Mental Health Matters: Recovery is possible
By Medicine Hat News on October 6, 2018.
We all struggle with our emotions and stress from time to time. For some, those struggles may become mental health issues. But even then, we can cope and move forward. Oct. 1—7 is Mental Illness Awareness Week. And for those diagnosed with a mental health disorder, this is a week to remember recovery is possible. There are many options of treatment that can lead to recovery. Some treatment options available include medication, counselling or therapy, support groups, talking to friends, self-help books, relaxation techniques, exercise and light therapy. Medication may be the place to start treatment but it is not always a necessity. A doctor and/or psychiatrist can help you determine if medication is the right option for you and what medication is the best fit. Therapy or counselling can be very beneficial as well. It offers an opportunity to hear a self-report of the issues which allows a clearer understanding of them. Some people gain enormous relief and insight from sharing with an objective person. Once insight has been gained, the second benefit of counselling begins when the person and the therapist work together to set the goals for your time together. The therapist can offer strategic interventions, techniques, and effective ways of bringing about positive changes so goals can be achieved. Mental health support groups offer people the chance to learn about themselves, others and the illness. Groups give individuals tools and skills to better cope with their mental health. Interacting with others in a trusting and accepting setting, gives people the opportunity to be honest and to get healthy feedback from other participants. It is important to have others with similar experiences or issues to talk to. This will also relieve the pressure and stress that can occur for some family members and friends who typically are the only support available. (Groups: Process and Practice, Corey & Corey) Other less formal means of treatment are talking with family members and friends about what is happening. There are also many self-help books available that a person can read and learn how to cope with stress, use relaxation methods like deep breathing, muscle relaxation, creative visualization, problem solving, and positive thinking. Exercise releases endorphins and +gives us energy, which can also help. And finally light therapy has been proven to elevate moods and improve outlooks. Combinations of these treatment options can help someone diagnosed with a mental health disorder begin to improve and eventually recover. If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact me at 403-504-1811, ext 105 or through e-mail at cfischer@cmha-aser.ca. And visit our website at http://www.cmha-aser.ca. Cori J. Fischer is the executive director of Canadian Mental Health Association of the Alberta South East Region. 11-10
