Receiving mental health treatment is a highly individualized process. People who struggle with mental health disorders do so for different reasons and to different degrees. Symptoms vary in severity, and many people can get the help they need in less invasive settings like outpatient treatment programs. However, in some cases, people require more intensive treatment, perhaps because previous treatments failed or due to the severity of the mental health crisis. In these cases, it could be time to look for a residential mental health treatment center.
In residential mental health treatment, you will reside at the treatment center in a structured, home-like environment and will have 24/7 access to care. At the residential mental health treatment center, you will receive a combination of therapies intended to help you manage the mental health stressors of daily life. However, the first step to receiving treatment is recognizing when you or a loved one needs help. Read below for some of the signs you need residential mental health treatment.
Signs You Need Residential Mental Health Treatment
With many different options for care, it can be hard to know when residential treatment is necessary. Generally, severe mental health disorders, eating disorders, and addiction will require residential care. Still, behavioral indicators and other factors may indicate you need residential mental health treatment. Some of these factors include:
- Having tried lower levels of care, such as outpatient treatment, with no relief of symptoms
- An unsupportive, dangerous or toxic environment at home
- Difficulty finding a diagnosis
- Co-occurring disorders
- Compulsive behaviors such as gambling, shopping, or sex addictions
- Damaged relationships or social withdrawal
- Self-harm urges or thoughts of suicide
Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Oftentimes, people seek care when they’re in the midst of a mental health crisis. These are situations when a person is in danger of hurting themselves or others or cannot complete basic daily functions like eating, sleeping, or bathing. If you or a loved one is in the midst of a mental health crisis or is at risk of one, you should seek residential mental health treatment immediately. Some of the warning signs of a mental health crisis include:
- Rapid and unexplained shifts in mood or behavior
- Uncharacteristically reckless or dangerous behavior
- Experiencing brain fog regularly
- Inability to go to work, school, or social events
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Change in eating habits
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there
What to Expect in Residential Mental Health Treatment
For someone who meets the above criteria or is in the midst of a mental health crisis, a residential mental health treatment center can help. However, residential mental health treatment is understandably intimidating for many people. It can help to understand what to expect. In residential mental health treatment, you will live at the treatment center for the duration of your treatment and will be on a full schedule of treatment and therapies throughout the day.
These treatments will likely include a combination of one-on-one talk therapy, group therapy, medication, and wellness-centered holistic therapies. Each person has their own mental health struggles, so each person’s treatment will look different. However, the cornerstone of a residential treatment program will be evidence-based treatments, which focus on building new positive habits and helping you understand your mental health struggles. You will also have plenty of opportunities for rest, personal study, and recreation, which can allow you to reflect on what you’ve learned and bond with your peers.
Benefits of Residential Mental Health Treatment
There are several unique benefits of residential mental health treatment for an individual dealing with serious mental health issues. These can include:
- A safe and supportive home-like environment
- A greater degree of structure
- Longer-term care
- A wide range of treatments
- The ability to focus exclusively on recovery
- A more detailed and extensive diagnostic process
Mental health disorders are a disease like any other that requires the help and support of mental health professionals. Reap the many benefits of residential mental health treatment today in a treatment program near you.
Start on the Road to Recovery at a Residential Mental Health Treatment Center
Residential mental health treatment can be your chance to take back control of your mental health and recover safely and effectively. If you believe residential mental health treatment can help you, begin exploring your treatment options today.
