With more people than ever reporting challenges with their mental health and signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression since the global pandemic, it’s no wonder that mental health professionals are in high demand. If you’re like many people and experiencing symptoms like hopelessness, fear, uncertainty, mood, or behavioral changes, the reality is that you might be able to benefit from working with a licensed psychologist or therapist to help you get back on track and make positive changes in your life.
Some people are reluctant to reach out to a psychologist because they are unsure of what psychotherapy, counseling, and other methods of mental health treatment are all about. If you’re considering reaching out to a counselor but want to learn more about what to expect when it comes to common mental health treatments that might be right for you, read on.
Medications
Arguably one of the fastest and most effective ways to find relief from a mental health condition is to treat it with medication prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. To get on medications for depression, anxiety, or any type of mental illness, or even for help with symptoms like insomnia, the best thing you can do is reach out to your regular healthcare provider. Some general physicians will prescribe these medications. Others will refer you to a psychiatrist, depending on your symptoms and medical history.
Taking medication for a mental health issue can be as simple as it would be for a physical ailment. For example, perhaps you live in Canada and have sought treatment from a doctor or psychiatrist for your symptoms. They can call in an anti-depressant or other medication to a place like Canada pharmacy like Canada Drugstore, where you can obtain medications easily and relatively affordably. From there, you’ll be able to check in with your doctor about your symptoms and can even get a referral to individual therapy or other treatment that might make sense for your situation.
Talk Therapy
Some people have great success in combining medication with talk therapy while others prefer to use talk therapy as their sole treatment option. The reality is that whether you believe in talk therapy and fully understand the difference between choices like therapist vs psychologist when it comes to your healthcare provider’s credentials or you’ve never considered going to counseling before, finding a good therapist with advanced degrees could make a big difference in your overall recovery. Studies show that finding the right therapist can add up to access to tools and resources you may need to feel better sooner. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to at least try talk therapy to see if it might work for you.
Group and Systems Therapy
If your issues are stemming from your relationships, finding a therapist with training in group dynamics and systems theory is a good way to tackle the mental health challenges hurting you and the people you care about. Consider looking into family therapists, LMFTs, and clinical social workers for this type of therapy.
In a group setting, you’ll get tools for conflict resolution and improving communication skills. This alone could add up to a better quality of life and relief from what’s troubling you. In the end, no matter what type of mental health treatment you decide is best for you or your family, you’ll put yourself in the position of living your best life if you reach out for the help you need. It’s okay to struggle with mental illness and you’re far from alone. In fact, the global pandemic has caused a mental health crisis that makes it perfectly understandable why people might be on edge more than usual. Whether it’s a lifestyle change or just living in these uncertain times that has you down, reaching out to a professional is a great first step into a more positive future.
