Treatment for mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. However, it can be scary to seek help for the first time and not know where to start. You don’t have to choose between medication and therapy because both are very beneficial. Hopefully, this article gives you some helpful things to consider.
Medication for your Mental Health
Medication is not the right treatment option for everyone. Some people want to try and maintain their mental health through a more naturopathic approach, or maybe they’ve had a strong reaction to medication that made them wary of it. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to do your research and find the right fit for yourself.
Here are some things to consider when trying to decide if you’d like to take a medication for your mental health:
- Do you trust your doctor? Is your doctor someone you’ve seen for a while or someone you just met? Some doctors are quick to diagnose patients and prescribe medications before suggesting other solutions. Make sure you want to try the medication, instead of just listening to your doctor because you assume they know more about how you’re feeling than you do. If you think it’s the right option for you, then by all means do it.
- Do you feel pressure to not take medication because of other people? Not everyone is receptive to the idea of taking medication for an illness, even though those same people would likely take ibuprofen for a sprained ankle. There is definitely shame and stigma surrounding medication. You must remember that you’re the one who lives with the diagnosis, not them.
Therapy for your Mental Health
Whether or not you struggle with your mental health, therapy is a wonderful option. A lot of people envision therapy as sitting on a couch across from a therapist while they stare you down and you share your deepest, darkest secrets while sobbing and holding a teddy bear. Of course, that could be the case, but therapy or counseling is really just meant to help you process your emotions, behavior, thoughts, and more through talking to a licensed professional.
Here are some helpful tips when attending, or thinking about going to therapy:
- It’s very likely that you won’t feel comfortable right away. Talking about hard things is extremely difficult and you’re essentially opening up to a complete stranger. It will take quite a few sessions for you to see if that therapist is the right fit for you. And it’s perfectly okay to try going to another one.
- It’s highly recommended that you go to a licensed, professional therapist. While churches and various religions offer counseling, it’s not the same thing. That may be helpful to talk to someone you love and trust, but they do not have the same confidentiality requirements that licensed professionals do. Additionally, since those people know you, they may have a biased opinion instead of someone who has never heard your story or what you’re going through.
Resource for finding therapy
One of the best places you can go to find a licensed therapist or counselor is PsychologyToday.com. This website allows you to type in your insurance information, gender preference for a therapist, your location, and if you prefer online or in-person counseling.
If you are looking for a therapist or psychiatrist in the Philadelphia area, reach out to us at (484) 373-2710 to learn more about our mental health services in Philadelphia, Haverford and other nearby areas.
