Integrated,Whole-Person Care

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. However, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same. For example, a person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being. 

Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. For instance, depression increases the risk of many physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (CDC, 2021). Similarly, chronic conditions can increase the risk of mental illness.

Mental health changes over time, depending on many factors. Changes can occur when life demands exceed resources and coping abilities. For example, mental health changes may happen when working long hours, caring for a relative, or experiencing economic hardship. 

Many people benefit from psychotherapy, also called therapy or counseling. Most treatments last for a short time and focus on your thoughts, feelings, and life issues. In some cases, understanding past experiences can help, but finding ways to address what is happening now can support coping and preparing for future challenges.

A therapist assists with learning skills to cope with life, changing behaviors that cause problems, and finding solutions. A therapist or counselor usually holds credentials as an LCSW, LPC, APRN, or psychologist. During therapy sessions, clients work one-on-one with their therapist to explore thoughts and feelings, identify patterns, and develop practical strategies to manage challenges and improve mental wellness.

Some common therapy goals include: 

• Making sense of past painful events
• Identifying triggers
• Overcoming fears or insecurities
• Coping with stress
• Getting healthier
• Having better relationships 
• Understanding why something bothers you and creating a plan to deal with it
• Quitting smoking and stopping drug and alcohol use