The Benefits of Counseling Combined With Medication and Other Treatments
Mental health conditions impact everyone differently. Because of that, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” treatment solution for every person. Some people benefit most from one-on-one therapy. Others prefer a group session. There are multiple treatment options because different people need different things.
Combining certain treatments, including medication and counseling, can be incredibly beneficial. Will one option work without the other? For some people, yes. For others, combining medication with other treatments can make all the difference when it comes to their mental well-being.
Whether you’re currently taking medication or considering it, it’s important to know the benefits of counseling combined with your prescription. Let’s cover a few of them, so you can decide on the best way to approach the next steps of your mental wellness journey.
The Fast-Acting Benefits of Medication
Different mental health medications are designed to improve your mental wellness relatively quickly. While some can take a few weeks to take full effect, they are considered to be a fast solution with quick benefits.
By staying on medication for months, years, or the rest of your life, you can experience a more balanced state of mind. Every medication works slightly differently, but the point is always the same. They are designed to balance out the chemicals in your brain to combat whatever negative mental issues are trying to take over.
When you think about it, though, that sounds an awful lot like putting a band-aid on a cut or scrape. It might solve the problem and stop the bleeding quickly. But, what’s going on beneath the surface?
The Long-Term Benefits of Counseling
When you have a cut on your finger, removing the band-aid to “air out” the injury and make sure it isn’t infected is a crucial part of the healing process. It also takes time, care, and attention for the wound to properly heal.
The same goes for your mental well-being. Medication is helpful and has an important purpose. But, counseling is designed for long-term healing.
When you work with a therapist or counselor, one of the first things you’ll do is dig beneath the surface of whatever you’re struggling with. A counselor will help you to better understand where the issues are stemming from. Getting to the underlying cause of any mental health condition is crucial. Is it always easy? No. But, it’s the best way to “clean out” the wound and make sure it heals properly.
The Ability to Move Forward
The combination of medication with counseling and other treatments gives you a better opportunity to take control of your life again.
Many people with anxiety, PTSD, and depression have a hard time “moving forward” because they don’t have the right coping skills to do so. Medication alone can make you feel better and give you the drive to make changes. But, if you don’t know how to implement them, what’s the point?
A counselor can help you to develop the right skills to take your thoughts captive. They’ll work with you to come up with healthy coping techniques, no matter what you’re dealing with. Those techniques can make a big difference in your recovery process and help you to manage your mental health for the rest of your life.
Should you take medication for your mental health?
If it’s recommended by a doctor or mental health expert, absolutely. But, you might also want to consider going one step further with your treatment. By combining medication with counseling or other therapeutic treatments, you’re likely to experience more success on your mental health journey.
If you’re interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m happy to answer any questions or set up an appointment so you can better understand the benefits of counseling.