The phrase “serious mental illness” is used to discuss any mental health condition that is likely to have a long-term and profound effect on the person’s life. These conditions can make working, going to school, being a good parent, or having healthy relationships more difficult.
The providers at all locations of Apex Medical Center see patients who have serious mental illnesses, and we suggest counseling for numerous reasons. Counseling can be especially helpful as you come to terms with your diagnosis. Counseling can be important for anyone with a serious health condition, either physical or mental.
The most common types of serious mental illnesses include:
Although more than 20% of the population experiences a mental health disorder in a given year, around 5% of people have a serious mental illness.
Treatments for serious mental illness have evolved significantly in recent years, and many people with these conditions have found that it’s possible to return to work or school, manage their symptoms, and live full and fulfilling lives. Medication is usually an important part of treatment, but also not often enough.
For many, and perhaps even most, people with serious mental illness, treatments can help them relearn skills, learn new skills, and find ways to reconnect with family, friends, work, and other activities.
Any big life change can be unsettling. Learning that you have a serious mental illness is no different, and for people who have been struggling, it can come as a relief to finally understand why. Regular sessions with a qualified counselor can be helpful as you process your feelings, undertake treatment, and work through the recovery process.
Even if you feel a sense of relief upon learning that you have a condition that is causing your symptoms, you may also feel a sense of shame or guilt. Our society has historically stigmatized mental illness, and though that is changing, it may still exist.
People who are diagnosed with serious physical conditions also struggle with feelings of guilt and shame. Still, when you add the cognitive distortions that come with some serious mental illnesses, those feelings can be amplified.
Having a counselor to talk through things can help you express your feelings and build an understanding of where they’re coming from.
Along with coping with all the feelings that accompany a diagnosis, counseling also provides an opportunity to learn more about your condition. The providers at Apex Medical Centers are skilled and knowledgeable and can answer your questions.
When you know more about what to expect and what others with your condition have experienced, you’ll likely feel more confident as you embark on recovery.
No matter what the undertaking, if it’s something you work toward, making progress in incremental steps, and sometimes experiencing setbacks, it can be difficult to measure your progress. By working with a counselor, you have someone who can help you mark milestones and remind you of how far you’ve come as you progress.
When you have a serious mental illness, every part of your life is affected. You may need to relearn and practice certain social and relationship skills to rebuild your life.
Counseling gives you a place to practice those skills safely and explore why you need them. When you attend regular counseling sessions, you can discuss specific relationships and actions with your counselor, giving you a chance to double-check your reactions and feelings.
The providers at Apex Medical Center encourage most people to attend some counseling sessions because it can be so useful. If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, you could benefit more than average from counseling. Schedule your appointment today at the nearest location to Apex Medical Center.
