Health & Wellness

The State of Our Mental Health - There is Help Available

We are all fatigued. Living in a post-pandemic world has impacted everyone. Physically, the demands of routine everyday life take a dramatic toll on the body, but the mental strain of managing career, family, finances, and health affects us more than we could have ever imagined, and this post-pandemic world has proven that.   

Studies on the mind-body connection have been ongoing for a while, but post-COVID, there is renewed interest in this relationship. Today, probably more than at any time in recent history, we are growing increasingly aware of the impact of almost three years of illness, shifts in the everyday work dynamic, loneliness, grief, financial struggle, and worry can have in the short and long term.   

Many people were furloughed or laid off during COVID, many lost loved ones, many suffered from COVID themselves and the long-term physical effects, and many endured loneliness and depression during the forced isolation.   

Our collective and personal mental wellness is suffering and needs care. There is no shame in recognizing you may need help. Unfortunately, the stigma of mental struggles still persists, taking the first step toward wellness is a sign of strength, not weakness, and should be recognized as such.   

Fortunately, there is help available in the traditional and not-so-traditional sense. Technology has enabled people to reach out for help through many telehealth services that are now available. It is easier than ever to identify a therapist you may want to consult in person; the internet is a great resource for identifying and interviewing one to see if they are a match for your needs and personality. Remember, it is a partnership, a marriage of sorts, and it has to be mutually comfortable to be of benefit.  

As your partner in health and wellness, Health Products For You would like to assist you in navigating this complex time and finding the help you may need. But first, a brief primer on mental health practitioners:  

• Psychiatrists - Medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental or psychiatric illnesses. They have medical training and are licensed to prescribe drugs.   
• Psychologists - Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or PsyD) experts in psychology. They study the human mind and human behavior and are also trained in counseling and psychotherapy. Psychologists are not licensed to prescribe medications but can refer you to a physician who may be able to.  
• Social Workers - Specialists that provide services in health-related settings. Their goal is to help with a person's psychological and social functioning and provide counseling.   
• Licensed Professional Counselors - Required by state licensure to have at least a master's degree in counseling and 3,000 hours of post-master's experience. They are either licensed or certified to independently diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders.  

Where and how to find help

Online Therapy  

• Talkspace – Founded in 2012, this subscription service is a convenient and affordable way to connect with a therapist. It is easy to get started. Simply answer a few questions about yourself and their matching algorithm will identify three potential therapists. Choose the one that’s right for you and then follow the prompts to set up an account, and you are on your way to meeting with a therapist. The TS “meeting room” is available 24/7 to message your therapist. For live sessions, you must book in advance and meet in real time via video, audio, or chat.  
• Betterhelp – Founded in 2013, this subscription service is the largest therapy platform worldwide. They pride themselves on finding the perfect therapist match for your needs, personality, and lifestyle, and you are free to change therapists at any time! Initially, you will be guided through questions and prompts to help them find the best match for you, and then you are on your way to finding the help you desire.  
• Cerebral – Founded in 2019, they partner with the largest health insurance companies to provide in-network mental healthcare. Cerebral specializes in anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADHD, and substance abuse disorders. You start by filling out a free emotional assessment, and then you may choose to subscribe to several varied subscription options.   

In-person and online therapy  

In many ways, there is no substitution for true facetime! Meeting with a therapist face to face fosters a personal connection the internet may lack. But how do you find a therapist?  

• Psychology Today – An excellent resource for finding a therapist. Simply type in your zip code to find a therapist in your area. You can filter results by issues, insurance, gender, types of therapy, age, cost, and more. Once you have identified a therapist you may want to meet with, their contact information is available for you to reach out to them personally to set up a call, in-office, or telehealth appointment. Information on online therapy, treatment centers, and support groups is also available.  
• Health provider referral – Consult with your doctor or health care provider to identify a therapist. They are always willing to help you find the help you need and have a network of providers they can refer you to.   
• Family and friends – If you are comfortable doing so, your own personal network is often a wonderful resource for finding the perfect therapist. Who knows you better than your inner circle, they may be able to steer you in the right direction for a perfect match.   

No one should suffer in silence! You are not alone, and there is help available. Taking the first step is often the hardest, but worthwhile. Both our minds and our bodies are susceptible to illness. For us to live a happy and fulfilling life it is paramount that they work in synergy.   

IMPORTANT - If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741. 

 

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