Frequently Asked adult behavioral health and About Mental Weakness
I THINK I HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
See the adult behavioral health and Mental Disorders sections to learn more about the potential symptoms of mental illness. For evaluations and referrals, call the VCBH Star Team at (866) 998-2243. Keep in mind that your symptoms can also be caused by other problems like lack of sleep, stress, or drug and/or alcohol use. A complete physical exam is the first important step in ruling out problems related to physical health.
Don't delay in seeking help. Medical treatment works best if it is started early.
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AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS, WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE?
Once the diagnosis is made, the specialist will recommend a specific treatment. It is important to understand the options for treatment, which often include psychotherapy or medication for adult behavioral health. Some treatment options have been studied experimentally and other treatments are more proven. Furthermore, each community does not have the same type of services or programs.
Psychosocial therapies can be very effective alone or in combination with medications. They are also known as "talk therapy" or "cognitive behavioral therapy" and help people with mental illness to change their behavior. Therapies that teach coping strategies in stressful situations are also effective.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a possible type of psychotherapy. It has been studied extensively and is an effective treatment for several conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety. The person who receives CBT learns to change their distorted thought patterns and unhealthy behavior. A person can receive CBT individually or in a group. CBT can be tailored to the needs of each individual. It is especially useful for treating anxiety disorders.
Some people benefit from a combination of different psychosocial approaches. Often the most effective is a combination of some medication with psychosocial therapies. Psychosocial therapies take time, effort, and patience. But it is an opportunity to learn new skills that offer positive long-term benefits to adult behavioral health.
You can learn more about treatment options in the sections on psychotherapy and medications on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
WHAT ARE PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS?
Psychotropic medications are substances that affect the chemicals in the brain related to mood and adult behavioral health. Each person has individual needs that must be monitored while taking their medications.
For More information, you will have access to links on medicines and you can also read How to talk about mental illness? and What should I ask my doctor if he or she indicates psychotropic medications?
DO THEY HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?
Sometimes these drugs have unpleasant side effects that make people not want to continue them. It is important to talk to your doctor about any secondary symptoms and not to self-medicate or change the dose without medical supervision.
HOW IS SUPPORT BETWEEN PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR SITUATIONS?
Recovery Support Specialists and Mentors are people who have recovered from mental illness and have been trained to use their personal experience as a tool to inspire and give them hope. It is a joy to learn from someone who has suffered from similar mental health problems. Learn more about RICA or the Turning Point Foundation, on the right.
WHEN I RECEIVE TREATMENT, WHAT RIGHT DO I HAVE TO PRIVACY?
Like health care for physical health, health care for mental health is regulated by the HIPAA Privacy Act, which "protects personal health information." As an adult, you have the option of deciding what information can be shared with others, and you can authorize your family members to participate in your treatment at any time you want.
For more information on your privacy rights, visit the US Department of Health and Human Services or contact the “Transformational Link Program” listed in local resources.
WHAT IF I ALSO HAVE ALCOHOLISM OR DRUG PROBLEMS?
Mental illness is often associated with alcoholism or drug use problems. For example, almost half of people with bipolar disorder also have alcohol problems, which can make symptoms of the disease worse and vice versa. If you have a serious mental illness and also use alcohol or drugs, this is called "dual diagnosis" or "co-occurring disorders" and treatment requires a specialist in dual disorders. Sometimes it is difficult to know if symptoms are due to drugs, alcohol, or mental illness and a professional evaluation is necessary for adult behavioral health.