Facing A Mental Illness Diagnosis

If you've been diagnosed with a mental illness, you may be wondering, "Now what?"

More than 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That means getting a mental illness diagnosis is anything but rare. 

Even with that, facing such a diagnosis, understanding it, and getting treatment can be confusing. You probably have many questions, such as why and what to do next. Will you be able to live a "normal" life? 

There is a lot of uncertainty that comes with a mental illness diagnosis, no matter what it is. However, a mental illness is not the end of the world, not by a long shot.

You can live a full and happy life with the proper treatment, but where do you start?

Facing the Stigma of Mental Illness

The first feeling many people have after a mental illness diagnosis is shame. There is so much stigma in society and the media around mental health. You don't want to be judged or considered weak. 

You may even be in denial. Not wanting to admit you have a problem that needs assistance and lifestyle changes is expected. Because of the stigma around mental illness, you may have incorrect assumptions that delay you from getting treatment.

Those are normal emotions to have when dealing with your mental illness. It is important to remember that you are not alone. You should have hope. Your life is not over, but you may now be able to start living it even better. 

Accepting that mental illness is now part of your life and coming to terms with that will help you recover and feel positive.

Understanding Your Mental Illness

The first logical step after receiving a mental illness diagnosis is research. You'll want to learn as much as you can about your diagnosis so you can understand what comes with it. 

That doesn't mean you should do a broad search of it on the Internet. Instead, speak with professionals and search accredited sources for information. You can also talk to others with the same diagnosis as they may have similar experiences as you.

Understanding the ins and outs of your diagnosis will assure you that you did not cause this and that it is not something to feel ashamed of. Mental illnesses have many causes and links to biology, trauma, and more. 

Knowing what to expect from your future can help you prepare for what's to come and how to follow up. A diagnosis of mental illness is always treatable, usually with a number of options. Don't give up hope! 

What to Do After a Mental Illness Diagnosis

Once you've accepted your diagnosis and learned what you can about your mental illness, it is time to start treatment. This can come in many forms, but it is crucial to understand your options. 

Some mental illnesses can be treated with talk therapy and lifestyle changes, while others might require medication. All of those choices should be made between you and your doctor.

You will have to learn to be an advocate for yourself. Suppose you want to avoid medication at first or altogether, stand up for yourself. Make sure you understand all the options available to you before moving forward.

If you feel bullied by a health care provider or feel your concerns are not being heard, it may be time to find another doctor you feel more comfortable with.

You also want to learn about your insurance coverage and treatment options regarding your budget. There are a lot of public aid programs to help you find affordable services that will work for you.

Once you decide on a treatment program, stay active in it. Be sure you are being fully open with your doctor about how you are feeling and if you want to make any changes to your treatment. 

Creating a trusted relationship with your doctor is important to maintaining your mental health. Including your loved ones in your treatment can also be immensely helpful. 

Helping your family, friends, and partner understand your mental illness can be essential to your health. If they are open to it, including them in a therapy session or having them speak with your doctor can help them better relate to you and your experiences.

Making sure you are taking an active role in your mental health will get you on the right path to the proper treatment.

Don’t Let Stigma Define You

Facing a new mental illness diagnosis can feel overwhelming with all the stigma surrounding mental health. You probably don’t know what to expect. Accepting your new diagnosis as a part of your life instead of letting it define you is the first step.

Educating yourself on the ins and outs of your diagnosis can help you prepare for the future and decide on the proper treatment. Taking time to care for yourself through physical health, self-care, and professional treatment is vital to your success.

It’s particularly important because untreated mental illness is a major driver of substance abuse. This is why a lot of treatment centers offer a mental health component as part of their programming. If you’ve been self-medicating to treat the symptoms of your mental illness, a detox center can help you start a path to mental and physical health.

Finding a detox center can be tough. That’s why we created DetoxNearMe.com, a directory of reputable, professional detox centers in the US. You’ll be able to find a detox center which understands you and your specific needs in no time at all. Start your journey towards freedom from addiction with DetoxNearMe.com today!