If you are currently struggling with your mental health, know that you are not alone. Millions of adults across the country suffer from mental health issues. We at Aliya are here to help. The sooner you get help for issues with your mental health, the sooner you can get your life back on the right track. Treatment can help you realize a brighter future free from mental health disorders.
Aliya Health Group offers evidence-based and holistic treatment options for the treatment of mental health disorders. Call us today and learn more about how you can get better.
Mental health disorders, also known as mental illnesses, are conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feelings, behavior, or mood. These conditions can impact someone’s ability to relate to others and function on a daily basis. Each person will have different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis.
The experience of mental illness is as varied and multifaceted as the individuals who suffer it. And there’s a lot of them. Studies show 22.8% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021. That’s 57.8 million people.
The causes of mental health disorders are often complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Treatment for mental health disorders can include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support from peers. The specific type of treatment or combination of treatments will depend on the individual and the disorder. Early intervention and treatment are often key to improving outcomes and quality of life for those with mental health issues.
Mental health disorders encompass a wide variety of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. These disorders can significantly impact daily living and may require various forms of treatment.
Here are some of the most common mental health disorders, along with a brief overview of their symptoms and treatment options:
Anxiety disorders are a category of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent fear, worry, or anxiety that interferes with daily life. These disorders are more intense and enduring than the normal anxiety experienced in response to specific situations. They can manifest through physical symptoms (like heart palpitations and dizziness), emotional distress, and behavioral changes, affecting an individual’s ability to function in various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal well-being.
Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and lifestyle changes. CBT helps individuals identify and change thought patterns contributing to their anxiety, while medications can manage symptoms. Early intervention is crucial, as effective treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for those with anxiety disorders.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
Depressive disorders represent a category of mood disorders characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, accompanied by a range of physical and cognitive symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning. Unlike temporary emotional responses to life’s challenges, depressive disorders involve long-lasting symptoms that can profoundly affect an individual’s ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy activities once found pleasurable. The intensity and duration of these symptoms distinguish depressive disorders from normal mood fluctuations.
Addressing depressive disorders early and effectively is crucial for improving quality of life and preventing the worsening of symptoms. With appropriate treatment, most people with depressive disorders can achieve significant improvement.
There are three main types of depressive disorders:
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings are more severe than the typical ups and downs most people experience and can affect thoughts, behavior, energy levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not fully understood but is thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.
There are three primary types of bipolar disorder:
Trauma is an emotional, psychological, or physical response that occurs as a result of experiencing or witnessing significantly stressful or disturbing events. These events can challenge an individual’s sense of security, making them feel helpless and vulnerable in a dangerous world.
Traumatic experiences can vary widely in nature but often involve threats to life or safety, though any situation that leaves a person feeling overwhelmed and isolated can result in trauma, regardless of its objective danger level
Understanding the different types of trauma is crucial for effective treatment and support.
Here are the major types of trauma:
Acute trauma stems from a single, distressing event, such as witnessing a death, experiencing a violent crime, or surviving a natural disaster. The immediate psychological impact can manifest as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but with appropriate intervention, individuals can often recover.
Chronic trauma results from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful situations. Examples include ongoing domestic violence, child abuse, or living in areas of conflict. Chronic trauma can lead to complex PTSD, characterized by long-term psychological issues that may be more challenging to address.
Complex trauma describes the experience of multiple, varied traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature. It’s particularly noted for its occurrence in early development stages and can have severe, long-lasting effects on emotional regulation, self-concept, and the ability to form healthy relationships. Complex trauma requires a nuanced treatment approach, often involving multiple therapeutic modalities.
Trauma-related disorders are categorized into two major types including:
Stress-related disorders are categorized into four major types including:
Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate significantly from the expectations of an individual’s culture.
These patterns are inflexible, pervasive across a wide range of personal and social situations, and lead to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Typically, these patterns become evident in adolescence or early adulthood, are stable over time, and lead to distress or impairment.
Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate significantly from the expectations of an individual’s culture. These patterns are inflexible, pervasive across a wide range of personal and social situations, and lead to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Typically, these patterns become evident in adolescence or early adulthood, are stable over time, and lead to distress or impairment.
Personality disorders are categorized into three clusters based on descriptive similarities:
Personality disorders in cluster A typically present with odd or eccentric behaviors. Cluster A includes:
Personality disorders in cluster B typically present with dramatic, emotional, and erratic behaviors. Cluster B includes:
Personality disorders in cluster C typically present with anxious and fearful behaviors. Cluster C includes:
The causes of mental health disorders are complex and multifaceted, involving a blend of factors that impact people throughout their lives. These elements interact in different ways for each person, making the specific causes of mental health disorders unique to each individual.
In general, causes of mental health disorders include:
It’s important to note that the interaction of these factors varies widely among individuals. Some people may have several risk factors but never develop a mental health disorder, while others with no apparent risk factors might. Understanding the underlying causes of mental health disorders is crucial for developing effective treatment and support strategies.
Studies show robust evidence for the heritability of mental illness. Many mental health disorders run in families, suggesting that genes can play a significant role in one’s likelihood of developing a mental illness. However, having a family member with a mental health disorder does not guarantee that someone will inherit it; it only increases the risk.
Biological factors include brain chemistry imbalances, neurological abnormalities, and hormonal imbalances. For example, neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mood regulation and can be implicated in conditions like depression and schizophrenia.
In some cases, the physical structure of the brain itself may contribute to mental health disorders. For instance, the structure and function of areas of the brain associated with stress and emotions might be different in people with certain conditions. This significantly impacts individuals struggling with neurological disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) due to weaknesses in the prefrontal cortex which alters their ability to focus attention.
Throughout life, people are often exposed to circumstances that can negatively impact their mental health. People who routinely deal with chronic stress, poor living conditions, and substance abuse can also develop mental health conditions.
Alternatively, those who struggle to cope with significant life changes or stressful events, such as starting a new job, divorce, financial problems, or the death of a loved one, may also develop a mental health disorder. Traumatic experiences such as abuse, neglect, the loss of a loved one, or being exposed to violence can trigger mental health disorders in people who may be predisposed to them.
Exposure to adverse experiences during childhood can increase the risk of developing mental illness later in life. Known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), these encounters typically involve exposure to trauma and can include:
Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders, are not only a physical burden. They also carry significant mental and emotional weight, often leading to or exacerbating mental health disorders.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), individuals with chronic illnesses are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The daily management of a chronic condition—dealing with symptoms, treatment regimens, and the potential limitations on activities—can be overwhelming, leading to increased stress levels and vulnerability to mental health issues.
Using or abusing substances like alcohol, drugs, and nicotine can increase the risk of developing mental health disorders. Likewise, substance abuse can exacerbate symptoms of mental illnesses or even trigger new symptoms.
Substance abuse commonly co-occurs with mental health disorders such as:
Although individuals may experience both substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder simultaneously, it’s important to recognize that the presence of one does not necessarily cause the other. This is because common risk factors can contribute to both mental health and substance use disorders. It’s also important to note that while substance abuse can lead to mental illness, mental health disorders can also lead to substance abuse.
Diagnosing mental health disorders is a comprehensive process that involves evaluating a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. This process is crucial for identifying the presence of mental health conditions, understanding their impact on an individual’s life, and determining the most appropriate treatment plan.
Here’s an overview of how mental health disorders are diagnosed, focusing on the role of mental health professionals and the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition):
The diagnosis of mental health disorders is a complex and nuanced process that relies on the expertise of mental health professionals and standardized diagnostic tools like the DSM-5. It involves a thorough assessment of the individual’s symptoms, behavior, and psychological functioning. By using a standardized manual like the DSM-5, clinicians can ensure a more accurate and consistent diagnosis, which is crucial for developing effective treatment plans tailored to the individual’s needs.
Before entering treatment for mental health, most people have a long list of questions about what mental health is and how it is treated. To help you gain a better understanding of what to expect during treatment, we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions.
