Mental Health in California: Common Struggles for Californians and Resources You Can Use
The number of people suffering from mental health across the country is gradually increasing. As topics surrounding mental health are becoming less taboo, more people are suffering from mental illness. Rates of mental illness are skyrocketing among all demographics. Mental illness does not discriminate against anyone.
Despite these skyrocketing rates of mental illness, the numbers of people actually seeking treatment are dangerously low. There are many reasons why some may avoid seeking recovery treatment. Some fear being judged by others or may struggle to afford certain treatments. Whatever the reason, not seeking treatment can lead to significant pain and suffering.
These mental illness rates have also skyrocketed among people throughout the state of California. Knowing the resources is essential for lowering these statistics.
The State of Mental Health in California
While the rates of mental illness have increased significantly over time, they have exceptionally risen in the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental illness is defined as a diagnosable condition that impacts one’s emotional and psychological well-being. That includes depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Many adults in California were struggling with mental illnesses such as these disorders way before COVID reared its ugly head.
One in five adults across the United States is experiencing a mental illness. About five million people in California are struggling with a mental health disorder and over one million have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Many of them have also indicated that COVID-19 has exasperated the symptoms of their mental illnesses.
When untreated, individuals suffering from mental illness can even lose their life. Someone dies by suicide every 11 minutes. Seeking treatment is the first step toward saving lives.
Seeking Treatment in California
The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) can be a resource for individuals seeking mental health treatment in the state of California. They can help with knowing individuals’ rights when it comes to mental health care and how they can access it.
For those completely new to the recovery journey, they can start with their primary care doctor and discuss with them what they are feeling. The doctor can assist individuals in seeking help. That might include giving a referral, making recommendations, and helping to create a plan for getting better.
The DMHC will be able to help individuals navigate what they need going forward to successfully seek their treatment. After speaking with a primary doctor about seeking treatment and creating a plan of care, individuals can move forward with taking the first steps toward treatment.
There are many different methods of treatment that individuals can try. Many typically begin with psychotherapy which is often referred to as talk therapy. This is a very common treatment method employed by professionals. Patients will discuss their problems, feelings, and concerns with a medical professional most frequently through cognitive behavioral (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
The goal of therapies such as these is to help patients recognize where their thoughts can cause problems and also help them to accept themselves and manage their feelings more effectively. Talk therapy can also be utilized in group therapy sessions.
Dependent on each unique situation, a medical professional may also prescribe medications. They trigger changes in brain chemicals that affect thoughts and moods. They can help people improve and maintain their symptoms while seeking other methods of treatment as well. Those suffering from Substance Use Disorder and co-occurring disorders may tread lightly with prescription medication used for treating mental illnesses.
The Lakehouse Can Be a Key Resource
Due to the circumstances of the past two years, telehealth services have become much more common. While it has been a scary couple of years, these telehealth services are one positive thing that has been developed as a result. People can seek mental health treatment from the comfort of their own homes and without being limited to a select number of treatment facilities due to geographical limitations. The Lakehouse Recovery Center has a virtual treatment program that has proven capable of helping many during their recovery journey.
While the Lakehouse focuses on providing treatment for addiction and Substance Use Disorders, we still prioritize saving as many lives as we can. We may still be able to provide help and resources to those suffering from mental illness. Untreated mental illness can lead to a lifetime of pain and even death in extreme cases. Neglecting to seek the necessary care and attention for mental illnesses can lead to such outcomes. Through our vast resources, we want to ensure that everyone can attain the care they need and deserve.
The number of people suffering from mental illness across the country has increased exponentially over the past few decades. Millions of Californians have experienced symptoms of depression and anxiety while being diagnosed with other mental illnesses. Roughly five million people in the state of California are suffering from mental illness. This number should be alarming to all. The first step to seeking treatment is to consult a medical professional. Your primary doctor can work with you to create a plan of action and refer you to mental health professionals who they feel are credible and reliable. By not seeking treatment for mental illness, you put yourself at risk for a life of unnecessary pain and suffering, and even death. While the Lakehouse focuses on addiction treatment and co-occurring disorders, we can be a resource to help you on a path to recovery. Call us at (877) 762-3707 for help today.