Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about a topic that seems to want to be pushed under the rug: behavioral health. In the last few years since COVID-19 gripped the nation, people’s mental health also took a drastic toll, and behavioral health treatment has been on the rise ever since.
What is Behavioral Health?
The term “behavioral health” is used in a wide-ranging field focusing on life stressors, behavior patterns, substance use, and interpersonal relationships. Behavioral health (BH) encompasses how a person acts. Some people think of behavioral health issues as solely destructive behaviors, but they affect one’s emotions, perceptions, cognition, physical condition, and overall well-being.
Many people confuse behavioral health and mental health. Although they are similar, mental health focuses more on an individual’s feelings and thoughts, is often treated with medications, and encompasses therapy. Whereas BH focuses more on social and environmental factors, it can also use counseling to assist in the process.
Behavioral therapy is helpful for cognitive disorders that cause issues in a patient’s everyday life. Some indications for this type of therapy include, but are not limited to:
- Eating Disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
- Substance Abuse
- Self-harm
- Suicide
- Bipolar disorder
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Anger issues
Mental Health Issues
Over the last few years, not only has our nation changed drastically, but so has our mental state and well-being. Mental health has become a pandemic of its own, thus impacting the need for an increase in behavioral health treatment. Whether it be due to stressors from politics, the ever-changing economy, or evolving healthcare, outside environmental factors have sparked some contributions to the rise of BH. Increasing fears, increased seclusion, and changes in daily activities and routines have put us in a state of overall uncertainty and have given many the feeling of losing control of what they used to be able to expect. Many people thrive on routine and knowledge. Enrolling in behavioral health treatment can assist us in coping and fostering the hope we previously had before such drastic changes were implemented upon us, many without warning.
Benefits of Talking About Mental Health
Many individuals do not experience or exhibit the exact same signs or symptoms promoting BH assistance. There are many treatment opportunities, but not one size fits all. As we know, no two people are exactly alike, and treatment that may work for one person may not work for another. When seeking treatment, it is essential to find opportunities tailored to the individual’s specific needs to promote growth, foster a sense of safety, and form a trusting relationship with a trained professional. When seeking treatment, it is also essential to include both your healthcare team and behavioral health team. The benefits include:
- Close the treatment gap.
- Promote whole-person care.
- Increase positive health outcomes.
- Improve patient satisfaction and convenience.
- Enhancing greater access to long-term monitoring and services.
- Promote long-term, cost-effective value for practices.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral Therapy involves a wide array of techniques used to change maladaptive behaviors by reinforcing desirable behaviors and eliminating unwanted ones.
Family Therapy involves working with the client and family to foster techniques for better communication, conflict resolution, and strengthening the family unit.
Exposure Therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that creates a safe environment but slowly exposes clients to their fears while in a safe setting with a trained professional.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy used with personality disorders and interpersonal conflicts. It assists in identifying triggers that cause an individual to express specific behaviors while in a reactive state.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) utilizes mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy concepts to help people accept painful emotions rather than push them away.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: a non-pharmacological approach that utilizes deep muscle relaxation and focuses on the relationship between a person’s body and mind.
Breaking the Mental Health Stigma
Society needs to break the stigma and stop making people feel ashamed or embarrassed for admitting that they are struggling internally. The truth is, they are BRAVE to admit it. It takes a lot of courage to open up and admit when we need help. Seeking treatment should be encouraged. Can you remember as a child hearing the phrase, ‘If you do not have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all?’ I say it to my kids often. I also live by the phrase, ‘If we can be anything in this world, be kind.’ Let’s help our friends and loved ones by lifting them, celebrating their goals/milestones, and making them feel loved and supported throughout their journey.
O’Connor Professional Group is Here to Help!
Everyone is fighting their own battle, but they should never have to suffer in silence. Contact us today if you or someone you know is struggling with their mental well-being and could use some support or guidance. Our team of compassionate professionals are here to help.
