People often take having good mental health for granted. When it begins to slip and they have concerns, they often wonder, “Why is my mental health getting worse?” What can also happen is a person who has dealt with mental health disorders and made progress begins to feel themselves losing ground. When either situation occurs, it can cause concern. The good news is recognizing what’s going on is the first step to correcting the course. Montare Behavioral Health of Tucson explores why people experience a drop in good mental health and effective ways to handle it.
Why is My Mental Health Getting Worse?
The question, “Why is my mental health getting worse?” can be perplexing and doesn’t have just one simple answer. Several factors can contribute to this problem. Talking to a mental health professional can help a person identify their particular issues. Some common reasons include the following:
Life Circumstances
Someone can be doing well when it comes to managing symptoms of mental illnesses like depression or anxiety. Then, life begins to present challenging situations that make it difficult to keep an even emotional keel. Examples of these circumstances include job loss, the death of a loved one, financial difficulties, moving to a new location, and a breakup or divorce.
Poor Health
Someone who becomes sick with a chronic or long-term disease sometimes develops depression in part due to it. Someone who already struggles with depression may find their symptoms worsen when they face an illness.
The Need for Medication
Many prescription medications help alleviate the symptoms of all kinds of mental health disorders. When someone either does not explore this option or stops taking their medication too early, it can cause their mental illness symptoms to increase. In addition, a drug that used to work well may no longer be effective, and either an increase in the dosage or a change in medication is necessary.
Lack of Professional Help
Too often, people feel they can go it alone and control their poor mental health. Others may have sought treatment but left before they had completed enough to allow them to enjoy long-lasting stabilization. When they enter treatment either through an outpatient program or a residential facility, they are able to improve their mental health.
The After-Effects of COVID-19
Millions of people saw their mental health take a nosedive during the onset of the pandemic. For many, traveling to doctor and therapist appointments proved difficult or impossible. In addition, many people became sick with the virus, witnessed others who took ill, or they lost loved ones. Even though society has largely reopened, the after-effects of this worldwide epidemic still linger for many.
No Follow-Up Care
Once a person finishes getting professional help, they may mistakenly believe there is nothing left to do. The reality is that doing maintenance work contributes a great deal to enjoying good mental health. Options for follow-up care include individual therapy, group therapy, maintaining necessary medication usage, and participating in holistic therapy activities.
What Can I Do About My Mental Health Getting Worse?
Part of understanding why your mental health is getting worse involves getting help to find out what works best for you. Many types of therapy can be used as part of an overall plan to improve your mental health. Common types include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Individual Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Holistic Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Free Mental Health Resources
The more information a person has about how to overcome mental health challenges, the better. When someone feels their mental health has taken a downward turn, it can be beneficial to take advantage of free resources including the following:
- 988 Lifeline: free and confidential 24/7 support for people feeling suicidal or in emotional distress.
- The Trevor Project: Support for LGBTQ youth in crisis is available 24/7.
- Veterans Crisis Line: For veterans in crisis or those who want to help them. Help is available 24/7.
- Disaster Preparedness: Helps communities experiencing natural disasters find behavioral health resources. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
For more ideas and support, people can talk to their medical care providers, therapists, school counselors, and other professionals with ties to the mental health treatment community.
Contact Our Tucson Mental Health Treatment Center
Are you asking yourself, “Why is my mental health getting worse?” You may have a good idea of what’s going on or you might need help identifying the pressing issues. Either way, Montare Behavioral Health of Tucson offers highly effective residential treatment that makes a difference. We offer a comfortable living environment that feels like a safe home. While staying with us, we provide several types of talk and experiential therapies to help you make progress and feel better.
For more information about how to improve your mental health, contact us today. We are happy to have the opportunity to discuss your situation with you.
