Cedarhurst, NY Mental Health Treatment

Mental health issues are serious. Roughly one in five Americans suffer from mental illness yearly according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). Ten percent of these people suffer severe forms of mental illness which interfere with their daily activities.

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are examples of life-altering mental illnesses. These, among other mental problems, may cripple your life if not treated. Apart from bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, Americans also battle depression, anxiety disorder, and addiction.

Up to 18% of the population suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, different phobias, or post-traumatic stress. Statistics show that 20 million Americans experience mental illness coupled with drug addiction. These estimations and statistics are from NAMI.

Consequences Of Lack Of Mental Health Treatment

Without treatment or where treatment is delayed, mental health issues can cause severe effects not only to you but also to those around you. Below are statistics from NAMI which explain this fact better:

• Over 90% of children who die by suicide have a mental health illness
• 37% of students who drop out of high school suffer from mental health conditions
• American adults who suffer from mental illness die 25 years younger than others mostly due to treatable conditions
• The third most common mental health illness causing hospitalization is depression, bipolar disorder, and mood disorders which majorly affects those between the age 18 to 44 years
• In the U.S, mental illness costs $193.2 billion in lost earnings annually

Categories of Mental Health Treatment

Due to tremendous advancements in the mental health field, different forms of treatment are now available. Just like physical disorders, mental illnesses can be diagnosed and treated.

Mental health treatment can be categorized as:

• Somatic
• Psychotherapeutic

Somatic Treatment

Somatic treatment includes therapies that are used to stimulate the brain. It includes electroconvulsive therapy, drugs, and many others. Brain stimulation comprises transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation.

Psychiatrists and medical doctors use psychoactive drugs to treat mental disorders. Although effective, these drugs are only prescribed by licensed doctors. Psychoactive drugs are categorized depending on what they are used to treat. For example, antidepressants are used for the treatment and management of depression.

Electroconvulsive therapy entails the use of electrodes that are placed on the head. This process is done under anesthesia. Electrical shocks are sent to the brain causing brief seizures.

This is the most effective treatment for severe depression. However, it is worth noting that people treated this way may suffer memory loss. Although this option has this setback, it is a safe procedure with no other complications arising from it.

Anesthetics and muscle relaxants used greatly reduce any risk.

Therapies such as vagus nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation are under study. These therapies may be effective in the treatment of depression especially those that which does not respond to psychotherapy or drugs.

Brain stimulation is usually done using implants or magnets. These stimulate the vagus nerve which results in cell stimulation to produce neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers which regulate mood. This goes miles to relieve symptoms resulting from depression.

Psychotherapeutic Treatment

Psychotherapeutic treatment includes behavior therapy techniques like exposure therapy, hypnotherapy, and relaxation training. Psychotherapy may include a family, group, spouse, or individual.

From studies done, psychotherapy and drugs done together are highly effective compared to the use of either treatment on its own. The use of these two kinds of treatment together has been found to treat mental disorders faster.

Also known as talk therapy, recent advances in psychotherapy enable treatment. This happens when a therapist creates an atmosphere that is empathetic and accepting. In such an environment, the patient can identify the origin of his or her problems. The therapist then helps them find alternatives to dealing with the problems.

Psychotherapy allows one to get emotional awareness as well as insight which helps with change in behavior and attitude thus helping you live a better and fulfilling life. Through this treatment, you can relate and interact with others easily.

This kind of therapy applies to even people who are not sick. People need help to cope with different issues such as bereavement, chronic illnesses in the family, marital problems, or even problems in the workplace. Psychotherapy comes in handy to help solve such issues.

Note that psychotherapy sessions may be attended by groups, individuals, or couples.

There are six types of psychotherapy:

• Supportive psychotherapy
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Psychoanalysis
• Interpersonal therapy
• Cognitive therapy
• Behavioral therapy

Providing Help

With the right mental health care, chances of recovering are much higher. However, this is only achievable when the treatment offered is timely.

A combination of professional help from a psychiatrist and other medical practitioners like a psychologist, social workers, and advanced practice workers is usually handy. It is important to mention that only psychiatrists or psychiatric nurses (in some states) may prescribe psychoactive drugs. The rest of the mental health care professionals use psychotherapy. Primary care doctors can prescribe drugs as well.

The first step to mental recovery is to seek help. If you know someone who suffers from mental illness or you suffer the same, seek help from Archstone mental health treatment center in Cedarhurst, NY. Mental illnesses are treatable and you don’t need to suffer alone. Mental health services help improve life and save lives.