Counseling for Adults
Counseling for adults is needed more than ever because adulting seems to get more and more stressful by the day. A new survey from CNN in partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation have found that an overwhelming majority of people in the United States is experiencing a mental health crisis.
90% of US adults say the United States is experiencing a mental health crisis CNN/KFF poll finds...
Nine out of 10 adults said they believed that there's a mental health crisis in the US today. More than half identified mental health issues among children and teenagers as a crisis, as well as severe mental illness in adults. About half of adults say they have had a severe mental health crisis in their family, including in-person treatment for family members who were a threat to themselves or others, or family members who engaged in self-harming behaviors.
As the mental health crisis continues, it is important to recognize that there is help. The major source of stress for adults includes personal finances, political events, and inflation. When stress goes unmanaged, it can develop into deeper mental health problems such as anxiety and panic disorders, depression, substance and/or alcohol abuse, and conflicts within relationships at work and home.
According to the new survey, about 1 in 5 adults received mental health services in the past year. Earlier data published by the CDC supports that finding and shows that mental health treatment became more common over the course of the pandemic: Nearly 22% of adults got mental health treatment in 2021, up from about 19% in 2019.
There are several obstacles that may prevent one from obtaining mental health counseling. These reasons may include, but not limited to being too busy or unable to take time off work, unable to afford the cost, uninsured, cultural or religious values, and being afraid or embarrassed to seek care. Those whom do not face these challenges may have bias beliefs about counselors and the therapeutic process. We have heard several cases in which those whom are struggling with self harm and/or suicidal ideation assume that counselors will send them to the "mental ward." There are also several individuals whom finally find the strength to reach out for help, but are met with a counselor who is not a good fit. There are so many reasons that an individual may have for not seeking or discontinuing their search for a counselor.
There are alternatives for obtaining help if any of the above applies to you or someone you know. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has created a three-digit dialing code: 988. 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This dialing code is now available to everyone across the United States as of July 16, 2022.
The vast majority of adults (85%) say they would be at least somewhat likely to call the hotline if they or a loved one were experiencing a mental health crisis -- and it's a good alternative to 911, which about a quarter of adults, especially Black and LGBT adults, say would do more harm than good in a mental health crisis situation. Early data suggests success, with calls jumping 45% in the first month compared with the same time a year before.
Maybe the terms "therapy" and "counseling" are unfamiliar for you and you are unsure of what it is, how it can be helpful, how to know if you need help or where to even start your search. Counseling is a great place to talk about day to day problems, resolve unresolved issues, vent, meet personal goals, explore relationships, and talk with someone with an unbiased opinion. It is defined by the American Counseling Association as the application of mental health, psychological or human development principles, through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic interventions, strategies that address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology. In simple terms:
- Counseling meets the needs of a wide spectrum of people with wellness, personal growth, career, and pathological concerns spanning from those whom are functioning all and those who are experiencing more serious problems.
- Counseling is theory based and your counselor will draw from a number of theoretical approaches, including those that are cognitive, affective, behavioral, and systemic. These theories may be applied to individuals, groups, and families.
- Counseling is a process that maybe developmental or intervening. Counselors focus on their clients’ goals. Thus, counseling involves both choice and change.
Starting the counseling process can be stressful because we may not know what to expect, but it is important to embrace with an open mind. There is a lot of stigma that may make you feel like you don't need emotional support, that you can "tough it out," but those days are taking a backseat. Individuals that participate in mental health counseling to help with minor or major life problems feel better five times faster than those who attempt to do alone. While a strong support system of friends and family is very important, there are things that we can help you with that your loved ones might not be able to. Our training and experience helps us know all the tricky ways that your mental illness can trip you up and how to overcome your hurdles. While some people may need long-term treatment, many individuals just need a few weeks or months to deal with their problem.
Individuals that participate in mental health counseling to help with minor or major life problems feel better five times faster than those who attempt to do alone.
At Pediatric and Adult Behavioral Counseling, our professional counselors provide you with a safe place to process thoughts and feelings without judgement. Your counselor will help you establish and meet your therapeutic goals by providing the latest psycho-education and clinical interventions while supporting you with the empathy and compassion that you need. It's an opportunity to look at your problems in a different way with someone who will respect you and your opinions.
Benefits of Mental Health Counseling for Adults
- relief from depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
- improved communication and interpersonal skills
- greater self-acceptance and self-esteem
- ability to change self-defeating behaviors/habits
- better expression and management of emotions, including anger
- increased confidence and decision-making skills
- ability to manage stress effectively
- improved problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
- greater sense of self and purpose
- empowerment to grieve and promote self from victim to survivor of trauma
- ability to explore and change self defeating behaviors
- be free from thoughts of self harm, suicide, homicide, and negative self worth
- overcome obstacles that one may feel stuck
- improve relationships
- and more
If you are interested in starting your journey to improve your overall mental wellness, please contact us to schedule your private and 100% confidential session with one of our professional counselors. Thank you and we look forward to helping you.