of the issue, and discover whether there are any underlying pre-existing conditions that could be contributing to one’s problems.
Therefore, being able to recognize the signs that there may be an issue, is the best chance at gaining access to proper mental health resources and professional help. At Montare Behavioral Health, our team of qualified mental health specialists can help you or a loved one seek the professional care necessary to properly live and cope healthily with mental illness.
The Reality and Prevalence of Mental Health
Awareness of mental illness and the need for treatment has continued to grow in recent years. This is in large part due to education and continuing an ongoing discussion about the struggles that people with mental health go through.
Mental health statistics alone, show not only the harsh realities and prevalence of these disorders but also the biases it places in people’s heads. This is often the main reason why an individual’s accessibility to health care becomes more difficult, as well as, hindering their ability to receive the treatment they need to recover and achieve long-term wellness. It is important to always remember, that mental illness is a disease, one that is more prevalent today than ever before.
However, sadly, despite the progress that has been made, many people who need help for a mental health issue don’t seek it. 30 and 80 percent or nearly two-thirds that is. You may be wondering, but, if the subject of mental health is so prevalent, and the access to care is more accessible, then why do relatively few people seek help?
Truth is, oftentimes, individuals struggling don’t see the signs or in denial that there is something wrong with them. Therefore, a mental illness commonly is undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and worse, left untreated. This causes extreme complications mentally, physically, and socially.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with a confirmed mental illness never seek treatment or believe they are unable to receive the proper treatment that they need to manage their condition, due to various circumstances, such as the ones below.
Denial (Anosognosia)
One of the top reasons why people don’t end up seeking help for their mental illness is because they are in denial. Some people have what is called anosognosia. This is where people have a lack of insight into their health. In other words, individuals are unable to grasp the reality that they have a mental illness, or simply can’t accept their diagnosis.
Simply, a person with a mental health issue may not believe anything is wrong with them, they don’t see or recognize the signs in front of them, or they don’t think they need help. There are ways someone who needs mental health care might not even know they are exhibiting signs. After all, symptoms for conditions are oftentimes very similar, so it can be hard to notice.
Also, admitting that one has a problem is the first step, but it is not an easy thing to do. Therefore, some people who may recognize that they have a problem will try to come up with every solution as to why they don’t need help.
Denial is the main reason why people specifically with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder refuse to take their medications or do not seek treatment. Whatever the case may be, everyone is different, therefore, no one can compare their situation to another person.
Finances
Finances are one of the top reasons why people don’t seek treatment for their mental health issues. A study found that individuals with depression and anxiety were three times more likely to be in debt and also attempt suicide. People who are struggling financially tend to sadly skip out on receiving the treatment they need because of medical expenses. This is especially true for lower-income populations.
Although most insurance companies cover the cost of treatment for mental illness to some degree, not everyone has the means or the best insurance policy. Mental Health America’s statistics for mental illness show that 5.3 million adults in the United States with mental illness are uninsured. This stops 24.6 million (56%) people from receiving any mental health care.
As young adults are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues, untreated or undiagnosed conditions, often result in difficulties making money decisions, let alone, the life-saving decision to get help.
Stigma
Despite there finally being more of an open discussion surrounding mental health care and treatment, shedding the light on the importance of the subject, people are still afraid of being stigmatized (discriminated against) if they admit they need help.
Mental illness is not a weakness, but those who have it, see themselves as weak or less than. Low self-esteem makes a person struggling even more unsure, which makes it even more difficult to admit to anyone including family, friends, a doctor, and even yourself that professional help is necessary.
Having a condition such as depression makes doing any kind of task difficult. This includes talking to anyone, let alone making an appointment at a mental health facility or with a therapist. The last thing someone who is depressed or anxious wants to do is talk about it, but the truth is, it is a cathartic release. It can be difficult taking that initiative to seek treatment on your own. That is why a support system in a program is the best form of care for someone with mental illness. It is an excellent resource of knowledge, self-reflection, understanding, and to know you are not alone, as people are suffering too.
Expectations of Treatment
There are a lot of things seen in the media (movies and TV) regarding the portrayal of mental illness and what a facility is like. But, as they say, don’t always believe what you see. A reason why people don’t seek treatment for mental illness is that they are either scared, don’t know what to expect, or a little bit of both.
