Mental health disorders encompass a variety of conditions that affect how people think, feel, and behave. A mental health disorder can have a significant impact on someone’s relationships, well-being, and ability to function on a daily basis.
Mental health conditions are very common. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. suffer from a mental health disorder. Fortunately, mental health conditions are highly treatable, and there is no shame in reaching out for help.
At Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, located in Indio, California, we provide compassionate and person-centered mental health treatment for adults age 18 and older. Our patients take part in high-quality programming in a therapeutic environment to establish a foundation for lasting healing.
Signs & Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders can manifest in a variety of ways. It’s important to remember that they are medical conditions, and they can affect anyone. Seeking professional help at a mental health treatment facility like Coachella Valley Behavioral Health is critical if you or someone you know is displaying signs or experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly improve a person’s quality of life and well-being.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), signs and symptoms that may indicate that someone might be struggling with a mental health disorder include:
- Persistent sadness
- Mood changes
- Withdrawal from social activities, friends, and family
- Increased irritability and agitation
- Changes in eating and sleep patterns
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Excessive worry and anxiety
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Low self-esteem
- Decreased interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harming behaviors
If you have some of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that you have a mental health disorder. However, if these symptoms interfere with your daily life or cause you distress, we encourage you to seek professional treatment.
Mental Health Disorder Statistics
A considerable number of adults in the U.S. suffer from mental health concerns. Even though mental health disorders are common, many people do not seek treatment. NAMI reveals the following data:
- In 2021, only 47.2% of adults in the U.S. who had a mental health condition actually received treatment.
- 164 million people live in areas throughout the U.S. that have limited to no access to mental health professionals.
- 33.5% of adults in the U.S. struggle with a substance use disorder in addition to a mental health concern.
- Individuals who have a mental health disorder are at a 40% higher risk for developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the following statistics on mental health conditions in the U.S.:
- 12.5% of adults age 18 and older experience frequent feelings of anxiety, worry, and nervousness.
- 57.2 million adults in the U.S. visited a doctor for a mental health concern in 2019.
- In 2021, 5.8 million individuals visited an emergency room for an acute mental or behavioral health concern.
These statistics highlight the need for comprehensive, person-centered mental health disorder treatment. At Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, we offer premier inpatient treatment for adults who have mental health concerns.
Causes of & Risk Factors for Mental Health Disorders
A combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors can contribute to the development of a mental health disorder. For example, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder tend to run in families. If someone experiences a traumatic event, such as abuse, violence, or the death of a loved one, they may develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
Having a medical condition like chronic pain, cancer, or certain neurological disorders can put someone at risk for suffering from a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression. Fluctuations in hormones, living in a stressful or unstable environment, and facing significant life changes can also contribute to the development of certain mental health conditions.
Not everyone who has these risk factors will develop a mental health disorder. However, some people may be more susceptible to developing mental health disorders based on their genetics, environment, and level of social support. Getting therapy can help people effectively manage the mental health disorder symptoms they are experiencing. Early intervention by qualified professionals improves outcomes for individuals who have mental health concerns.
Effects of Untreated Mental Health Disorders
An untreated mental health disorder can have a significant impact on someone’s overall well-being and quality of life. If a person does not receive treatment for a mental health concern, they might experience a number of negative effects, such as:
- A decline in physical health: If someone has an untreated mental health disorder, they may eat poorly, fail to exercise, and suffer from disrupted sleep patterns.
- Strained relationships: Mental health disorders can strain relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, social withdrawal, and difficulty communicating can lead to conflicts with loved ones.
- Impaired work and academic performance: Mental health disorders can impact cognitive functioning, concentration, and motivation, leading to job loss, academic underachievement, and missed career opportunities.
- Financial difficulties: If someone has an untreated mental health disorder, they may struggle to maintain employment and manage their finances effectively.
- Worsening symptoms of mental health disorders: When people don’t receive treatment for mental health disorders, many symptoms tend to worsen over time.
Some individuals who have untreated mental health disorders may turn to substances, such as drugs or alcohol, as a way to self-medicate and cope with their symptoms. This can lead to addiction and further health problems. Additionally, some people might be at increased risk for self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts if they don’t receive treatment for a mental health concern.
Seeking help at a mental health treatment center like Coachella Valley Behavioral Health can significantly improve someone’s mental health and quality of life. Early intervention is often associated with better outcomes, so it is essential to reach out for help if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder.
The Benefits of Mental Health Disorder Treatment
Effective treatment for mental health disorders can lead to significant improvement in someone’s well-being. Throughout treatment, individuals can learn communication skills and how to manage their symptoms in healthier, more productive ways. Group therapy sessions can give patients an opportunity to gain insights into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Patients can also learn coping strategies to manage stress and difficult emotions and receive encouragement from qualified mental health professionals.
Additional benefits of receiving mental health treatment may include:
- Improved physical health
- Increased productivity
- Enhanced interpersonal skills
- Reduction in risky behaviors
- Improved self-esteem
When someone receives mental health treatment, they can develop a greater sense of happiness, life satisfaction, and fulfillment. Seeking help for a mental health concern is a courageous and proactive step toward a life of continued wellness.
Therapies Used in Mental Health Disorder Treatment
At Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, we believe that people can find healing from mental health disorders through evidence-based treatment. Each patient comes to us with unique needs and goals, and we strive to help them stabilize and regain a sense of safety. We offer the following therapies at our Indio, California, mental health treatment center:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy method is highly effective in helping adults who have mental health concerns identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can help individuals develop practical coping skills, problem-solving techniques, and stress management strategies.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Through DBT, patients can learn how to understand and regulate their emotions through mindfulness practices. This therapy method can help people reduce impulsive and self-destructive behaviors and improve their interpersonal relationships.
- Motivational interviewing (MI): This collaborative therapy method can be particularly effective for individuals who struggle with change. MI can help people explore their own motivations for change and increase their readiness for making positive lifestyle choices.
- Solution-focused therapy: This short-term therapeutic approach focuses on helping individuals identify and work toward solutions for specific challenges in their lives.
Patients engage in various group therapies throughout their stay with us. Each patient receives an individualized care plan that outlines which groups they may take part in during treatment. The groups we offer at our Indio, California, mental health treatment facility may include:
- Process groups
- Psychoeducational groups
- Skills development groups
- Trauma support groups
Patients can also engage in experiential therapies during their time with us. These therapies may include recreational therapy, art and music therapy, and yoga. All our therapies are led by qualified professionals, including nurses, licensed therapists, certified recreational therapists, and yoga instructors. Many individuals benefit from participating in a combination of these therapies as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health.