Navigating Behavioral Health: How To Find Help And Support For Depression, Anxiety, And More

Behavioral health services are an essential aspect of overall health and well-being. And specifically at this time, when statistics show that 25% of adults in the United States have a diagnosable mental disorder, behavioral services are essential. 

If you are planning to go to a service, then we recommend going to a behavioral service that has behavioral health EHR software. Behavioral health services that use EHR software have several advantages over those that don’t. 

These include:

Improved access to medical records: You will be able to access your medical information more easily, including your treatment history, medications, and test results.

Better communication with healthcare providers: Behavioral health EHR software allows your healthcare providers to share information more easily and collaborate more effectively, which can lead to better care for you.

Reduced administrative tasks: EHR software can reduce the amount of paperwork you need to fill out and make it easier for you to schedule appointments, receive test results, and manage your healthcare.

Increased privacy and security: EHR software allows for secure storage of your personal health information and reduces the risk of errors and unauthorized access.

Convenience: EHR software allows for easy access to your health information from anywhere and at any time, making it more convenient for you to manage your health.

These services provide treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. In this article, we will discuss these conditions in more detail and explain why it is important to seek help from a behavioral health service if you are experiencing any of these problems.

Mind Matters – Navigating Mental Health Treatment

Depression

Depression

Depression is a severe mental health disorder marked by feelings of despair, helplessness, and disinterest in usual activities. This can lead to a lack of motivation, difficulty sleeping, and feelings of worthlessness. 

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, every year, approximately 9.5% of American adults aged 18 and older will experience a depressive illness, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia.

Behavioral health services can provide treatment, such as therapy and medication, to help alleviate these symptoms.

Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to depression.

Antidepressant medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also help alleviate depression symptoms.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness. These disorders can manifest in many different forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder. 

Anxiety disorders are prevalent among adults and affect around 30% of the population at some point in their lifetime. It is considered the most common mental disorder.

Behavioral health services can provide treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and medication to help manage anxiety symptoms.

CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety.

Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing an individual to the situations or objects that trigger their anxiety in a controlled setting. 

Trauma

Trauma

Trauma results from a single traumatic event or ongoing exposure to traumatic events.

Trauma can have a major effect on an individual’s psychological and emotional well-being, resulting in symptoms such as recurring memories, disturbing dreams, and evasion of specific scenarios. 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that approximately 6% of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

Behavioral health services can provide treatment such as trauma-focused therapy and medication to help individuals cope with and recover from trauma.

Trauma-focused therapy, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories. 

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse disorders can have serious adverse effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. These disorders can lead to problems such as impaired judgment, difficulty maintaining relationships, and financial problems. 

Behavioral health services can provide treatment such as therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups to help individuals overcome substance abuse disorders.

Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI), can help individuals identify and change the behaviors that contribute to substance abuse. 

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, are characterized by abnormal patterns of eating and distorted body image. These disorders can lead to serious physical health problems, as well as emotional distress. 

Behavioral health services can provide treatment such as therapy, medication, and nutritional counseling to help individuals recover from eating disorders.

Treatment methods, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-based therapy (FBT), can assist individuals in recognizing and altering their thoughts and actions that lead to eating disorders.

In conclusion, behavioral health services play a crucial role in the treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is important to seek help from a behavioral health service. 

These services can provide a variety of evidence-based treatment options, such as therapy, medication, and support groups, to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. 

Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and a necessary step toward recovery.

It is important to reach out to a professional, whether it’s a primary care physician, a therapist, or a support group, and not to hesitate to ask for help.