So you've been diagnosed with a mental health problem, you've probably done some research, now what? Maybe you just recently developed symptoms, maybe you've struggled your entire life; either way it is never too soon or too late to begin getting help and working on you. In the beginning it can be extremely overwhelming trying to decide how to handle all of these problems, what professionals to see, which type of therapy to use, what medications you'd like to try, etc. So I wanted to do a basic guide to how to get started on the right path.
IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN A CRISIS OR WAS DIAGNOSED DURING A VERY INTENSE EPISODE AND YOU FEEL UNSAFE, PLEASE SEEK EMERGENCY CARE. There is nothing wrong with doing a little bit of time in an inpatien program. Some only last a few days and can benefit you a great deal and really get you headed in the right direction.
Otherwise:
1. Find a primary care physician who you are comfortable with and keep him/her up to date on your current diagnoses, medications, and therapies.
2. Research. Find out as much as you possibly can on your particular diagnoses, the current research, support systems, therapies, etc. Become familiar with yourself, and be honest when evaluating your symptoms. You cannot fix something until you recognize its presence.
3. Find a mental health professional with the ability to prescribe medications (if you decide you'd like to go down this path). It can take some time to find someone who takes your opinion into account and it can take even longer to find the correct meds and dosages that are therapeutic. Don't be put off if you don't notice a huge change in the first week or month. And if for whatever reason you feel like the doctor is just pushing meds at you or not prescribing enough, you can always seek out a second, third, fourth, or fifth opinion. Don't get me wrong, I am not the sort of person who thinks a pill is the answer for everything; in fact I'm quite the opposite. I simply knowledge that drug therapy can make it possible to really enter recovery through other therapies.
4. Locate a counselor, therapist, social worker, etc. Sometimes it takes a little time because of insurance and costs to find someone in your area, but it is a very large field so don't be discouraged. It is totally normal to go through a few counselors before settling on one you're comfortable being honest with who is skilled in what you specifically need. And I'll give a little tip; BE HONEST. It was extremely difficult for me to talk about my innermost fears and most embarrassing thoughts, and its normal to take some time to build the relationship, but remember that YOU ARE THERE FOR HELP. And if you're not honest, it's almost pointless to be seeking help.
5. IF POSSIBLE AT ALL tell your closest family members and friends, and definitely your significant other about your diagnoses. Support is one of the most crucial aspects of healing and though I completely understand that some people knowing would just cause judgement and extra stress, please find at least one or two people you're close to to be open with about this. It's a good idea for your personal supporters to at least do some research on your diagnoses and possibly accompany you to a therapy session or even join a support group to learn how to cope.
6. Find outside support. There are support groups, peer sponsors, online chat rooms, Youtube channels, Facebook pages, blogs, tons and tons of places where you can meet people who are going through (or have gone through and recovered from) exactly what you're dealing with. Having a counselor is great, having the support of loved ones is amazing, but sometimes its comforting to be able to talk to someone who knows on a personal level what you feel.
7. Consider entering an intensive mental health or healing program. DBT is a common therapy used for many of the mental health problems I discuss in this blog. It specifically was created for BPD and has had wonderful results. Sometimes an intensive program (10-20 hours a week) for only a few weeks can really get you started off right.
8. DON'T GIVE UP! Setbacks are nor only normal but expected. They WILL happen. And when they do, be prepared, learn the skills needed to get through this time. In the end you'll be stronger for having made it. Even in your worst moment, remember that this is temporary and that recovery really is possible and even probably with effort.
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