Quality Of Mental Healthcare
A First Look On Beginning A Major Path
More often or not, our vulnerability is greater, while also being weak when first entering into the mental healthcare world as a patient, as opposed to other areas of the health world. Not to discount other types of health concerns, but with this case, it can be a tougher than ever process. Considering there is still stigma, and we are quite likely feeling crummy physically, mentally and everything in between when this health issue arises. It’s also a slim chance that these health problems are new. They likely developed slowly over a good length of time. Only to be near the exploding end, and breaking point by the time treatment is sought. It can feel like a journey from minor depression, to a desperate urgency.
A time, when a quick fix is a more urgent desire than ever before, however a quick fix, is something we can’t expect to happen.
First off, not many people know, that mental health care can ultimately start with a Primary Care Physician, or a Family Medicine doctor. Though usually not experts in Psychiatry, they are often the best starting point when it comes to most diseases. Often times they are able to assist us with minor issues with our mental health, and some are comfortable prescribing certain limited prescriptions that can treat the problem.
If problems get more serious, they usually can direct or refer you to specialists that can further evaluate what route the treatment may need to go. Most importantly, they also are good beginning points for being able to rule out other problems, that may have symptoms which mimic those of mental health diseases.
As earlier mentioned, with the complexity, and all the unfortunate baggage that comes with Mental Health in society, it’s important to realize that our wellness may take time to begin showing improvements. There are many mental health diseases, with many styles and requirements for treatments, and it’s just is not a one size fits all realm of diseases.
This treatment can need multiple branches of care, going beyond medication. There is 1on1 therapy, group therapies, self help groups and courses, and other lifestyle changes that may be needed to assure the efficiency of your progress. Expect ups and downs, but remain hopeful that a answer still lies ahead.
None of this is meant to be a preparation for a long, pessimistic road. But understanding the complexity potential of it all can hopefully try to steady some patience on our part. Though there are many steps, still keep in mind that these are huge life choices and decisions.
You are the boss of your treatment, and no type of treatment, or care professional is ever forced upon you. Nor do you need to have to get stuck in environments that don’t seem to be working for you. Unless you convey that you are a danger to you, or somebody else, then you usually cannot be required to take part in things that you do not feel are working. Not every doctor, nurse, psychologist, therapist or social worker is perfect at their job. Like any job, there are several levels that each provider is skilled in giving.
In a future piece coming soon, we will look at issues with treatment not working. What to do when a type of therapy, treatment, or medication is not working in your opinion working. There are several steps we can take, and the options are complex and multiple. You have plenty of choices for getting the care back on track. We will see how we never at any point have to accept remaining “stuck.”
Look soon for the next piece, on this topic of Mental Health, and the care we all deserve.
MICHAEL PATANELLA
Author, Publisher
