Mental Health Disorders Archives - Futures Recovery Healthcare
Understanding Mental Health Disorders: Types

Understanding Mental Health Disorders: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

May 16, 2024 | By: frhdev

Mental health disorders impact millions worldwide, affecting their well-being, relationships, and daily functioning. This blog post delves into the various types of mental health conditions, their symptoms, and available treatments. Our goal is to increase awareness and understanding, providing valuable information that helps individuals recognize signs of mental health issues and encourages them to seek appropriate care. By shedding light on this topic, we hope to foster greater understanding and empathy towards those experiencing mental health challenges.

Common Types of Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders come in various forms, each with unique symptoms and impacts on daily life. Here are some of the most common types:

Understanding these mental disorders is the first step in recognizing when someone might need help or when to seek professional advice.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of mental health disorders is crucial for early intervention and effective management. Here are the key symptoms associated with the conditions mentioned above.

Awareness of these symptoms can lead to timely assessment and intervention, significantly improving outcomes. If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, consider seeking advice from a mental health professional.

 Understanding Mental Health Disorders: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding the causes and risk factors of mental health disorders is essential for prevention and management. Here are key factors that can influence the development of these conditions:

By recognizing these factors, individuals can better understand the complexities behind mental health disorders and seek appropriate interventions or support when needed.

Impact of Mental Health Disorders on Daily Life

Mental health disorders can significantly impact daily life, affecting various aspects of an individual’s functioning and well-being. Here’s how these conditions can manifest in everyday activities:

Understanding the broad impact of mental health disorders highlights the importance of seeking treatment and support to manage symptoms effectively and maintain a fulfilling life.

Treatment Options Available

A range of treatment options is available for managing mental health disorders, each tailored to meet individual needs and conditions. Here are some common approaches:

The most effective treatment plan often involves a combination of these options tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.

The Importance of Professional Help

Seeking professional help is crucial for effectively managing mental health concerns. Here’s why engaging with healthcare professionals is important:

Mental health professionals’ involvement is invaluable in achieving the best possible outcomes in mental health care. They provide expertise and support that cannot be matched.

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, remember that help is within reach. At Futures Recovery Healthcare, we provide a comprehensive array of programs specifically tailored to individual needs. Whether you’re seeking residential care, outpatient services, or specialized support for first responders, veterans, or healthcare professionals, Futures offers expert and compassionate care in a nurturing environment. Reach out to our dedicated team today to discover how we can assist you or your loved one in taking a significant step toward wellness and health.

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How Co-occurring Disorders Impact Addiction - Futures Recovery Healthcare

How Co-occurring Disorders Impact Addiction

July 15, 2021 | By: frhdev

There are millions of people across the globe who have a mental health disorder including some type of substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Of these millions, a large percentage have what is called co-occurring disorders or comorbidity. 

Comorbidity or co-occurring disorders is when an individual has two mental health disorders occurring. Usually, this is a substance use disorder and another mental health problem such as anxiety or bipolar disorder. These disorders can occur simultaneously, or, in some cases, one after another. When someone has co-occurring disorders, one disorder can negatively impact the other and make both worse. 

Individuals with mental health disorders are more likely than their counterparts without mental health issues to also have a SUD or alcohol use disorder (AUD). According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder. 

These disorders impact people from all walks of life. People of different ages, genders, races, education levels, and socio-economic backgrounds all can be affected by both substance use issues and other mental health problems. 

A mental health disorder can be serious, common, and recurrent and range from mild to severe in nature. These disorders impact thinking, feeling, processing of emotions, the choices we make, and how we relate to ourselves and others. And while these can be serious, there is treatment that works. 

At Futures Recovery Healthcare we are focused on providing evidence-based treatment programs for those with substance use disorders, alcohol use disorders, mental health issues, and co-occurring disorders

How Co-occurring Disorders Impact Addiction

When it comes to having a SUD or AUD along with another mental health issue such as depression, people often want to know which came first. Was the mental health issue of depression present first? Did the mental health issues develop as a result of misusing and abusing alcohol or another substance? 

It can be difficult to determine specifically which came first. And, for the most part, it is not necessary to get treatment and recover. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), research has found three main reasons why SUDs, AUDs, and other mental health problems may occur together. These are: 

As you can see, both addiction and mental health issues can make the other worse. Both short and long-term use of drugs impacts the way the brain works. The use of a drug, either illegal or legal, can either cause symptoms of mental health problems, such as hallucinations or paranoia. 

There are certain drugs that can contribute to mental health problems that exist and in some cases even cause the development of mental health issues. These drugs are: 

It’s important to remember that this list is not exhaustive and any misuse of alcohol or drugs—both illicit and legal—can exacerbate or contribute to the development of other mental health issues. 

When a person has an AUD or SUD and a co-occurring mental health issue, it can be very difficult to determine what is the cause of these specific symptoms. The person must first stop using the substance in order to determine which symptoms are from a SUD and which may be from the other mental health issue. 

