Mental Health Specialist

What is mental health?

Your mental health is the way you feel emotionally and psychologically. If you have a mental health disorder, you might experience sadness, fear, anxiety, or other emotions that negatively affect your job or interpersonal relationships. The Seby Medical Center team offers treatments that can improve your quality of life. 

What are common mental health disorders?

Common mental health disorders you or a loved one might experience at some point include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Attention-deficit disorder (ADD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance abuse disorder
  
  

If you think you have a mental health disorder, don’t feel embarrassed about seeking treatment. Mental health struggles are very common and can be debilitating when left untreated. 

What are the symptoms of mental health disorders?

Each mental health disorder has its own symptoms that can affect everybody differently. 

Some of the common symptoms include:

• Constant sadness
• Fear or worry
• Hopelessness
• Thoughts of suicide
• Difficulty paying attention
• Obsessions or compulsions
• Substance misuse
• Mood changes
• A short temper 
• Behavioral problems
• Flashbacks or nightmares 
• Sleep changes
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Appetite changes
  
  

Other symptoms may include loss of interest in favorite activities and withdrawal from family and friends.

How does my provider diagnose mental health problems?

When you come in for an office visit, your provider checks your vital signs and reviews your medical history. They complete a physical exam and comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to assess your mental health. Your provider may also recommend blood work or other diagnostic tests as needed. Then they make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. 

What are my mental health treatment options?

Your treatment plan depends on the type of mental health disorder you’re struggling with and what other treatments you’ve already tried, if any. 

Your mental health specialist may recommend:

Counseling

Individual counseling, family counseling, 12-step programs, and group counseling are ways to help you overcome a mental health struggle and achieve a better quality of life.

Medications

Taking medications can improve your mood, reduce anxiety and depression, increase your ability to focus, or reduce cravings for addictive substances to help you better cope with a mental health disorder. Your provider personalizes each medication regimen to match your needs.

Lifestyle changes

Healthy lifestyle changes that can improve mental health include quitting smoking, avoiding drugs and excessive alcohol, eating nutritious foods, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise.

Don’t let a mental health disorder negatively affect school, work, or your interpersonal relationships. Call the Seby Medical Center office today or book an appointment online.