As I wrote in previous parts of this series, my early mental health career was spent in the treatment of severely mentally ill clients. Those clients mostly carried diagnoses such as a psychotic disorder, a major mood disorder, possibly some brain damage from physical or medical trauma, some with severe emotional trauma and PTSD (before we called it PTSD). Others were diagnosed with neurological diseases, and some with profound developmental disorders.
Later in my career, after being in public metal health administration for a number of years, I came back into a general practice of treating other mental health issues. In my practice at New Creation Counseling Center, we saw much more things like marital and relationship problems; adjustment disorders (that is, reactions to stresses, grief, etc.); anxiety; depressive disorders; substance abuse and addictive disorders; PTSD and early trauma. We also treated a host of other issues like personality disorders, reactive stress disorders, and mood disorders due to general medical condition.
In other words, there are a myriad of mental health diagnoses that we humans can be beset with. Daily living, our relationships, health problems, etc. all can and do cause us to have a mental and emotional reaction which needs attention. I have stressed over the blogs that I have written that treatment for all humans needs to encompass physical, spiritual, and emotional health. All systems affect one another, and all need care and attention.
I say all this to first normalize the fact that everyone can benefit from counseling and mental health support. This includes support groups of numerous types, and it includes 12 step groups, which are excellent means of support for anyone going through problems, whether addictions or not.
I came to see that mental health interventions are important for all people, not just those suffering from the major mental illnesses. Indeed, when one is suffering, it is a major problem for them, and the diagnostic label becomes less important. Yes, diagnosis is valuable because proper treatment demands a correct diagnosis, and often referral for specialist care. However, people are more than a diagnosis!
The good news I have seen over the years has been the dramatic decrease of stigma attached to seeking mental health treatment. I have grown in my own understanding of the role of mental health as part of our total health needs. I am blessed to have been in this career, and I am still learning! I trust that this little series has been just a bit of help in seeing the evolution of mental health care.
Blessings, dear readers!
Reflections of a Counselor 