Are you taking care of yourself? Many folks, if they are being honest, would tell you that they do not always do a good job of taking care of themselves. That might mean different things to different people. Maybe one person will admit that they should probably improve their diet. Another person might say they know they should be exercising more. And a third person might acknowledge that they are not good about getting enough sleep.
No Excuses for Not Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Another person—perhaps you yourself—might confess that they are not doing enough to support their mental health. Or they (you?) might not confess it at all—even if they (you?) know it is true.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons folks put off getting support for their mental health—and why that is not a great idea.
Reason One: I Don’t Think I Have a Mental Health Issue
Many, many people are reluctant to admit—even to themselves—that they might be struggling with their mental health. They might have a nagging sense that something is wrong, but decide to shrug it off or explain it away.
Why would they do that? Maybe they believe that mental health disorders are problems that might happen to other people but not to them. Maybe they do not have a clear understanding of what sorts of symptoms indicate a mental health disorder may be in play. Maybe they don’t really believe in mental health disorders at all.
Here are some facts: Anyone can develop a mental health disorder—and they are definitely real. They are also treatable when a person recognizes the symptoms and gets the help they need.
Reason Two: I Can Take Care of My Mental Health on My Own
Some folks might be willing to accept the idea that they have a mental health disorder, but they may insist they can deal with it on their own.
Their plan might include lifestyle changes or herbal remedies or healing stones or what have you. And we want to be clear: There are any number of lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact on your mental health (we might reserve judgment on the benefits of some herbs and most stones). But those changes, no matter how diligently you apply them to your life, may not be enough to help you make real progress addressing a mental health issue.
Here are some facts: Often, the most effective treatment for a mental health disorder is a combination of medication and therapy. Lifestyle changes—including eating healthily, exercising regularly, and sleeping restfully, among many others—can certainly help bolster your mental well-being, but they are not necessarily sufficient on their own.
Reason Three: I Feel Embarrassed About My Mental Health Issue
Unfortunately, the stigmas that have long been associated with mental health issues are still stubbornly persistent—and that means some people are extremely reluctant to seek out treatment because they don’t want anyone to know they are struggling. They might be afraid that some people in their lives might think less of them. They might also be worried that people at their job, including their boss, will think they are not reliable or worthy of promotion if a mental health issue comes to light. Any number of concerns along these lines can be enough to keep someone from seeking out help.
Here are some facts: It is certainly true that some people still look askance at people who admit to struggling with a mental health disorder. But it is important to remember that those attitudes are shifting—and will continue to shift as more people seek to improve their mental health. Either way, the best thing you can do for yourself and for your loved ones is to work toward lasting mental wellness.
There Is No Good Reason Not To Let Us Help You
We have identified three reasons someone might be reluctant to seek out treatment for a mental health disorder. There are likely many, many more reasons we could examine. But here is one more fact: There is simply no good reason for avoiding treatment if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, a disorder grounded in trauma, or any other variety of mental health issue.
At Peak View Behavioral Health—located in Colorado Springs, Colorado—we are committed to helping each person we treat to achieve their mental health goals. We do this by offering personalized treatment because we understand there are no cookie cutter solutions. We rely on evidence-based approaches as well as our extensive expertise, experience, and empathy.
We encourage you to set aside whatever issues might be holding you back. Better mental health means better quality of life. There is every reason to pursue that better life—and we can help you get there.
