Those struggling with mental or behavioral disorders often wonder: what are my options for treatment? Due to the increased awareness of mental health, and through society’s reduced stigma surrounding these conditions, there are several options for those with mental or behavioral health disorders. From medications and counseling, to lifestyle changes and mindfulness, individuals can approach their condition from multiple angles. Xpress Wellness Behavioral Health understands these needs, and can equip patients with the tools and techniques they need to succeed in obtaining or regaining balance in their lives. Find out what options are available, how they’re used, and where to start on the journey to overall wellness.
Mental Health Medications
Mental health medications are often used for severe or persistent cases of mental and behavioral health disorders. These medications are usually prescribed short-term, and are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes to make them more effective. The goal of mental health medications is to bring brain chemistry back into balance – bringing relief to the patient, but also giving them the clarity and confidence to practice techniques that will bring long-term relief.
Types of mental health medications include:
Antidepresivos - Utilizados para tratar la depresión y algunos trastornos de ansiedad, pueden mejorar el estado de ánimo, aumentar la energía y ayudar a concentrarse. Estos medicamentos no crean adicción ni dependencia. Suelen ser inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina (ISRS) o inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina y norepinefrina (IRSN).
Medicamentos ansiolíticos - Estos medicamentos se dirigen principalmente a la ansiedad generalizada y los trastornos de pánico, pero también pueden ayudar a reducir la agitación y el insomnio en otros tipos de trastornos. Los ansiolíticos a largo plazo suelen ser ISRS o IRSN, pero pueden utilizarse medicamentos a corto plazo para ayudar a controlar los ataques de pánico o la ansiedad grave. Los ansiolíticos de corta duración, como las benzodiacepinas, pueden causar dependencia, por lo que hay que tener precaución al tomarlos.
Estabilizadores del estado de ánimo - Se utilizan sobre todo para tratar el trastorno bipolar, pero a veces se emplean para tratar trastornos depresivos.
Antipsicóticos - Normalmente se utiliza para tratar trastornos psicóticos como la esquizofrenia, pero también puede utilizarse en combinación con antidepresivos para tratar la depresión u otros trastornos.
When taking these medications, ongoing management by a medical professional is crucial. Mental health medications need to be adjusted frequently, and multiple medications may be prescribed and taken together in some cases. Other medications or supplements a patient takes will be considered or changed depending on potential interactions.
Psychotherapy
Also referred to as counseling or talk therapy, this approach involves a patient and their therapist talking about their mental or behavioral health concerns. Therapists are often psychologists or licensed counselors that will work closely with a patient’s primary care provider when creating a treatment plan. They may also recommend a support system to their patients, such as family members or other designated individuals.
Counseling is a safe space where all conversations are confidential. The trust created in these spaces allows patients to work through past events, trauma, or grief, as well as discussing current struggles and symptoms with their therapist. Individualized treatment plans and practices are then created for patients to take back control of their mental health in a proactive and positive way.
Some types of psychotherapy include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – This method aims to change the way patients deal with their day-to-day symptoms and struggles. CBT reduces or changes the way that a patient’s mind and body reacts to triggers, stressors, or symptoms of their mental or behavioral health condition. By reframing or redirecting negative thoughts, habits, and actions into positive and constructive ones, CBT is a tool that individuals can use on a daily basis, no matter where they are.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – Based on CBT, this method of talk therapy is used to help patients that experience intense emotions. The main goal of DBT is to help individuals regulate these emotions in a positive and self-accepting way, while simultaneously changing their reactions to emotional triggers.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) – IPT is usually used short-term for increased self-awareness and acceptance of situations. This type of counseling helps patients understand underlying issues such as unresolved grief, changes in their environment, or personal relationships. The goal is to help individuals express their emotions and improve their communication skills.
Therapists will discuss both medical and personal history with their patients before deciding on which type of talk therapy to employ. Some patients may benefit from a combination of multiple approaches.
Lifestyle Changes
Along with recommendations from a healthcare provider, patients can make changes in their lifestyles to help improve the effects of their treatment and their overall wellbeing. Some steps to take include:
Staying physically active – establishing a daily routine that incorporates exercise helps reduce stress and serves as a natural mood-booster
Avoiding alcohol or recreational drugs – these often intensify or cause mental health symptoms
Quitting smoking or caffeine – these can also worsen symptoms
Using stress management and relaxation techniques – visualization and breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation can be helpful in reducing symptoms
Getting enough sleep – prioritizing good sleep is essential to mental wellbeing
Eating healthy – balanced meals help reduce some of the symptoms that mental health disorders can cause, such as digestive upset or fatigue, as well as improve overall health.
Treatment with Xpress Wellness Behavioral Health
At Xpress Wellness, we have therapists and psychologists available for counseling, and advanced practice providers specifically trained in assessing mental health problems. These providers are able to prescribe psychiatric medications and evaluate for medication options through virtual visits. Programar una consulta de salud conductual para iniciar un viaje de bienestar general que proviene de una salud sólida, tanto de la mente como del cuerpo.
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