The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

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The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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5 Must-Know Facts on Mental Health Treatment and Diagnosis in America

5+Must-Know+Facts+on+Mental+Health+Treatment+and+Diagnosis+in+America

Mental illness is ubiquitous in the US.

Indeed, 1 in 5 Americans suffers from one form of mental illness or another.

That’s a scary statistic given the profound negative impact of these diseases on one’s life. Unfortunately, there remains a surprising lack of awareness about mental health in society.

And where awareness is lacking, stigma and discrimination prevail.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled 5 facts about mental health treatment and diagnosis. Looking to learn more about mental health? Keep reading.

1. Mental Health Impacts Everybody

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate.

It isn’t choosy with who it impacts. Though it’s true that some people can be more susceptible than others, anyone can fall ill at any point in their lifetime.

You, your parents, siblings or closest loved ones could end up struggling with your mental health. This insight should, hopefully, prove useful in extending sympathy to those afflicted.

2. Mental Illness Is Caused by Numerous Factors

An array of factors can cause somebody to experience mental illness.

Though numerous theories exist to its precise causes, the fact of the matter is that a combination of genetics and environmental issues both contribute.

Stress and/or traumatic life events often interact with a genetic predisposition. However, you don’t need a certain genotype to experience mental illness. Remember, all of us have the potential to fall ill in this way.

3. Mental Illness Doesn’t Equate to Violence

A common misconception is that mentally ill people tend to be violent.

It’s true that, very occasionally, the symptomology and experience of severe mental episodes can lead to violence. But it’s incredibly rare.

The vast majority of people with mental illness are non-violent. Just like somebody with a physical ailment, they’re suffering and just want to get better.

4. Mental Illness Is Treated in Numerous Ways

All manner of methods now exists to treat mental health conditions.

By and large, treatment approached fall into some combination of medication and therapy. That said, the exact approach depends on a person’s circumstance.

Furthermore, therapy comes in a variety of forms.

Traditional talking therapy is most common. However, all manner of more holistic treatments is widely used as well. Everything from art, yoga, and meditation to spending time with horses are used as therapy!

Where addiction is involved, spending time at dual diagnosis treatment centers might be the best way forward.

5. Mental Illness Can Be Supported

Never assume that mental illness somehow confines someone to a negative fate.

Sure, it might take time to recover. However, with patience, support, and a quality treatment plan, people can and do make full recoveries.

Even individuals with more serious and life-long conditions, such as schizophrenia, can live long and fulfilling lives.

Time to Seek Mental Health Treatment

Hopefully, these facts on mental health treatment and diagnosis have proved enlightening.

Let’s face it, we could all do with educating ourselves further on the topic of mental illness. After all, the more knowledgeable we are, the more capable we are of empathizing and understanding it.

From there, it’s a one-way ticket to reducing stigma and discrimination in society.

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