Even though mental illness affects
millions of families in the U.S. alone, it is one of the least discussed topics
amongst American families. Many families have even described it as a taboo subject
in their home. But mental illness is a serious disease not unlike a disease
like cancer or ALS that attacks the sufferer's body. And just like any other
disease it requires special treatment in the form of mental health therapy.
Here are 4 facts about mental health counseling that you probably did not know.
1. Mental Illness is Not a Personal
Failing
The first thing to know is that if
you suffer from mental illness, it does not mean you are flawed in any way.
Mental illnesses are typically caused by hormonal imbalances which are not
possible to control by sheer force of will. An illness of this form is no one's
fault, and in no way makes the patient inferior. In fact, some of the brightest
people in the world also suffered from mental illness. Ernest Hemingway,
Abraham Lincoln, Sylvia Plath, and Vincent Van Gogh are just a few names from
the list.
2. Conditions Are Usually
Impermanent
Often a person who is suffering from
anxiety, depression, or panic attacks is suffering to due to a situational
circumstance. For instance, they are dealing with their grief at the loss of a
loved one. If not expressed properly, that grief becomes bottled up and
transforms into clinical depression. However, by getting treatment, the vast
majority of patients are able to recover from their condition completely. The
key is getting help early. Because any intensely depressive episode in your
life can lead to more in the future, making the condition become chronic.
3. Asking for Help Isn't Shameful,
It's Strong
As mentioned previously, a mental
illness is no different from a bodily disease. If you knew someone with cancer,
would you tell them not to seek help? Or that they were making too big of a
deal of the issue and needed to get over it? Of course not. If you know someone
who is struggling, encourage them and support them in getting help. Often it
takes a little nudge from a trusted friend before someone will ever even admit
they have a problem and seek out help for their condition. You may have to
offer to help them schedule the appointment and take them to the first few
sessions, but doing so may save their life.
4. The Possibilities are Endless
Most mental illness treatments take
the form of simple out-patient visits, usually an hour long and only once or a
few times a week, depending on the need. You may work with a Licensed Social
Worker, a Clinical Professional Counselor, or a Psychologist. All of these
professionals play the role of therapist in one of any number of different
types of therapy. From group therapy, to individual psychotherapy or talk
therapy, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and others. Sometimes a
variety of treatment options are used in conjunction with one another