Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
If you or someone you love has been struggling with co-occurring disorders, you have likely felt overwhelmed by the challenge you are facing. Mental illness involves a complexity of factors, and having more than one mental disorder can expose yourself to a multitude of vulnerabilities.
The reality is that co-occurring disorders often share similar characteristics and overlapping traits, which makes the likelihood of having more than one mental illness even greater. Many mental illnesses develop from similar biological components, such as genetic predisposition and caveats with neurobiology.
Needing Help Is Not Shameful
Because of the many stigmas that surround mental illness, there may be surmounting shame in admitting a struggle with co-occurring disorders and seeking the necessary help and treatment. The reality is that mental illness impacts countless individuals across the world, and seeking professional help is not a sign of failure but rather one of strength and determination.
Knowing where and how to seek treatment can be a challenging process, but it is important to not let this deter you from finding the resources and help you need to recover.
Meeting the Right Professional
Finding the treatment that is appropriate for you begins with meeting with the right person who can assess and refer you as necessary. Seeking out a professional who specializes in co-occurring disorders will be an important starting place for your recovery to begin. This professional can be a counselor, therapist, physician, or psychiatrist.
A qualified health professional specialized in the treatment of co-occurring disorders can determine what kind of care is needed for your recovery as well as the level of treatment that would be suitable for you.
Finding Higher Levels of Care as Needed
In more severe instances, higher level of care may be suitable and would be determined by your healthcare professional. This may involve inpatient or residential care to help intervene with dangerous behaviors that are compromising your health and well-being.
Finding the right level of treatment in needed for getting the most out of your recovery and should be advised by specialists who are experienced in the field of co-occurring disorders. Be sure to connect with a specialist today to begin your journey from co-occurring disorders.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What aspects of seeking treatment for co-occurring disorders can be challenging? How has professional assistance help you in your recovery from co-occurring disorders?
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 2nd, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com