Behavioral Health Services

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness. Additionally, 1 in 20 adults in the country experiences a serious mental illness. NAMI also reports that 17% of youth experiences a mental health disorder.
Living with a mental illness can be extremely difficult for both the person with the illness and those around him or her. As our society continues to open up to treating mental illnesses with the same energy as physical ailments, people who are struggling with mental health conditions can begin receiving the care and support they deserve to improve their quality of life.

Types of Mental Health Problems

Although there are dozens of different kinds of mental illnesses, some are much more prominent and common than others.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, OCD, and separation anxiety disorder are currently affecting 19.1% of people in the United States. The symptoms associated with each anxiety disorder vary, however generally all disorders are persistent and usually cause excessive/intense fear and panic attacks that can affect patients’ daily lives.

Depression

Approximately 8% of adults in the U.S had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Depression intrudes on one’s ability to live life in a productive way. Depending on the severity of the depression, an individual can show symptoms such as loss of energy, changes in sleep, extreme irritability, hopelessness and suicidal behaviors. When depression is not treated, individuals can be at risk for taking extreme action such as committing suicide or harming others.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that affects 2.8% of people in the U.S. Bipolar disorder causes a person’s ability to think, energy, and mood to shift dramatically. People who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder usually experience high and low moods known as mania and depression. Symptoms can worsen if left untreated but with good treatment, people can improve and live well with the condition.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia affects approximately 0.45% of the U.S adults and is a mental illness that is known for the psychotic symptoms it can cause. Common symptoms for people with schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, as well as confusion and disorganized thinking. Schizophrenia is very hard to live with and can be managed by therapy, medication and self-management strategies.

Signs of a Mental Health Problem

Mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and those listed above can make everyday tasks very difficult, especially if little is known about them. And while symptoms associated with each type of mental illness vary, many symptoms indicate a mental illness in a person. People suffering from a mental health illness might experience some of the following symptoms:

  • Changes in appetite
  • Long-lasting sadness or irritability
  • Extreme and unpredictable mood swings
  • Trouble coping with daily stressors
  • Social isolation
  • Low energy
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Disrupted sleep

Another significant sign of a mental health problem is the abuse of drugs and/or alcohol. Mental health problems often lead individuals to use alcohol/drugs for instantaneous relief for a short period. When drugs and/or alcohol are abused, the mental illness usually worsens.

Treatment

Treatment by Counseling Services allows patients to meet one on one with a counselor so that personal and individual circumstances can be diagnosed with personal attention. These sessions allow our counselors to develop an understanding and meet the clients where they are by creating a therapeutic bond. Our counselors help patients identify goals and potential solutions to problems and situations that they might face outside the facility. 

Treatment by Medication includes psychiatric evaluation and psychiatric medication management with dose reduction, as deemed necessary. Medicine is prescribed if required in the treatment of the patient. The medications may include antidepressants and antipsychotics that can help in balancing the brain chemistry of the patient to manage their symptoms. Treatment by medication, along with our counseling services, improve the mental health of the patients in the best possible way.

Treatment by Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) uses a resiliency model, focusing on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and effective communication and social skills. The treatment goal empowers patients with skills needed to stabilize diagnosis and in preventing symptoms from returning. All groups are facilitated by our exceptional clinicians. These groups are a safe space where patients can be educated about improving their well-being by relating to one another and developing interpersonal relationships.

Get Help at Riceland Healthcare Right Now

Here at Riceland, we understand the courage and effort it takes to start treatment. We are here to help, support and overcome the challenges associated with mental health in a safe and welcoming environment.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health illness, please call us at 1-844-RICELAND (1-844-74235263) or reach us at BH@ricelandhealthcare.com