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:
Antidepressants – Used to treat both depression and some anxiety disorders, they can improve mood, increase energy, and help individuals focus. These medications are not addictive and do not cause drug dependency. Most often, these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Anti-anxiety medications – These medications primarily target generalized anxiety and panic disorders, but may also help in reducing agitation and insomnia in other types of disorders. Long-term anti-anxiety medications are usually SSRIs or SNRIs, but short-term medications can be used to help control panic attacks or severe anxiety. Short-term anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines can cause dependency, so caution needs to be exercised when taking these medications.
Mood stabilizers – Most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, but are sometimes used to treat depression disorders.
Antipsychotics – Typically used to treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, but may also be used in combination with antidepressants to treat depression or other disorders.
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. Schedule a behavioral health consultation to begin a journey of overall wellness that comes from sound health – both mind and body.
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