Living in this fast-paced world we often disregard our mental wellbeing. There was a time when I, Laurel, also thought mental health awareness was above me. See, like many other moms, I never really thought I would need any mental health resources myself. I was busy juggling between work and my children, Leif and Thalia. However, often our mental health is as essential as our physical health. I realized the need for these resources in my darkest days and expected finding help to be a walk in the park. However, understanding what worked for me took time and many failed attempts. Hence, today I am writing about the essential guide to mental health resources. This guide is meant to help you navigate your way through a rather complicated path of mental health services.
The initial step is recognizing the indicators that suggest you require assistance. It was not until I was unable to get out of bed one morning that I realized I needed help. Even then, acknowledging my issues was difficult. The signs may manifest in various ways such as persistent irritability, sleep disorders, extreme mood swings, thoughts of self-harm, or inability to perform routine tasks. If you experience these issues, seeking help immediately can be a life-saving choice. I want to emphasize the immediate need to take these signs seriously because they can escalate quite quickly. It doesn't matter if you see two or three symptoms or even one, seeking help and understanding the underlying issues can drastically improve your quality of life. So, 'Knowing when to seek help' is the first step to toward your recovery.
Don't be intimidated by the plethora of professionals available in the mental health field. My initial forays into getting help were confusing. I wasn’t sure whether I needed a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a therapist. Understanding who does what can help you choose the right professional. Therapists use talk therapy as a primary method to cope with mental health issues. Psychologists have a similar approach but use more comprehensive assessments for diagnosing particular mental health conditions. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including prescribing medications. It essential to take the time to understand these professions so you can choose what is right for you in your own mental health journey.
The rise of technology has made access to mental health resources widely available. Trust me, it's what I turned to when I was unable to leave the house. There are a number of apps, online counselling spaces, websites, and hotlines, which serve as effective resources for mental health. Apps like Talkspace, 7 cups, and Headspace are becoming increasingly popular. They can be used according to your convenience and offer a variety of resources ranging from meditation guides to licensed therapists on demand. Now it's easy to get therapy from the comfort of your home or even while you are on the go. Also, many websites offer chatrooms, articles on self-help, and guides on various mental health conditions.
Another critical component of the mental health resources is understanding your insurance coverage. I say it's a blessing because it has enormously helped me by cutting down the financial burden. Many insurance plans offer coverage for mental health services. It’s crucial to contact your insurance provider and learn about your benefits. This could include the type of services rendered, the number of sessions per year your insurance permits, and the co-pays. Just make sure you're clear on the requirements and the process because it can get a trifle tricky.
To sum up, acknowledging that you need help and understanding which mental health resources to utilize is a crucial first step. Although the journey might be arduous, every step forward is a victory. I would like to finish with a fun fact, did you know, you don't necessarily need to be mentally ill to seek help? Even if you are feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges or seeking personal growth, you can turn to these resources. Remember, it's okay not to be okay all the time and it's absolutely okay to seek help. Break the stigma!
Written by Laurel Thompson
View all posts by: Laurel Thompson