There can be a lot of difficult questions when it comes to getting yourself or a loved one treated for mental and/or behavioral health issues. Who do I contact? What about my insurance, and what kind of treatment will I need? Will it be inpatient or outpatient? Where can I find a reputable recovery center?
These are all valid and understandable questions that everyone should be asking when it comes to mental and behavioral health issues. After all, our health and well-being should be a priority. So, what is the first step in getting the help that you need? The first step is reaching out.
What is Behavioral Health?
When it comes to discussing mental health, it is important to also discuss behavioral health issues as both are intertwined. In fact, aren’t behaviors the first recognizable indicators that mental health issues may be present? More often than not, the answer is yes.
Behavioral health focuses on the connection between behaviors, emotions, and overall mental well-being. Signs of poor behavioral health may include persistent sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness, as well as changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or energy levels. Additional signs include withdrawal from social activities, increased irritability or anger, and difficulty managing daily tasks or responsibilities.
It is important to understand that while mental illness very rarely manifests without behavioral health issues, some behaviors have nothing to do with an individual’s mental status. For example, if an individual is struggling financially, it is totally reasonable that they may temperamentally act out, and may even show momentary signs of “shutting down.” Now, while of course, this is not healthy (and could lead to further issues if not remedied), these are behaviors associated with external circumstances and not mental illness.
Since behavioral health issues can manifest via internal and external circumstances, it is important to be vigilant about where the behaviors are coming from. When it comes to recognizing behavioral health issues that require treatment, many factors must be assessed.
Recognizing Behavioral Health Issues
As a person works to recognize whether issues of behavioral health may require specialized attention, one of the first things to do is to compare and contrast new behaviors with the old. For example, if an individual has always been personable and outgoing but suddenly becomes isolated and withdrawn, this can be a warning sign of deeper issues.
Another factor regarding recognizing behavioral health issues is how long the new behaviors have been present. If a behavior seems to come and go, it may be a result of an external situation or experience that keeps popping up. However, if the behaviors are consistent and prolonged, this also may be a sign that there are some deeper issues.
While the spectrum of behavioral health issues is broad, there are common warning signs of behavioral health issues. An individual may be struggling with their behavioral health if they:
- Exhibit uncharacteristic unprovoked mood swings
- Become more secretive and less social
- Have trouble concentrating and may become easily frustrated as a result
- Become more anxious and excitable (or, conversely, more lethargic and “depressed”)
Modalities for Behavioral Health Treatment
The good news is that there are many effective treatment modalities when it comes to issues of behavioral health. Primarily these modalities reside in the realm of evidence-based therapy and psychotherapy.
Two psychotherapies that can be highly effective in treating behavioral health issues include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies can not only get to the underlying cognitive and emotional issues that underlie negative behaviors but they can also help an individual recognize these thoughts and feelings so they can adjust their behaviors accordingly.
Now, while it is crucial to create a foundation of evidence-based modalities in a behavioral health recovery plan, holistic options should never be ruled out as complementary treatments. For example, breathwork, yoga, and meditation exercises can greatly help an individual reduce their stress levels and, in turn, help them to be less reactionary when certain issues arise.
Treatment Programs for Behavioral Health Issues
Choosing treatment modalities is not the only choice when it comes to recovery; equally important involves choosing the right treatment program.
For individuals that are having severe behavioral health issues, it may be best to choose a program that is more attentive and monitored. This may be a residential program or a partial hospitalization program (PHP).
Now, for individuals whose behavioral health is disruptive but not wholly debilitating, an outpatient treatment program may be the ideal choice. An intensive or general outpatient program can allow them to get the help they need while also tending to their day-to-day affairs.
The Mission of Empowerment at the Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we don’t focus on just one type of issue; rather, we focus on the entire picture because we always take an individualized approach when it comes to recovery.
Ultimately, the truth is that when it comes to recovery, no one is going to do the hard work for us. We have to be willing to advocate for ourselves. Still, that doesn’t mean we don’t need help. That is where our staff comes in. We are here to help you get on the road to recovery. Once there, we are here to empower you and support you to stay on it for the rest of your life. For more information on our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs and evidence-based treatment modalities, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
