At some point in our lives, we all experience periods of feeling down—whether it involves feelings of lethargy, diminished interest in usual activities, heightened stress levels over an extended period of time, or a general sense of mental discomfort.
When life becomes challenging and overwhelming, many people withdraw or isolate themselves and attempt to handle their problems alone.
The obstacles to seeking help frequently arise from the fear of judgment, labels, or criticism when reaching out for support. These concerns can have lasting negative effects on our well-being, particularly if they persist over time.
At Recover All Behavioral Health, our mission is to educate about the dangers of untreated mental health issues and to fervently advocate for reducing stigma around mental health. We believe everyone should feel comfortable, safe, and secure when seeking professional support during challenging times.
Research indicates that stigma surrounding mental health contributes to feelings of shame and fear among those seeking support. For more insight into the detrimental impact of mental health stigma, refer to the Mayo Clinic’s article. Consequently, individuals often delay seeking diagnoses for underlying mental health conditions.
Timely and accurate treatment is crucial for addressing mental health concerns, improving outcomes, and enhancing overall well-being. Delaying treatment can prolong suffering and increase the complexity of managing mental health conditions.
Here are several common mental health concerns that are often underdiagnosed and
overlooked:
â—Ź Anxiety disorders
â—Ź Depressive disorders
â—Ź Personality disorders
â—Ź Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD)
â—Ź Eating disorders
â—Ź Trauma and stress-related disorders
â—Ź Neurodevelopmental disorders
â—Ź Substance use disorders
Many individuals suffering from the effects of untreated mental health issues may not realize that seeking the support and treatment they need is one of the most courageous and empowering choices they can make for themselves. For many, the most challenging step is acknowledging that there is an issue that requires attention.
Impact of delaying treatment:
It is important to understand that attempting to manage mental health challenges and crises independently without external support and effective coping mechanisms, often leads to increased levels of stress and anxiety. Elevated stress levels are a primary contributor to developing heart conditions and have detrimental effects not only on our psychological well-being but also significantly impact our physical health.
Social Withdrawal and Isolation:
One of the initial signs of declining mental health is reduced social interaction. Have you been avoiding social gatherings, ignoring calls, or seeking solitude more often? This reluctance often stems from societal pressures to appear strong. The expectation to “fake it till you make it” can be deeply harmful to those facing mental health challenges.
During periods of low mental well-being, conserving energy becomes crucial. Individuals may struggle to participate in conversations as usual, leading to discomfort, awkwardness, and feelings of shame. As a result, they may withdraw from social interactions until they feel more capable of engaging again. This cycle can persist and may require intervention to resolve.
Impact on Self-Esteem and Self-Worth:
Untreated mental health issues frequently keep us in a prolonged state of “fight or flight,” driven by heightened cortisol levels induced by stress. Extended periods in this state disrupt normal brain function, forcing us into survival mode. Consequently, creativity, self-awareness, and our connection to our bodies can diminish. When we perceive ourselves as lacking growth, learning, or creativity, it often leads to feelings of low self-esteem and diminished self-worth.
Strain on Relationships:
During a mental health crisis, individuals often withdraw from social interactions, leading to strained or infrequent communication with loved ones. This lack of communication can result in misunderstandings, feelings of neglect, and emotional distance.
Misunderstandings may arise when those around us fail to grasp what is happening, potentially taking it personally. The non-isolating party may interpret the withdrawal as rejection or disinterest, leading to insecurity, loneliness, and resentment within the relationship. These issues can be difficult to repair once strained.
Isolation doesn’t always manifest as complete withdrawal; it can also involve reduced interaction, less engagement, appearing distant or quiet, lacking excitement or joy, and having little to share. It’s crucial to recognize these signs so that we are informed and able to remain vigilant in identifying warning signs for ourselves and those around us.
Impact on Education and Employment:
There is significant emphasis on productivity and the value we provide through work in our society. Achieving a sense of accomplishment in our work and education is essential for fitting in, fostering pride and purpose, and fulfilling our innate need to progress toward goals.
However, declining mental health can impede networking, mentorship opportunities, and professional development activities crucial for career advancement and skill-building.
Depression, for instance, often reduces energy and motivation making it challenging to complete tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain productivity. This can result in an increased risk of work absence, ultimately affecting overall performance and reliability at work.
Cycle of Shame and Secrecy:
Society may hold misconceptions and stereotypes about mental illness, viewing it as a personal weakness or character flaw rather than a legitimate health issue. This can lead individuals to feel ashamed of their condition.
There is a pervasive fear of judgment from others regarding mental health issues. People may worry about being perceived as incompetent, unstable, or incapable of managing their lives, which can evoke feelings of shame.
Because we live in such a hyper-individualized era, there is oftentimes a lack of community support, resulting in many being afraid of asking for help possibly stemming from a fear of rejection, or feeling like a burden. Mental health conditions can impact one’s sense of identity and self-worth. Feeling different or “broken” due to a mental illness can intensify feelings of shame and diminish self-esteem.
Reduced Funding and Research:
Researchers estimate that approximately one in three women and one in five men in the United States experience a major depressive episode by age 65.
This statistic encompasses people from all walks of life—your mother, your neighbor, your healthcare provider, your bank teller and professor —everyone you encounter. Mental health challenges do not discriminate, impacting anyone regardless of background or role in society.
Understanding symptoms and staying vigilant about personal mental health and that of loved ones is crucial. Overcoming stigma is essential for accurate awareness and ensuring access to necessary support and treatment. It is okay to not always be okay.
Take the First Step: Embracing Healing Through Medication Management Today
No matter what challenges you’re facing—whether it’s mental health issues, relationship struggles, major life changes, trauma, family conflicts, or personal identity concerns—we’re here to support you!
Drawing on expertise in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we assist patients in overcoming psychological challenges. With the right treatment, support, and medication plan, mental health conditions can be effectively managed. We understand not one size fits all, and create personalized treatment plans to help patients navigate their lives and daily challenges more effectively.
In addition, we provide group therapy, talk therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and emphasize the power of divine guidance, prayer, and various holistic approaches. Our therapy often includes mindfulness techniques and addresses underlying issues such as nutritional gaps to promote comprehensive healing.
If you’re noticing negative behavioral patterns due to a lack of support in any area of your life, schedule an appointment or consultation today and speak with a trained mental health professional. We are here to help guide you toward a path of happiness and complete well-being!
