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Mental Health Diagnosis If your mental health symptoms are persistent or severe, it's best to get an official diagnosis. This can help you and your health care team understand what's causing your symptoms, so you can treat them. mental health checkup to determine insurance coverage and eligibility for support services. Diagnosis Mental health involves emotions, thoughts and behaviors. It affects how a person reacts to stress, as well as how they function at work, in relationships and with their family. It can also impact the ability to learn and resilience. Early intervention is key to addressing mental illness. The symptoms may worsen if you do not seek treatment. It is also much easier to treat sooner a disorder is identified and treated. A physical exam may be conducted to rule out other causes, such as an underlying medical issue or a medication-related side effect. There is no test in the lab to diagnose mental illness, as there is for a thyroid issue or diabetes. Instead the doctor will listen to the person observe them, and ask questions. They will use training guides like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) to help them narrow in on a diagnosis. It is possible that an individual's diagnosis will change over time, as a mental health professional gets more familiar with their symptoms and how they impact their life. Once a diagnosis is made, the next thing to do is decide on a plan of treatment. This may include therapy for talk (psychotherapy) as well as medications. It is also essential to consider aspects of your lifestyle that can aid in managing a mental illness including getting enough sleep, eating healthy and being physically active. If someone close to you is struggling, help them to see a mental health professional. A person who is supportive, such as a family member or friend can accompany them to their appointment. Everyone can benefit from an open and honest discussion. If someone is showing suicidal behavior, contact 911 immediately. You can also help them by recommending self-help or wellness books or joining a support network. It is also crucial to offer encouragement and to remind the person asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Symptoms Mental illness can be diagnosed when the signs of changes in behavior and emotions become more frequent or get worse over time. It's crucial to start by taking the first step of recognizing the signs, and then reaching out to an expert in mental health or a medical specialist for assistance. A medical doctor or a psychologist will inquire about your symptoms along with their duration and whether there are any life events which could explain the symptoms. They will also use a book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help them determine the proper diagnosis. The book provides the primary characteristics and symptoms of each disorder, as well as lists specific criteria like what should be present to qualify for a particular disorder, which is why it's crucial that doctors or psychologists follow this guidance exactly. Once a mental disorder is diagnosed, it may be treated with therapy or medication (also called talk therapy). Other self-care strategies, such as exercising, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep could be beneficial for some people. Certain people may also have to alter their lifestyle to help manage their symptoms. For example they may not take on too many responsibilities, or decrease their work hours when they are suffering from severe symptoms. The main goal of the treatment is to reduce symptoms and their impact on a person’s quality of life. The longer someone is waiting to seek treatment, the more difficult it will be to overcome symptoms and continue living life normally. Mental health issues can be treated by talking to a doctor or calling an emergency hotline. Those in crisis situations or who could risk harming themselves or others are advised to dial 911. The health professional will likely do an examination to rule out physical ailments that could be causing the symptoms, before sending them to a mental health professional or psychiatrist. Treatment If you or someone you know exhibit symptoms of mental illness — such as seeing or hearing things that aren't there, feeling depressed or anxious or experiencing other changes in mood it's essential to speak to an expert. The first step is to see your family doctor who may refer you to a mental health professional like psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker. Your mental health specialist may begin with a physical exam to rule out medical causes for symptoms, like thyroid issues. They will then use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), released by the American Psychiatric Association, to make a diagnose. The process might take weeks or even months. It's possible that your diagnosis may change if your symptoms become worse or improve. Your doctor may develop a treatment plan for you, which could include counseling, medication or lifestyle modifications. Your treatment team will closely follow your progress. You may be required to attend group or individual therapy such as family therapy, cognitive therapy, or reprocessing trauma using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. You can also try natural treatments for healing, such as acupuncture and meditation. You might feel relief following a diagnosis since it gives an end to what you've been experiencing. You might be uncomfortable with your diagnosis or worry that people will be treated differently. A diagnosis of mental health is a powerful tool that can aid you in recovering and feeling better. It could also be helpful for you to qualify for disability support or job protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act or ensure your health insurance coverage. Having a mental illness can trigger a myriad of problems but there are treatments for most of them. Some of these treatments are drugs like antidepressants and sedatives. Other therapies are talk therapy, such as psychotherapy, often referred to as “talking cure.” These methods include relaxation training as well as reworking negative thoughts and behaviors and other methods. Some people require the services of a hospital or a residential program to manage their symptoms if they're very severe. Recovery After you've been diagnosed the next step is to continue with treatment. This could involve psychotherapy such as family therapy, cognitive behavior therapy as well as dialectical behavior therapy group therapy and/or natural healing therapies such as breathing, meditation and art therapy. These methods are often used along with medication to treat symptoms. mental health checkup will collaborate with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan that matches your requirements. Recovery isn't continuous, and you could have some setbacks. But over time you'll likely see improvements – your symptoms becoming more manageable and a reduction in the severity. It is crucial to recognize and celebrate small successes. These are all steps in the right directions that will assist you in getting back on track to an active recovery. When you're going through the recovery process, it's helpful to have a support system in place. This could be a group of close family members, friends or an expert in mental health or a person in your network of support who knows about your illness. It is also important to know the resources available to you, so make sure to ask your doctor or therapist about this and what services they recommend. You can also find out what your insurance covers and which mental health professionals are covered. You may also inquire about Employee Assistance Programs in your workplace, or contact your local mental health organization to learn more about programs and activities. Mental illnesses aren't cureable, but they can be managed. You can lead a life that is not defined by your illness if you get a good diagnosis. So, continue to learn about your condition, talk to your doctors about what you're experiencing and go day by day. You'll eventually realize that your diagnosis doesn't mean you're doomed to die, but it can make your life more difficult. It's worth the journey.