May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to prioritize your mental well-being and ensure you’re taking care of yourself. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. are living with mental illness. If you’re experiencing symptoms of mental illness, such as anxiety or depression, reaching out to a mental health professional can be incredibly beneficial. Let’s explore three impactful ways in which seeking the help of a psychiatric nurse practitioner can greatly assist individuals facing mental health challenges.
#1 Mental and Physical Care
A psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner, offers comprehensive care for both mind and body. Unlike traditional therapists, they have the ability to prescribe medication when necessary. By evaluating your physical and mental health, they can create a custom treatment plan, designed just for your unique symptoms. Unlike talk therapy alone, this approach may involve a combination of therapy and prescribed medication. The proper medication can provide considerable relief and an improved lifestyle for many people struggling with mental illnesses. It’s important to find the right medication for your unique symptoms, working with a psychiatric professional can provide relief and a more manageable path forward.
#2 Understand Your Symptoms
Many mental disorders can have similar symptoms and therefore can easily be misdiagnosed. A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner can provide an in-depth analysis of your symptoms over time to make a proper diagnosis. This can give you a better understanding of your symptoms and how they are impacting your day-to-day life. They will help you clarify the root issues, which will help create a treatment plan that works for you. Going through this personalized treatment can help provide relief from anxiety, depression, and any other mental illness you may be experiencing.
#3 Manage and Alleviate Emotions
A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner will guide you through the process of taking medication. Starting a new prescription can come with many changes, but a professional can help you understand any side effects or symptoms you experience and provide the support necessary to get through these beginning stages.
Throughout treatment with your psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner, you can learn about your own triggers and how to control the emotions that come along with them. Combined with medication, the skills and techniques learned can often provide the opportunity to build and develop self-esteem, trust, and confidence in yourself as well as in others. You can learn better means of communication, how to set boundaries, and how to better manage conflict, all assisting in improving your relationships throughout your life. In this way, psychiatric care provides an opportunity for personal growth and better functioning within your communities.
Your mental health should always be a priority. When trying to keep it under control, talking to a mental health professional can be the first step towards returning to the healthy and happy lifestyle you desire. If you are looking to begin psychiatric care, contact Shannon Psychiatry today to schedule an appointment so we can develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.