Good health is not just about staying physically fit. Staying mentally and emotionally healthy is just as important as having a healthy body.
Many things can get in the way of mental and emotional health.
Everyday stressors, for example, can take a toll if left unaddressed for extended periods. Everyone has different ways of coping with stress, and not everyone has equally efficient methods. Some become more vulnerable to mental health issues as a result.
The number of mental health issues among youth been rising steadily. These issues are more common than what most people are led to believe. In fact, 1 in 5 Canadians may experience mental health disorders at some point in their lives. These disorders can affect any demographic, but teens are among the most impacted.
Common Mental Disorders That Affect Teenagers
Many recognized mental health illnesses can affect people. These can vary in effects and symptoms, and impact the lives of those affected to different degrees. As such, it is essential to be able to pinpoint what kind of mental disorder that a person suffers from.
Some disorders are more common than others, and some are usual in teenagers. Examples of the mental disorders that affect teens are:
- Anxiety disorders, which are a wide range of disorders that are usually associated with unease, fear, and panic.
- Depression, which are usually associated with extreme sadness and loss of drive.
- Eating disorders, which can include excessive eating, purging, and refusal to eat.
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, which has implications in self-control and attention.
- Substance use and abuse, which is the use and abuse of harmful substances.
Some suffer multiple disorders at once. Some of these illnesses may result from the presence of other disorders. For example, substance use and abuse become more likely in those that suffer other mental illnesses.
Mental Health Signs To Watch Out For
Many people are unaware that they have mental health issues. These people do not seek treatment as a result.
If you or someone you know experience drastic changes in mood and emotions, try to take note. These are just some of the signs that a mental health issue is lying underneath. Some of the other signs to watch out for are the following:
- Changes in thinking and concentration: People with mental illnesses may have trouble concentrating. Thought processes are also sometimes impacted.
- Extreme mood swings: Mood swings are completely natural. However, drastic changes in mood that occur often are not.
- Difficulty coping with stress: Everyone faces stress, many of us even facing it daily. Some people have trouble dealing with these stressors. Constant failure to cope, or having extreme reactions when faced with stress, is a sign of mental illness.
- Eating habits: Changes in eating habits can also be a tell-tale sign. Significant increases or decreases in appetite can be seen in those that suffer illnesses.
- Changes in sleep patterns: It includes constant oversleeping or difficulty falling asleep.
- Detachment: Those with mental health issues may also appear detached from society, other people, or reality in general.
Those that are aware of the condition may sometimes also not see proper treatment as a viable option.
It may be due to several negative cultural and societal views regarding mental health issues. However, it should be said that these negative views are steadily disappearing. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows the desire to get better. The best way to do this is by seeking therapy.
9 Notable Ways on How Disorders Can Be Addressed By Therapy
There are many steps to wellness that people can take if mental health problems are present. However, seeking professional help is highly recommended.
Therapy is one of the top options for addressing mental health issues. The different methods associated with therapy are proven to reduce the effects, or outright treat, mental illnesses.
An experienced therapist can help one cope with the taxing symptoms of mental disorders.
Some notable ways that disorders are addressed by therapy include:
1. Therapists can help you diagnose and identify the problem
The first step to recovery is to diagnose the problem. Many mental illnesses have very similar symptoms. Take note that different problems also have different solutions, so self-diagnosis should not be done. A therapist or a psychiatrist can help you diagnose these issues and identify the problem on-hand.
This step can also help you with fully accepting that there really is a problem that needs to be addressed. Proper treatment can begin once the issue is fully identified, and its presence acknowledged.
2. Therapy helps you assess the root of the problem
Many methods used in therapy involve going to the root of the problem to fix it. It is most usually done through conversations with the therapist. The cause of the mental health issue can be more properly addressed if the problem is identified. Many treatment types, in fact, hinge their methods on the identification of the root of the problem.
3. Counselling helps in setting goals to move forward
Therapy sessions do not just have the goal of making a person with a mental health issue feel better. These also aim to help the person move forward in life. It is most usually through setting goals and milestones that the person should strive to achieve.
Having concrete goals gives a set objective that you can work toward. These milestones can serve as indicators of steps toward wellness.
4. Therapy provides an avenue for communication
It helps to talk to someone with an objective view of the situation when a problem arises. That is usually the case in therapy sessions.
Having a sensible professional to talk to makes many people undergoing therapy feel better. Getting to vent out thoughts and concerns can help give a better sense of comfort or peace. It is vital, even if it just makes you feel better for the short-term.
5. Therapy can help you manage emotions and behavior
Many mental illnesses can leave those that suffer them with uncontrollable thoughts and behavior.
The goal of therapy sessions is to allow a mentally ill person to control these, even to some degree.
Therapy and counseling use methods that can help manage these uncontrollable thoughts. The root cause for these behaviors is also targeted since addressing the cause allows for more efficient management.
6. Counselling can bestow valuable life skills
As we have mentioned earlier, therapy does not just target the immediate problem that you face.
It aims to make a person better as a whole and in the long run. Being participative and receptive during therapy can help you develop some useful life skills. A successful cycle of therapy can even make a person more proactive in dealing with problems and stressors.
These skills can help you manage future triggers better. Some of the skills include the following:
- Resilience and stress resistance
- Problem-solving skills and proper time management
- Managing relationships, regulating emotions, and controlling extreme behavior
- Avoiding triggers and managing expectations and stressors
These skills, if developed, can help one become less likely to suffer from mental illnesses in the future.
7. Therapy helps reassess goals and progress
A therapist can also help in reassessing the previously-set goals.
These goals usually change the more that a person progresses through the therapy cycle.
Once you reach certain realizations and milestones, your therapist can help you add new goals. You can also change the old ones that you set as you and your therapist see fit.
8. Counselling is an active way of finding solutions
Therapy and counseling, unlike medications, are an active way of dealing with mental disorders. The methods involved focus on healthy solutions to manage the illness. These methods also actively involve you in taking the proper steps toward wellness and health.
9. In many cases, therapy can work with medication to address disorders
Many see medication as part of therapy. Yes and no, in fact. Some patients end up being prescribed medication (note, only a licensed medical doctor can prescribe meds), some do not.
In cases where medication is needed, therapy sessions can serve as a complement to treatment.
In other instances wherein no medications are required, therapy can stand all on its own.
Such is a testament to its versatility and effectiveness.
Therapy is one of the best ways to help a person suffering from mental illnesses
Mental health is not something that anyone should ever take lightly. Keeping a sound mind is as equally important as maintaining a healthy body. If you or anyone you know may have a mental illness, then therapy may be the best option.
Capital Choice Counselling offers a wealth of expertise in therapy for mental illnesses.
Our therapists are highly trained professionals who know how to deal with mental health issues in a caring, compasionate and thorough way. We can help you deal with these issues healthily and proactively.
For questions and appointment, contact us today.