This is one reason why getting treatment at the same time for both a SUD or AUD and whatever mental health disorders are also present. Futures specializes in the successful treatment of co-occurring disorders. 

Not all addiction treatment centers are experienced or able to treat co-occurring disorders. If you or a loved one have a SUD, AUD, and another co-occurring mental health disorder seek treatment at a rehab experienced in treating individuals with co-occurring disorders. 

There’s no doubt, having a SUD and co-occurring disorder can complicate both issues. Getting the right treatment for all issues is essential.

What is the Right Treatment for Co-occurring Disorders? 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), many of the people who so desperately need treatment, never get it. The NIDA reports that of the millions who need treatment for co-occurring disorders, more than 52% receive no treatment at all. What’s more, only 9.1% of these millions get treatment for both a SUD and a co-occurring mental health problem. 

As mentioned, it is vital to get treatment for both a SUD or AUD and any co-occurring mental health problems. However, for many, in fact, most, getting the proper treatment isn’t as easy as it sounds. Not only does an individual have to acknowledge they have an issue and need help, but they must also find the right treatment center and be able to pay for it. 

The NIDA reports the following as barriers to treatment for individuals with co-occurring disorders: 

However, evidence reveals that treatment does work. 

When it comes to treatment for co-occurring disorders, there are certain things to look for in any program. The first step is to be sure that the treatment center or centers you are considering treat co-occurring disorders. After that, going to an addiction treatment center that completes a thorough and comprehensive evaluation is imperative. This will be the step that can help to determine what co-occurring disorders are present and guide treatment plans. 

Any treatment plan, whether for an AUD, SUD, or other mental health issues should be tailored to each person’s unique situation and needs. For example, it is important to consider the following:

Research shows that certain types of therapy work better than others when treating SUD, AUD, and mental health issues. Here are two of the most effective types of behavioral therapy when it comes to addiction and co-occurring disorders:

In this type of therapy, also known as ‘talk therapy’, professionals help individuals learn to cope with difficult situations by working through irrational thoughts and in turn, changing behaviors and responses. 

In DBT, the focus is on being mindful and in the present moment. This type of therapy also teaches skills to help individuals cope with stressors including challenging relationships, controlling emotional responses, and the reduction of self-harm or self-destructive behaviors. 

In addition to behavioral therapies, at times, medications are needed to help with either the substance use disorder, the mental health issue, or both. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be very helpful for many, especially in the beginning stages of recovery. Stabilizing the body and mind is essential to progress through the recovery process and heal. 

It is common for individuals in MAT to have co-occurring disorders. Some of the most commonly occurring disorders are: 

No matter which type of substance you use, no matter which type of co-occurring mental health disorder you or your loved one may have, there is help and recovery is possible. No matter how discouraged, defeated, or hopeless you may feel now, recovery and going on to live a happy life with peace of mind is possible. 

Here are some resources for finding help:

National Institute of Mental Health Help Finder

SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Finder

SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662 HELP or 1-800-662-4357)

Findtreatment.gov

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)

It’s never too late to get help. But, it’s also never too soon to get help. The sooner individuals with co-occurring disorders seek help, the better. You can read more about co-occurring disorders, alcoholism, and substance abuse here.

Learn more about Futures’ treatment programs for adults with co-occurring disorders today and start healing tomorrow. Call us today at 866-804-2098

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Celebrities and Mental Health Awareness Break the Stigma

Celebrities and Mental Health Awareness: Break the Stigma

January 25, 2021 | By: frhdev

Mental health impacts all aspects of our lives. From how you treat and interact with others to work productivity and physical health, good mental health is essential to living a healthy and happy life. However, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five adults in the United States is living with some type of mental health disorder. 

A mental health disorder or mental illness is defined as a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. If you’ve experienced having a mental health disorder yourself or know someone who has, you know how much one’s mood, thinking, and subsequent behaviors can be impacted. Living with a mental health disorder can be excruciating and painful. 

There is help and there is hope. For most, in the midst of a mental health disorder, a better life beyond the suffering can seem impossible, but it’s important to know that mental health disorders are very treatable and many go on to rediscover a happy, peaceful life once again. 

If you or someone you care about is living with a mental health illness, Futures Recovery Healthcare is here for you. With our own dedicated Mental Health Program, Futures is committed to helping all those who come to us for help for a mental health disorder find the help they need. 

Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health Disorders

One of the most difficult aspects of having a mental health disorder is the often untrue stigmas that are associated. These stigmas not only keep many from seeking the help that they really need, they also add shame to the sufferer. This, in turn, can make the mental health issue worse. 

For someone who doesn’t have or has never had a mental health disorder, it can be difficult for them to empathize with someone who does. They seem to just not ‘get it’ when it comes to a mental health issue. This keeps people sick and also can lead to the loss of life when the person suffering doesn’t seek help and the pain becomes seemingly impossible to take. 

