It bears repeating

 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again because it’s just that important. Treatment matters. People suffering with mental health issues, including substance use disorders, need treatment. They need evidence based, effective management of their conditions. No different than any other medical condition. Mental illness is not a “weakness” or something that is a simple choice any more than high blood pressure or diabetes. People suffering with these conditions deserve an opportunity to have the same high-quality treatment as anyone with any other chronic condition.

 

What does this high-quality quality, evidence based treatment look like you ask? Well, that depends. For most, it involves therapy and/or medications. It involves behavioral change and support. It requires understanding and careful diagnosis and management, hard work and dedication towards improvement. These are no different than the recommendations for managing any other chronic medical condition. Management of high blood pressure requires not only the taking of medications, but equally as important recommendations include changing diet and exercise habits.

 

This message is especially important now. Many are having a difficult time right now. They are stuck indoors, can’t socialize in the physically interactive sense, tensions are high, and finances are uncertain. People have lost jobs or been laid off indefinitely. Many are looking to “trim the fat” so to speak, wondering what they can do without for the next few months until things settle down. Please do not let your medical care and mental health be one of these sacrifices. IT WILL NOT GO WELL. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to be incorrect on this last statement, but is it worth the risk to find out?

 

If you are in need of treatment and find yourself having a difficult time budgeting for the expense, please contact me. Nothing is more important than your health and safety, and “health” includes mental health. You can find more resources and information on my website: www.thedaumdifference.com. The phone number (954-451-2592).

 

As always, if you or a loved one is struggling, please seek treatment. There are a lot of good and effective treatment options so please contact myself (or someone else local to you) and get help. My office, Reclaim Mental Health, LLC, is located at 3275 W Hillsboro Blvd, Suite 300, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442. I have telepsychiatry available, so it’s not necessary for you to actually come to an office to receive treatment.