The benefits and challenges of behavioral therapy

The benefits and challenges of behavioral therapy

The term behavioral health was coined almost 40 years ago. However, over time the meaning of this word has evolved. Most people use behavioral health as a synonym for mental health, although there is a difference between the two.

Mental health deals with a person's psychological state or psychology, but behavioral health deals with a person's habits, such as: etc. When a person is struggling with a mental health problem, it can be accompanied by behavioral problems and physical health problems. It is estimated that 70 percent of mental health problems are related to behavioral health problems. Therefore, behavioral health treatment centers or services have become essential to combat the disease.

According to a study, around 44 million people struggle with mental health problems every year, but only 40 percent of them can receive treatment. There are several reasons that contribute to people not seeking help for mental health disorders. While 60 percent of people do not seek treatment because of the social stigma associated with it, others do not seek treatment because they are undiagnosed, lack money, lack access to a reliable mental health facility, or do not have credible behavioral health centers near them.

Behavioral Health Services

Behavioral health services are not limited to mental health treatment programs. With its changing scope, the range of services has only increased. Some of these services include:

• psychiatry

• psychology

• Mental health advice

• Family and marriage counseling

• Substance abuse treatment including prevention, recovery, and intervention

• Chronic disease management

Understanding Behavioral Health

Behavioral health refers to the relationship between daily habits (good and bad) and how they affect physical and mental health. Ideally, good habits (healthy eating, exercise and sleep patterns) lead to a balance between good physical and mental health. On the contrary, bad habits often lead to poor physical and mental health.

Based on the lifestyle choices made, behavioral disorders may include:

• Living in unsanitary conditions

• eating disorder

• Social isolation

• Sleep disorder (sleeping too little or too much)

• Substance abuse including drug, alcohol or chemical addiction

• Addictive behavior such as gambling, sex, compulsive shopping, etc.

Why is it so difficult to seek treatment?

Most people don't seek help for behavioral problems because they remain in denial. They find it difficult to accept that they have a problem. Some people believe that it is a choice they have made and therefore cannot be called a problem. The reasons for not seeking treatment can be varied and diverse. Some of the other reasons may be:

• Social stigma and embarrassment

• Fear of being judged by society

• Not being able to recognize symptoms effectively

• Lack of trust and support

• Feelings of loneliness and hopelessness

What are the benefits of treatment?

Behavioral health disorders are complex and require individualized treatment, but convincing patients to seek treatment is difficult. However, knowing the benefits of treatment can provide the impetus needed to seek treatment. The benefits of treatment are as follows:

• Improves quality of life

• Fights mental illness at its root

• Improves personal and professional relationships

• Reduces the likelihood of complications, especially with addiction-related problems

• Improves productivity

• Reduces the risk of medical problems

What treatment options are available?

A treatment plan for behavioral disorders may be a combination of several therapies, the most important of which would be group therapy. Encouragement and support groups provide personal therapy that helps the patient better understand themselves and their goals. Group therapy also provides patients with connections to others who have or are experiencing similar problems. Interacting with such people helps the patient realize that he is not alone. It also provides them with the moral support needed to care for themselves and seek and pursue treatment. However, the customized treatment programs require the efforts of several types of professionals. These professionals may include:

psychiatrist: These service providers can solve a wide range of problems. They deal with psychiatry on various aspects such as adolescence issues, childhood struggles or drug abuse. They prescribe medication to treat behavioral problems.

Psychologists: These professionals have experience in psychological counseling. This also includes clinical psychology. They carry out diagnostic work and psychotherapy to treat the patient's condition.

Social worker: They support through government programs. They work in a variety of areas related to children's mental health, substance abuse and mental health in the less privileged society.

Licensed professional advisors: These counselors typically specialize in treating patients with psychotherapy. These professionals may focus on specific areas of behavioral health, such as: B. Family problems, substance abuse and relationship problems.

Inpatient treatment centers: These are inpatient treatment centers where people are allowed to stay 24 hours a day under medical supervision. Patients undergo an individual treatment plan depending on the severity and duration of the disease. These centers provide a controlled environment for treatment and relapse control.

When to seek help?

Behavioral problems should never be undermined. They should be identified at the earliest as it will affect the patient's relationship and productivity when he grows up. Behavioral problems have affected life. There are numerous Treatment programs available to treat the disorder.

Inspired by Susan Navarez