Apr 25, 2019
Therapy Isn’t Working; Now What?
Part 2 Of Quality Of Mental Healthcare
Healthcare, in all its many magnitudes and subjects is never an exact science. That couldn’t be more true when it comes to our mental health. One of the most trial and error treatments in all of healthcare. We touched last time with part 1 of this 2 part series on the general aspects and facts of Mental Healthcare. The several different diseases, and the science behind them.
It’s pertinent to continue learning what to look for, what is available, all the many types of options and techniques that are available, and details on the multiple ways that mental health issues are approached.
We didn’t however touch upon an unfortunate truth, that sometimes happens. That is when treatment, (while going through all the cycles and motions) just is not helping or improving the condition on hand. Nothing is perfect, and this type of situation can arise.
There just is not a one size fits all textbook on all of mental health. It is important to know and understand this. It’s a shame that very often, we allow ourselves to just remain stuck because we figure treatment is treatment, and what we see is what we get.
Just like how mental health medications can be a big process of hit and miss. So can the other parts of treatment as well.
There is a lot of science to mental health, however there is also a much larger human factor in it as well. More than other fields of medicine.
With a human factor, will also come that before mentioned “trial and error.” There is no instant cure for mental healthcare. We will however notice usually that symptoms and distress will slowly begin, slow down, as the processes of treatment starts.
Time frame can still vary greatly, but from what I have learned, somewhere close to the 4 week mark is when many of us will be able to stop, take a breath, and realize things are gradually beginning to improve. It’s normally around the same time when medications like antidepressants will begin having their full effect. The same things can be said for therapies like group therapy, and 1 on 1 therapy. Comfort levels by then should be steadying.
Now, I am no doctor, and am not one to claim any accurate scientific facts. But as one who has experienced most of this first hand, I can usually agree with that 4 week estimate. Not all healed. But positive differences beginning to show. If you are not noticing any improvements after 4 weeks, then you may want to stop and take a broad look at everything. Going into the 4 to 6 mark should really see some kind of progress.
If nothing improves with any of the following; sleep, irritability, anxiety, stress, discomfort, depression, sadness, appetite, or energy, at the 4 week mark, an important decision has to be done. Being honest and levelling with your doctor or therapist about this situation is crucial. It is vital, and has no reason to feel awkward when deciding to tell a healthcare professional that treatments just not clicking.
Explain that results are just not starting to show and it has been a month. This is not something that will offend a quality medical professional. This factor is just the plain old truth and it happens all the time with these type of issues. You’re not going to offend anyone, nor hurt their feelings. If anything, a good professional will want to know if this kind of problem is happening.
The patient is not an inmate in a prison. They have a right to request some changes be made.
Another thing to keep in mind as well, is like any other type of healthcare, getting a second opinion can really help with some of this decision making. Consider going out of your current treatment office. The community as a whole, can be the solution when seeking new or adjusted services
If problems are arising that are not part of the normal processes, and are stemming from behaviour of a doctor, nurse, or therapist, then it becomes a time to act. Never remain a sufferer in silence about this.
States have departments of health that are a good starting point. There is also a federal office called the Protection and Advocacy Office (P&E). Their responsibility is to investigate reports and complaints regarding the treatment of mental health patients in any office or facility. Every state has a P&E Offices.Complaints against mental healthcare professionals can also go through State licensing boards.
Like anything else, remember that mental healthcare is not a one sided process. Whether it is a serious type of problem, or if it’s just a matter of not connecting with your therapist or doctor, remember we must be our own advocates.
We can’t just sit in a waiting room, hoping that some type of advocate for us, is just going to magically turn the corner, and come to you advocating for you.
Be proactive in advocating. It’s your health after all.
