Mental health treatment can be challenging to accept, especially if you feel ashamed or embarrassed. You may feel vulnerable or that you have failed in some way. But seeking treatment for mental health is not a weakness. It takes courage and strength to take the first step in seeking treatment for your mental health issues.
For too many years, society has stigmatized seeking mental health treatment. Many people feel it's something to be ashamed of and shouldn't be discussed openly. This stigma prevents some people from speaking out about their mental health struggles, making it even harder for them to seek help when needed. Unfortunately, this stigma also keeps many people from understanding how common mental illness is—and how much help is available when needed.
If you struggle with your mental health, know that you are not alone. There is no shame in seeking professional help and treatment. In fact, it can be one of the most competent and courageous things you can do.
Some of the most common mental health concerns we see at Nōmina Wellness are:
· Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
· Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
· Sexual dysfunction and relationships
· Substance and behavioural addictions
These are just a few examples, but the point is that mental health struggles come in all shapes and sizes. It is reported that one in five adults experiences some form of mental health concern yearly, and 1 in 20 experiences severe mental illness. That means that millions of people have had similar experiences as you and know what it feels like to struggle with their mental health. These stats indicate that mental illness is widespread and far from uncommon—and shouldn't be met with shame or stigma when discussed.
Mental Health Treatment Works
When someone seeks treatment for their mental health, they should know they are taking steps towards improving their well-being. Mental health treatment works! Research has repeatedly shown the effectiveness of treatments such as psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. These treatments can work together to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for many individuals struggling with an issue related to their mental health.
Benefits of Seeking Treatment
There are many benefits to seeking professional treatment for mental health concerns. Some of the most common benefits include:
Improved symptoms: Professional help can relieve symptoms and help you learn ways to manage them more effectively.
Increased functioning: Therapy can help you learn new skills and strategies to improve your overall functioning in daily life.
Gain greater insight: Talking about your experiences with a professional can give you greater insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This self-awareness allows you to identify triggers that may lead to negative thoughts or behaviours so that you can work on avoiding them in the future.
Improved relationships: Therapy can help you improve your relationships by teaching you how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflict more healthier.
Increased self-esteem: Working through your mental health struggles can boost self-esteem and a greater sense of self-worth.
Improved emotional regulation: A skilled therapist can help teach you strategies to regulate your emotions in stressful situations, allowing you to cope better with whatever life throws at you. These skills become second nature with practice and can help reduce anxiety, anger, and other negative emotions.
What do I tell my loved ones about my needing mental health support?
If you're struggling it can be challenging to share with your loved ones. You might worry about what they will think or say, or you may be afraid that they will not take you seriously. Telling your loved ones about your mental health concern can be a difficult conversation. Still, it can also be a very powerful one. Your loved ones want to support you, so let them know how they can help.
When telling your loved ones about your mental health concern, it can be helpful to keep the following things in mind:
Be direct: Tell them exactly what you’re struggling with and how it’s affecting you.
Be honest: Share your feelings and experiences honestly. It’s okay to feel scared or overwhelmed.
Ask for what you need: Let them know what kind of support you want. This might include help with childcare, housework, or just someone to talk to.
Give them time: They may need time to process what you've told them. Tell them you understand if they need some time to think about it.
Seeking treatment for mental health is nothing to be ashamed of; it's an essential step toward improving one's quality of life. Mental health treatment can offer invaluable insight into how we interact with others, resulting in improved relationships, increased self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, and increased motivation. Don’t wait until things get too overwhelming; seek out help today!
Mental health is an important issue that deserves attention. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out and talk to us at Nōmina. There is no shame in seeking professional assistance. It's a sign of strength. Help is available, so please don't hesitate to reach out.
