The best sources of mental illness help usually include doctors, counselors, therapists, and family members. Those with mental illnesses typically require a combination of medicinal and psychological treatments. They also benefit from the support and encouragement of friends and family members while they are going through treatment. Exact treatment measures will vary based on the type of mental illness being treated.
Mental illness help often comes from a family doctor or general practitioner. Although these medical professionals do not specialize in mental illness, they are familiar with the primary symptoms and can refer patients to the appropriate doctors. Psychiatrists are often the second point of contact for patients seeking mental illness help. These are doctors who are trained in mental illness and who can prescribe the appropriate medications, if needed, to treat symptoms.
Most patients benefit most from a combination of medicinal and psychological treatments. Counselors, therapists, and psychologists all offer therapies which allow patients to discuss their feelings and problems. They may also provide treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy for many conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. This involves exposing patients to uncomfortable situations so that they no longer cause anxiety or other negative reactions.
Friends and family members can also be a great source of mental illness help by offering support to patients. Going through therapy is not easy and often brings negative emotions or experiences to the forefront of a patient’s mind. By having a strong support system in place, they are much more likely to stick with treatment long enough for it to have an impact.
There are natural sources for mental illness help. How effective these treatments are will depend on the type of illness. Meditation, herbal medications, acupuncture, and hypnosis have all been used successfully in some individuals for the treatment of various mental illnesses. Every treatment may not be available in all areas.
Mental illness is a broad term used to describe a wide range of mental disorders. The most common are depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Others include schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder, and a wide spectrum of variations in between all of these. Anyone who suspects they or a loved one may have a mental illness should contact their family doctor or a trained mental health specialist as soon as possible. Self-diagnosis and treatment is not recommended.
