4 Facts About Mental Health Therapy You Probably Didn't Know

by Marc W. Owner

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.

For more information on mental health therapy and a full list of options that might be right for you or your family, visit abbeyneuropsychologyclinic.com today!