You can talk to a licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker. Primary care doctors can also be a starting point for guidance and referrals.
Some mild mental health disorders may improve over time with changes in lifestyle, social support, and self-care, but many require professional treatment to manage effectively and prevent worsening.
Yes, mental health treatment can be very effective. Many people experience significant improvement with a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, though outcomes can vary based on the disorder and individual factors.
Many mental health treatment centers accept insurance, but coverage can vary widely depending on the provider, the treatment center, and the insurance plan. It’s important to check with both the treatment center and your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Mental health disorders are treated through various methods, including psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, involves discussing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors with a licensed therapist. Medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics may be prescribed based on the diagnosis.
Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management techniques can also play a crucial role in managing mental health conditions effectively. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s specific needs and may include a combination of these approaches.
Evidence-based treatments (EBTs) and therapies are approaches to mental health care that are supported by scientific evidence, demonstrating their effectiveness in treating specific disorders. These treatments have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation through clinical trials, research studies, and systematic reviews to ensure they provide significant benefits for individuals with mental health conditions. By relying on empirical evidence, these therapies offer a structured and validated approach to mental health treatment, aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.
Common evidence-based therapies include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Effective for a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A form of CBT that is particularly effective for borderline personality disorder and individuals with self-harm behaviors. DBT emphasizes the development of coping skills to manage emotions and improve relationships.
Exposure Therapy: A subset of CBT that is highly effective for treating anxiety disorders, including PTSD and OCD. It involves safe, controlled exposure to the feared object or context, aiming to reduce fear and avoidance behaviors.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Demonstrated effectiveness in treating depression, IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills to alleviate depressive symptoms.
Medication Management: Psychopharmacology, or the use of medications like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics, is evidence-based when used for specific diagnoses according to established guidelines.
Holistic mental health treatment approaches the individual as a whole, integrating physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of well-being. This perspective recognizes that mental health is interconnected with various facets of life and well-being, advocating for comprehensive strategies that go beyond conventional medical treatments.
Here are some prominent examples of holistic treatment:
Expressive Arts Therapy: Utilizes creative arts such as painting, drawing, music, and dance as therapeutic tools to help individuals express and explore their emotions and experiences.
Yoga: Combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve mental and physical health, reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Massage Therapy: Uses touch to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of the body, helping to relieve stress, promote relaxation, and improve mood.
Sound Healing: Involves using music, vocal toning, singing bowls, or tuning forks to promote emotional and physical healing through the therapeutic use of sound frequencies.
Life Skills Training: Teaches practical skills for managing daily life, enhancing decision-making, problem-solving, and coping abilities, and improving overall functioning.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices that foster a state of active, open attention to the present, helping to reduce stress and anxiety while improving emotional regulation.
Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and treat various health conditions, including mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Nutritional Counseling: Provides guidance on diet and nutrition to support mental health, recognizing the connection between food, mood, and overall well-being.
Each of these holistic approaches can complement traditional treatments, offering a comprehensive strategy for managing and improving mental health.
Aliya Health Group is well known for its experience in treating mental health issues. We offer a continuum of care to support you, with treatment options including inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient programs, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy as necessary.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, you’re not alone. We’re here to provide the support and guidance you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out by calling us or filling out our secure contact form today. Let us help you take the first step towards healing and recovery.
We accept most major health insurance providers on both a national and local level. We currently work with the following insurance plans:
“I highly recommend this facility for anyone needing treatment. The staff isn’t just nice and genuine there but instead one big family. Whether it’s the owner, housing manager, or a bht you get the best down to earth genuine care. The material they teach in group is very helpful also.”
Aliya Health Group understands the importance of accessible, quality care for those struggling with mental health disorders. That is why we strive to provide quality mental health treatment to everyone, no matter where they live. Currently, we provide outpatient mental health treatment in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is seeking help with substance abuse, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about our mental health treatment center in New Jersey.
We’re here to answer any of your questions about mental health treatment options near you.
Give us a call today at 888-973-2078.
