How to Take the Fear Out of Seeking Mental Health Treatment
We live in a country increasingly consumed by fear. We’re not talking about abstract worries like the great unknown or irrational horror like monsters and ghouls (hello, Halloween, we’re looking at you).
No, these are real life, everyday trepidations that govern our thoughts and affect our behavior: financial and economic concerns; governmental and political anxiety; panic over war and terrorism; the fear of the unknown with AI and other technologies in our lives.
Fear, unfortunately, also muddies paths to wellness. According to experts, fear is the leading deterrent to seeking treatment for mental health conditions and addictions. These fears are very real: fear of judgment and shame, fear of consequences, fear of diagnosis, and fear of treatment.
For those in the recovery and wellness industry, de-stigmatizing mental health conditions is a major goal. And it starts with tackling fear.
Clearing that hurdle is imperative.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than half of U.S. adults with a mental illness receive no treatment each year. Millions of people who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health concerns never seek care.
And yet, 1 in 5 Americans experience a mental health disorder in a given year, and 1 in 7 experience Substance Use Disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These are some steps toward removing the stigma, shame and fear from seeking help:
1. Educate yourself.
Arm yourself with accurate information about your condition and understand the process that goes into treating it. Tackling the fear of the unknown and the misconceptions surrounding mental illness and addiction are important steps to regaining your health.
2. Talk openly.
Shame can be reduced if you normalize conversations about mental health and addiction. Seek out honest, heartfelt conversations with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional. Their support will go a long way to reducing your anxieties about seeking help.
3. Speak out and support.
If you hear or see negative reactions to misinformation about mental illness, combat it not just with facts, but with compassion and support.
4. Make connections.
Find a support group of those who understand your plight and can help you with the healing process. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a great resource for support groups and educational classes (see namigreaterhouston.org).
Acknowledging your fears – fear of being seen as weak, unstable or unreliable; fear of being judged by friends, family and employers – is your first step to dismantling the main barrier to mental health treatment.
And while it can be paralyzing, fear can also be a great motivator. If you’ve had enough, if you’re tired of the limitations, if you’re ready for a more fulfilling life – take that fear and crush it.
Your new life and wellness journey starts with that first step.
Take Control of Your Well-Being
Recovery, mental health stability, and chronic pain relief all start with clarity.
With an intensive assessment in Houston at Black Horse Health, you gain the insights, direction, and expert support you need to move forward with confidence.
Your healing starts here. Let’s take the first step together.
