At some point in our lives, many of us will experience some form of mental illness. This could range from depression and anxiety, to the loss of a loved one or job. On average, 44 million adults in the United States face some form of mental illness in any given year; that number has increased by 7% since the start of the CoVid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, many people who do face a mental disorders do not seek the help they need and deserve. Only 45% of people with common disorders such as depression and anxiety actively receive counseling, leaving the remaining 55% to try and overcome these barriers by themselves. The most common reasons for people not receiving help are the stigma surrounding mental illness, myths about what constitutes treatment, and their own mental disorder preventing them from asking for outside help.
The Stigma of Mental Health
Although the stigma surrounding mental health is decreasing, we still have a long way to go. As time progresses, more people are becoming aware of mental health and the importance of asking for help. Over the years many celebrities have come out saying that they have, at one time, struggled with a mental disorder, thus helping normalize the experience. Singer and songwriter Adele spoke out about her postpartum depression after having her son, and followed up by saying she had learned that four of her friends went through the same thing but they were too embarrassed to talk about it. Ryan Reynolds stated that he experienced anxiety while filming Deadpool and that the expectations from the movie were "eating me alive''. Dwayne Johnson said that he went through depression and has since learned that "finding out you are not alone is the most important thing".
Even with people coming out and speaking on behalf of mental disorders, there is still a harsh stigma surrounding them that can end up destroying lives. We have lost many people due to mental illness, including musicians Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), Chester Bennington (Linkin Park), and Kurt Cobain (Nirvana); actors Robin Williams (Mrs. Doubtfire), Johnathon Brandis (TV version IT), Mary Kay Bergman (South Park); and athletes Ryan Freel (Orioles) Kenny McKinley (Broncos), and Junior Seau (Chargers) to name a few.
Often people still find it hard to talk to someone about what struggles they are going through, even though celebrities and friends are normalizing the topic. The first step to overcoming the barriers of mental health is to reach out and talk to people. Those who do talk to others are often surprised that they are not the only one who has felt the way they are currently feeling. Reaching out and talking to a professional is a wonderful way towards removing the barriers that are stopping you from having a fulfilling life.
The Myths Surrounding Treatment
When many people think of getting treatment, the first image that comes to mind is laying on a sofa talking about something that happened in their past, while the therapist utters judgmental "hmmmmms", followed by "and how did that make you feel". Since the days of Freud there have been breakthroughs in modern therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Therapy has evolved from just speaking of dreams and having someone analyze them to a partnership between the therapist and client on what barriers are present, how to overcome these barriers, and how to move forward with a more positive attitude.
The focus of therapy has changed over the years from a "therapist knows best" to a "client focused" model. The role of therapists has become more focused on working with the client as an equal and working together using what the client has within them. Working with a professional, honesty, and being opened to new ideas are the keys to achieving a healthier and happier life.
The Cycle of Struggle
For those with mental disorders, one of the hardest things to do is to pick up the phone. Because mental disorders are in the mind, our brains can be the thing that stops us from asking for help. When people have such illnesses such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety, the thought "If I ask for help I will be judged" is often forefront in their minds. Disorders such as depressions, where many of us want to isolate ourselves, make it that much harder to stomach the idea of talking to a new, unknown person. It takes a lot of strength to break the continuous loop of feeling bad, wanting help, being scared to ask for help, and feeling worse. Know that it is worth it: most people begin to feel better after their first meeting with a professional.
There are many ways that the mind "tricks" us into believing that calling out for help will lead down a path to nowhere. Feelings and thoughts of "being judged", "no one can help me" , or "I am not worth it" are untrue. Professional counselors will be able to help you find positive meaning from within while also providing a non-judgmental zone.
You Have Already Taken a Huge Step
Just by coming to this page you have already taken a step towards a happier and healthier life. I would be happy to talk to you about what struggles you are facing and what we can do together as a team. I offer a low cost consultation where we can review what needs you have and how I would be able to help assist you in achieving them. During the consultation stage we will talk about where you are currently and the goals that you have in life that we can work to fulfill. After a consultation, I offer a low cost first session so you are able to see what treatment is really like compared to the myths.
Help is available and the first step to getting help is setting up a consultation found on the home page. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by e-mail christopherpatchet@awesomelifeskills.com or by phone 267-972-0365.
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