Most mental healthcare providers employ counseling and/or medication-based interventions to improve their clients’ mental wellbeing—counseling and medication are cornerstones of the mental healthcare system. These proven, effective methods are especially helpful when mental health symptoms are severe. Alternative methods like self-help and psychoeducation–essential components of prevention and early intervention–should not be overlooked.
A. Medication
Psychiatric medications are substances prescribed by a psychiatrist or medical doctor for the treatment of mental health symptoms. Medication is commonly viewed as the most effective treatment of mental health disorders. This is true in the case of chronic disorders that require ongoing treatment (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and so forth). Likewise, medication can be an effective crisis intervention tool for preventing harm to oneself or others. For most cases, however, medication is meant to relieve symptoms enough so that nonmedical interventions can be applied, such as counseling.
B. Counseling
When people consider seeking treatment for a mental health concern, counseling is commonly their first thought. Counseling is the treatment of personal, social, and/or psychological issues. For counseling to be effective, the counselor should be qualified, meaning they received the proper education, training, and certification to provide ethical counseling services. The counselor has many diverse roles depending on their theoretical perspective(s); generally, all counselors provide professional guidance to those seeking help with their mental health symptoms.
C. Psychoeducation
Concepts such as The Cognitive Triangle–or the link between thoughts, emotions, and behavior–helps explain how the mind operates. “Why can’t I fall asleep at night due to constant rumination?” or “why do I always make hurtful choices when I’m angry?” Un-learning these harmful habits is just as important as learning new, positive strategies for coping. To make these changes, individuals require more knowledge and practice! Psychoeducation involves any learning experience that helps a person to understand their mental health and how to cope with psychological obstacles in their life. Some psychoeducational resources include (a) lessons on mindfulness, acceptance, mind-body connection, (b) books and websites about psychology, (c) mental health content creators, and many more.
D. Self-Help
Self-help refers to the use of one’s own efforts and resources to achieve psychological relief and healing. Simply put, self-help is the practice of “filling you cup” to maintain mental peace and clarity. There are an infinite number of possibilities when it comes to self-help, and everyone’s approach will look different. Some self-help examples are (a) relying on family or close friends for emotional support, (b) using personal hobbies/interests to cope with stress, (c) recognizing personal limits or boundaries to reduce harmful influences, and so on. Though self-help is typically self-directed, individuals who need assistance to explore this domain can seek guidance via counseling or locate psychoeducational resources concerning popular self-help activities.
E. Combination
The most effective approach to wellness is a combination of methods tailored to each client’s unique needs, interests, and lifestyle.
- For individuals with significant impairment of daily functioning, a combination of medication and counseling are recommended. After crisis or chronic symptoms have been addressed, the exploration of psychoeducational and self-help resources can begin.
- For individuals with moderate impairment of daily functioning, medication may not be required. A short-term counseling intervention could address specific concerns and provide guidance on independent psychoeducational and self-help practices for continued maintenance and growth.
- For individuals considered “mentally healthy,” they can still benefit from psychoeducation and self-help. Mental wellness is a fluid process, meaning it changes day-to-day depending on one’s choices and life circumstances. To proactively prepare for any future crises, include psychoeducation and self-help as part of your daily routine! Staying informed and understanding when/how to “fill your cup” will help maintain your wellbeing no matter what obstacles lie ahead.
MIND the First Step 