It’s vital that the stigmas associated with mental health disorders are broken. And this is beginning to happen—little by little. One of the ways this stigma is being broken is with celebrities speaking out about not only their mental health disorders but those of their loved ones. 

Dak Prescott is one of the latest to speak out. Prescott is the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. In September, Prescott spoke out about his own struggles with mental health specifically anxiety and depression. 

Following his brother Jace’s suicide, his mother’s death, and COVID,  Prescott talked about how his mental health began to suffer from depression and anxiety. In an interview on the show “In Depth With Graham Bensinger”, he opened up about how in the days before his brother’s death he was anxious and depressed. However, what made the difference for Prescott is that he sought and received the help he needed. This isn’t what happens for so many.

Prescott said the following on the Dallas Cowboys website when talking about his brother’s death, his mother’s death, and COVID, 

“It creates new emotions — emotions that I’ve never felt before but obviously dealt with,” “And I obviously got the help that I needed and was very open about it. I think that’s why I was fortunate enough to get over it, as not all of us are.”

And he’s right, not all are as fortunate as he was to get the help needed. The NIMH reports that each year about 48,000 people in the U.S. die from suicide. These numbers are staggering and represent just a fraction of the people living day to day with a mental health disorder. 

And Prescott isn’t the only celebrity speaking out and working to break the stigma surrounding mental health disorders. Michael Phelps, an Olympic Gold Medal Winner, has also been vocal about his own struggles with mental health issues. Phelps who has won 23 gold medals, spoke about the new documentary The Weight of Gold in which athletes talk about their own mental health struggles despite enormous success and achievements. 

Phelps said, “It was wild to see that I wasn’t alone,” he continued. “But it also made me feel good because there were other people that could help understand ‘It’s okay to not be okay’.

And it really is okay to not be okay. 

And Futures can help. Futures’ Mental Health Program offers compassionate, evidence-based residential treatment to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar, and mood conditions. 

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

This statement is not only true it’s essential to accept not only for yourself but in regards to others. Thinking you can’t be ‘not okay’, being afraid to ask for help, and just not being able to cope all can bring shame to those living with mental health disorders of all kinds. 

Shame is often associated with mental health disorders including substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). It’s vital to break the stigma and end the shame associated with mental health disorders. Simply put, everyone feels ‘not okay’ sometimes whether they admit it or not. 

Shame keeps people sick and even kills. It can be so deep that many choose to take their own lives rather than seek help. And what’s more, treatment for mental health disorders works, and just like Prescott, it’s what is needed to get them through very dark times so they can go on to be happy once again. 

Kevin Love, who plays in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers, was one of the first professional athletes to speak out in regards to his own mental health issues. In 2018 during an interview, Love talked about having a panic attack during a game. 

Following that, Love decided it was time to change his views both personally and publicly on mental health in order to break the associated stigmas that contribute to keeping so many suffering or lead them to take their own lives. 

Love, who suffers from anxiety and depression, started a foundation, the Kevin Love Fund whose mission is to inspire individuals to live their healthiest lives by providing tools to achieve physical and emotional well-being. 

Prescott, Phelps, and Love all say that being able to talk about what they were going through, connect with others going through similar things, and getting professional help are key ingredients in not only getting through some of the darkest times but also in maintaining good mental health. 

And while having a trusted friend to confide in is good, many times professional help is needed to truly begin to find relief from many mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. There are those too who have more than one mental health disorder. This is called having co-occurring disorders. For example, someone may have an alcohol use disorder (AUD) as well as an anxiety disorder. 

Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there are 7.7 million American adults with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. And of these millions, more than 50% will never receive treatment for either disorder. For professional athletes as well as high-level executives, it can be very difficult to seek help for any type of mental health disorder, including alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder.

Many times these high-profile, high-achieving individuals are used to functioning at very high levels and have achieved enormous success. Often this makes it difficult for others to see the issue and it makes it equally challenging for them to ask for help. 

Once someone like this does ask for help the choices for treatment can seem very limited. For these individuals, a typical substance abuse treatment or mental health program may not fit the bill. At Futures, we understand that this type of individual has different needs than many others seeking help. Our concierge residential program, Orenda, is specifically designed for these high-profile individuals. 

In addition, for those individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment with a more active approach, Futures’ Rise program is an adventure-based, experiential therapy program that keeps participants engaged in outdoor adventures and specialized programming. 

Futures also proudly offers our comprehensive Mental Health Program for the treatment of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and depression. 

It’s time to break the stigmas associated with mental health disorders including substance use disorders. As more and more pro athletes and celebrities share their own struggles it’s time for us all to find our strength to ask for help. If you or someone you love is dealing with mental health or substance use disorders Futures’ compassionate team is here for you. Contact us online or call 866-804-2098.

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