It’s not the same for everyone, mental health challenges. A mental illness can affect thoughts, feelings, behaviour, relationships or daily life. Good treatment is based on an understanding of these distinctions and addresses the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Understanding mental health conditions
Mental illness and mental disorders 'Mental illness' and 'mental disorder' are wide-ranging terms to refer to conditions or diseases that impact your emotional wellbeing, thinking and behaviour. These might be anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions and so on.
It is worth reminding ourselves that a mental disease or disorder is not individual failure. It is a health issue, no less than physical illness, and it demands good care. Treatment begins with listening, with trying to comprehend what a person is going through and how it has altered their life.
It all begins with a good assessment.
A thorough and professional assessment is central to effective mental health interventions. This takes listening to the symptoms, taking a history and learning who this person is in their current situation.
A good assessment:
- Looks beyond surface symptoms
- Takes the emotional, psychological, social, etc. into account
- Aids in determining if a certain individual is affected by a mental disorder
Leads to an appropriate line of treatment
If you don’t know what’s going on, then treatment may not get to the root of things.Individualised treatment, not one-size-fits-all
If there’s one thing we know about mental health treatment, it's that personalised care works best. The same things that work for one person do not necessarily work for another, even if they have the same diagnosis.
Effective treatment takes into account:
- The mental health condition (type and severity of illness)
- Personal goals and preferences
- Lifestyle, work and family responsibilities
- Past experiences with treatment
- A personal touch helps it feel real for people.
The role of psychological therapy
When it comes to the treatment of a mental illness, talking therapies are an integral part. Therapy is a place where we can think about emotions, thoughts and events without judgement.
Therapy can help people:
- Understand unhelpful thinking patterns.
- Develop healthier coping strategies.
- Process difficult experiences.
- Improve emotional regulation.
- Build confidence and self-awareness.
When treatment includes medication?
Medications are sometimes used as critical components to successful mental health treatment. Medication can be used to control symptoms of some mental illnesses, particularly if they are severe or interfere with daily functioning.
Effective use of medication includes:
- Careful assessment before prescribing
- Description of benefits and side effects
- Regular reviews and monitoring
- Additive to treatment where applicable
The role of trust and therapeutic alliance
One of the most underestimated treatment considerations is that of the connection between the client and their therapist. Being heard, understood and respected is critical.- A strong therapeutic relationship:
- Builds trust and openness
- Encourages honest communication
- Makes it safe to talk about hard things
- Supports long-term engagement with treatment
Consistency and commitment
Mental health treatment takes time. Change can be slow, with setbacks along the way. In treatment, becoming consistent and reliable is a joint venture between the person in therapy and the therapist.This includes:
- Attending sessions regularly
- Practising skills learnt in therapy
- Accepting feedback and being open to reflection
- Adjusting treatment as needed
Addressing lifestyle and daily stressors
Effective mental health treatment listens to and does not just “tolerate” symptoms but considers daily living. Stress, sleep, work pressure, relationships and routine have an impact on mental health.- Treatment may include support with:
- Improving sleep habits
- Managing stress and burnout
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Work-life balance
Early support makes a difference.
Most people come for therapy when they’re in distress. But the earlier a problem is identified, the more likely it is to be solved. Early intervention on mental health issues can prevent symptoms from becoming worse or persistent.You don’t have to wait for a crisis or an official diagnosis of a mental illness before you reach out for help. If something doesn’t feel right, that’s enough reason to speak with a professional.
Mental health that is considered in its totality
Good mental health care acknowledges that mental well-being is related to physical well-being, relationships and environment. You don’t treat everything as if it’s in a vacuum but take into account the whole.This approach helps individuals:
- Shortcut Ask to be understood as a human being, in your entirety.
- Develop sustainable coping strategies.
- Build resilience for future challenges.
Knowing when treatment is working
Effective treatment doesn’t always mean you’re feeling happy all the time. Here are some signs that you may be on the right track:- Better emotional awareness
- Improved coping with stress
- Healthier relationships
- Increased confidence or motivation
- Feeling more in control of life every day
Final thoughts
What is most effective in mental health treatment is not a single factor but an amalgam of knowledge, expertise and individual endeavour. Whether dealing with anxiety, depression or any other mental illness, successful treatment is about getting the support that’s right for where people are in this aspect of their lives.
Much is known today, even more so than in the 1990s, about the range of treatments available for mental disorders and that such illnesses are treatable. By using an appropriate approach, the negative symptoms of it can be managed, and they can reclaim wellness for a balanced life.
The first step is always the most difficult to take, but it’s also the most important. Support, comprehension and healing are achievable.