Mental Health Disorders Following Tragedy
A devastating tragedy was reported in Palatine, IL on Thursday, November 24th, 2022 as two children died. The two were rescued from a local pond in Palatine where they were trapped underneath the ice for nearly twenty minutes. Firefighters pulled the two children from the pond, and they were transported to separate hospitals, where they died a few hours later. The parents of the two children are shocked and devastated.
Following a tragedy, the surviving loved ones may struggle with their mental health as they try to cope with their trauma. Mental health disorders affect so many and can have long-lasting, debilitating effects on those who suffer from them. If you or a loved one are suffering from a mental health disorder, don’t face it alone, but contact a licensed therapist at the Lotus Wellness Center who can help.
What are the most common mental health disorders?
Millions battle mental health disorders each and every day. While not all are physically visible or recognizable, they all take a toll on a person’s life. The most common mental health disorders include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar, schizophrenia, autism, ADHD, eating disorders, PTSD, and substance abuse. If you have in the past or are currently experiencing symptoms of one or more of these mental health disorders, it would be in your best interest to contact a licensed therapist today.
How do therapists diagnose mental health disorders?
When a client comes to see a therapist for the first time, the therapist will consult with the client about the behavioral, mental, and emotional problems they are experiencing. Using a variety of tests, the therapist will gather information, and make a diagnosis upon that research and test results. After a client has been diagnosed, a treatment plan is presented based on the individual’s specific needs and goals. The therapist begins treatment with the client and works with them to promote positive progress.
Is prescription medication always used for mental health disorders?
No, prescription medication is not always used or recommended to treat those suffering from mental health disorders. For example, if a client has an eating disorder, prescription medication may not necessarily be the best course of treatment. If an eating disorder therapist thinks that his or her client would benefit from the use of prescription medication as a part of their client’s treatment, they would refer the client to a psychiatrist. Therapists do not have the authority or knowledge to prescribe medication, but psychiatrists do.
Are there different types of treatment that therapists recommend?
Depending on the client, his or her diagnosis, and where they are in their journey toward positive healing, the therapist may recommend a treatment that meets the client’s specific need. Some clients are more successful in a one-on-one therapy session with their therapist, while others thrive in a group setting with others that share the same mental, emotional and behavioral struggles. Finding commonality amongst peers is an important step in holistic health for some. Treatment may also change for a client over time as their needs, and goals change. The client and therapist relationship is important and should be marked by honesty, transparency, and zero judgment. If a client does not feel respected, empowered, or valued by their therapist, they should seek another therapist that will be a better fit for their treatment. Just as a person suffering from an injury might seek a second or third opinion from a medical professional regarding treatment, so should a client search for the therapist and treatment option they feel most comfortable with. The licensed therapists at Lotus Wellness Center desire their clients to thrive in the journey toward mental, emotional, and behavioral health.