On February 7, the world observes Time to Talk Day 2019. It’s an opportunity to overcome the stigma of mental illness with conversation. Organizers point out that psychiatric health is not a frequent subject of discussion. Most importantly, did you know that mental illness can contribute to chemical dependency?
Why Do People Joke about Mental Illness?
Nobody would crack a joke at a coworker’s kidney disease. In contrast, some would poke fun at signs of mental illness. Examples might include social anxiety, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorders. It’s almost an unwritten rule that physiological ailments are off limits while psychological ones are fair game.
Therapists at co-occurring addiction and mental health treatment programs in Tampa FL recognize the destructive nature of this status quo. People suffering from mental illness experience the symptoms but don’t seek help. Fearing stigma, they deal with the conditions as best as they can manage. For many, this means self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.
Don’t Wait for Time to Talk Day to Get Help for Substance Abuse
Good-quality rehab facilities understand the pressure you’re under. Because you have an underlying condition, you try to find relief. When you do so with substances, you might numb yourself. However, in the long run, you make things worse.
At a day-night drug rehab facility, you work with specialists who provide relevant drug and alcohol rehab services. After an assessment for a co-occurring mental health condition, you enter treatment. Psychotherapy assists you in learning about the illness and finding healthy ways of managing it. Similarly, you withdraw from the substances that you’ve been relying on.
For example, therapeutic approaches that you may learn about during Time to Talk Day include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which emphasizes the restoration of healthy connections between thoughts, feelings, and emotions
- Medication-assisted treatment that encourages you to overcome intense cravings and post-acute withdrawal symptoms
- Trauma therapy as a way to deal with experiences from the past that you still need to work through
- Life skills training through group and individual therapy options
Seek Help During Time to Talk Day
For many, there’s the fear that someone might find out about their mental health issues. Furthermore, others feel shame for having developed a chemical dependency. Both are strong motivators to keep hiding in the shadows. Rather than continuing to live this way, consider breaking out.
There’s no shame in seeking help. Most importantly, there’s no shame in struggling with co-occurring conditions. It happens to good people. Therefore, take this opportunity to educate others.
Time to Talk Day gives you a voice to speak out about mental illness. But do more than talk. Take action. Seek help for co-occurring disorders at BoardPrep Recovery Center® by dialing 866.796.4720 now.
