How to Manage Your Behavioral Health
September 18, 2023
Talking about mental health is not always easy. Many people worry that others will judge them or discriminate against them if they have mental health issues. This fear can stop someone from getting the help they need – and that can severely affect their life.
Being open about your mental health struggles can help you find resources and get the treatment you need. When you talk about mental health challenges in the same way as physical conditions like cancer or diabetes, it helps the topic seem more normal – and it helps you become more comfortable with it. Take a free stress inventory assessment here to understand your current stress level. This information can help you know what topics you should discuss with your healthcare provider. You can also take the PHQ9 self-assessment here and share those results with your doctor.
Experts believe that mental illnesses can be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. People with mental illnesses may also have symptoms that are beyond their control, like:
- Sadness.
- Irritability.
- Hallucinations or withdrawal (in more extreme cases).
Most people who have depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder get better with counseling, medication, or both.
Counseling
You can get counseling one-on-one or in a group setting. Your appointments can be in person or through telehealth. The right counselor will work with you to figure out what brings on your symptoms and help you find ways to get better.
It’s important to keep all of your counseling appointments. When you work regularly with a counselor, they are better able to diagnose your issues and develop a treatment plan. Therapy is usually focused on problem solving. In therapy sessions, you’ll work to identify behaviors or thought patterns that cause problems and learn ways to improve your overall quality of life.
Medication
Several types of medications help with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Your healthcare provider will work with you to choose the one that’s right for you. Be sure to take your medications as prescribed, so that you make progress in your treatment plan.
Follow-Up
You may need several appointments to manage your mental health. It’s important to go to all of them, especially if you’ve recently been in the hospital. It’s also important to follow all at-home directions. Always tell your provider exactly how you are feeling so they can adjust your treatment plan as needed.
What To Do If You Need Help
Make sure you keep good records about your mental health care. This can be useful if you need to call for help or if you are in a crisis. If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, get help right away. Call 9-8-8, talk to your healthcare provider, or go to urgent care.
Do you need a referral or want to schedule an appointment? Call Carelon at 1-800-945-4644. You can ask for providers in your area or request a telehealth appointment.