Thankfully, there are resources and support available to help educate yourself and others about mental health, including professional support groups, and others who are suffering from mental illness as well.
There is already a wealth of information out there to help guide those suffering, including friends and family who need to find effective mental health treatment. While there are misinformation and myths regarding mental health, it is important to try your best to dispel it, as it can be detrimental to one’s health, whether you are the caregiver or the one with the illness.
A professional will always be the best source, as they are trained to know how to deal with various types of people and disorders. As a result, they know what treatments will suit someone best long-term. So, always consult your doctor for information, as it will produce the best outcome.
The Demand for Mental Health Treatment
Especially this year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual mental health care services (telehealth) are keeping the demand for mental health treatment in full effect! The need for mental health support appears to be growing as patients are confronting stress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
Regardless of treatment is done at a facility or virtually, individuals who haven’t been able to or who may have not thought of seeking care for their mental health issues, are now getting the opportunity to put themselves on the right path to bettering their overall health.
How are Mental Disorders Diagnosed?
At Montare Behavioral Health, we have a comprehensive process to help us to reach an accurate mental health diagnosis. Our team starts by giving people a psychological evaluation, where they will answer a series of questions about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
The medical history will also be evaluated to discover the details behind a person’s prognosis if they have any health conditions, or genetic predispositions, or family history of mental illness that could be a contributing factor. A physical exam and possible lab tests may also be performed if your provider thinks that other underlying conditions could be relating to symptoms of mental illness.
Mental Health Treatment At Montare Behavioral Health
It is important to note, that our treatment methods are NOT available at all locations
Review our locations to see what treatments are offered here.
It is well documented that mental illness can negatively affect all aspects of one’s life, the brain, and body, health, relationships, etc. It is a cycle that won’t end without professional intervention and treatment.
Although, as mentioned above, a very small percentage receives some type of treatment for their condition. The reason being, many of these programs try to solely treat the mental illness itself, but fail to use proven methods to deal with the factors that may be underlying or contributing to the main root of one’s condition. Chronic conditions or a genetic predisposition (family history of mental illness) just to name a few.
At Montare Behavioral Health, our various mental health treatment programs and services continue to help people from all walks of life suffering from mental illness. We aim to continue to change this and make healthcare for mental illness as accessible as possible.
How Are Mental Disorders Treated?
Treatment for mental health conditions depends on which type a person has, how severe it is, and if there may be any other underlying causes, such as a chronic condition. If you or a loved one is suffering from one of the common mental disorders, and also have failed to find accessible and effective mental health treatment, know that you’re not alone!
At Montare BH, we create customized treatment plans to help the needs of individuals suffering from mental illness. Our specialists will work with you on creating a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Everyone is different, responds to treatments uniquely, so, treatment methods chosen will vary greatly.
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment for Mental Health
People’s regimen can include around-the-clock care in an inpatient mental health facility for more severe cases of illness, which entails, therapy/counseling, medication management, group discussions, and activities with mental health professionals and other patients.
Or for those who transition out of a residential facility and can live more independently, outpatient treatment for mental health can help those with more mild cases of mental illness learn tools on how to keep managing and coping with their conditions. In other words, some people may need social support and education on managing their condition, while others need to be more isolated and monitored more frequently to achieve optimal wellness.
Our team’s main goal is to help get individuals on the road to recovery, by teaching them the tools and providing resources on how to properly manage and cope with their conditions, resulting in a healthy and optimal lifestyle. We are devoted to treating mental illness with state of the art treatment methods.
A Path to Improved Health at Montare BH
At Montare BH, it is our job to help find the root of an individual’s mental health issues, treat them, and get their lives back on track through methods of care through various programs and counseling sessions.
Check out our locations to see what treatments are offered. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction and/or mental illness, contact us today to learn more about our mental health services, admissions process, and see what is right for you.
References
https://www.narconon.org/blog/drug-addiction/why-many-people-dont-seek-treatment-for-addiction/
https://www.mhanational.org/issues/2020/mental-health-america-prevalence-data
https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/tech/demand-for-virtual-mental-health-soaring-here-are-notable-trends-who-using-it-and-why
https://www.aspenridgerecoverycenters.com/addiction-treatment-resources/
https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/d/debt-and-mental-health
https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html
https://www.mhanational.org/mentalhealthfacts