If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of mental illness, you may experience a range of emotions. On the one hand, you may be relieved to know that your problem has been identified. On the other hand, however, you may feel angry, fearful, ashamed, sad, or in denial.
Such emotions are understandable. Nevertheless, it helps to realize that mental illness is a common problem that, with appropriate help and support, can be managed, allowing you to recover and go on to achieve your goals and ambitions.
7Ways to Cope with a Mental Illness
There are several steps you can take after a mental health diagnosis to process the news, maintain treatment, and support your recovery:
1. Try to Keep a Positive Outlook
Realize that you are not alone. One in every five Americans is also dealing with mental illness. In spite of your diagnosis, you can regain control of your life, manage your condition, and improve your outlook to achieve your goals.
2. Establish a Partnership with Your Doctor and/or Therapist
As soon as you meet your mental health professional, develop a relationship that is focused on finding the cause of your diagnosis and appropriate treatment to effectively manage it. Be open and frank with your doctor or therapist about your symptoms and willing to consider the therapy your doctor recommends.
3. Play an Active Role in Your Treatment
With the help of your mental health professional, learn everything you can about your illness and treatment options so that you’ll be able to direct your recovery. Do research on your illness, its recommended treatments, and any self-help ideas. The more informed you are, the better you’ll work with your doctor in making the right decisions for your treatment and recovery.
4. Seek Emotional Support
Talk to friends and family members whom you trust, who care about your welfare, and who want to help you recover. Express your feelings about the diagnosis and the treatments or services that are available to you. Also, let your support network know how they can help you. Also, consider joining a self-help group or support organization that includes people who are going through or have gone through what you are currently experiencing. This can help reduce any feelings of isolation, prepare you for what lies help, and help you avoid problems others have experienced in their recovery.
5. Understand Your Healthcare Options
If you are employed and have a health plan, call your insurer to find out if they cover mental health services. If so, find out which mental health professionals in your area accept payment from your medical insurance. If your health care is provided through a government program – such as Medicaid or Medicare – contact a community mental health center or local health department to determine which doctors or programs accept government-assisted health insurance. If you don’t carry health insurance, inquire about reduced-cost or sliding-scale fee mental health services at a community mental health center.
6. Choose the Right Mental Health Practice for You
It’s important to find a mental health professional with whom you can feel comfortable and confident. If you can, interview multiple providers before making your choice. Question them about their approach to treatment and their experiences helping others with your specific illness.
7. Consider Involving a Family Member or a Friend in Your Treatment
You may feel more comfortable inviting them to accompany you to your appointments with a mental health professional or to sit in on one of your therapy sessions.
White Plains Psychiatrist – Best Psychiatrist Near Me in White Plains, New York
At Psyhance, our integrative telepsychiatry clinic offers a unique approach to treating common mental health conditions that adults of all ages face, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Addiction
- Stress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
We use an innovative combination of modern medicine, psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions to help clients overcome their mental health conditions without relying solely on medication.
To learn more about our services and how we can help you cope with your mental health diagnosis, use this form to request an appointment with us at Psyhance today or contact us via email at s.lahlou@psyhance.com.