Untreated Mental Illness and Why it Matters?
Today we’re going to talk about: Untreated Mental Illness and Why it Matters
One of the biggest reasons that mental illness goes untreated is because of the immense stigma that surrounds it. I recently talked to a friend who said that she realized that her depression and anxiety had gone untreated for years because she had wanted the diagnosis to a be anything but a mental illness. The shame can be paralyzing.
Untreated Mental Illness and Why Does it Matter?
- Your mental health symptoms can worsen if they aren’t treated and your health can decline. As a result, a problem that started out small can snowball and take longer to recover or maintain your health and wellness.
- The breakdown of relationships and social connection. I’ll say it over and over: no one heals in isolation. But, when mental illness goes untreated, it’s inevitable that relationships will breakdown. In the middle of the confusion, there’s a lack of understanding about why someone is acting the way they do and ultimately conflicts erupt. My husband and I experienced this when he was both untreated and misdiagnosed for his mental illness. It virtually tore our family apart.
- Mental illness that’s left untreated can also lead to other health problems. We forget that we cannot separate out our mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. One effects the other. For example, if you are struggling with depression, you are less likely to take care of yourself physically. You might not take medication prescribed for another condition like heart disease or diabetes.
- General instability emotionally that makes it difficult to cope with daily stress. This can make it hard to keep your job, and can lead to financial troubles or even homelessness. This also goes back to a lack of relational stability because the person might have no support system to depend upon.
There is hope!
There are many reason why treating mental illness is crucial, but today I want you to walk away with a sense of hope. There is hope in getting treatment. With the proper counseling and medical care, you can:
- Understand your diagnosis, and how it affects your life.
- Define and reach your life goals.
- Cope with stress.
- Identify past experiences that are effecting your life in the present.
- Identify triggers in your life that make your symptoms worse.
- Improve your relationships.
- Establish a stable routine.
- Develop a plan for coping with symptoms or crises.
- Overcome patterns of wrong thinking about yourself.
- Overcome fears, worries, or anxieties.
- Process emotions in a healthy way.
- End destructive or addictive habits.
Counseling care enables you to address issues that contribute to mental illness. It also helps to support medication management. Overall, therapy helps patients manage their symptoms better and function at their best. All of this will help you to draw closer to God and closer to you those you love.
Scripture:
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15 (ESV)
What has been the result of untreated mental illness in your life or in the life of someone you love? Comment below, I’d love to hear from you.
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See you next time!
Question and Action Steps:
Next Steps: Connect with us for a counseling referral today!
Recommended Reading: Grace for the Afflicted http://amzn.to/2wDsasl
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