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I see a lot of the neurotypicals around me experiencing mental health problems for the first time. If this is you, in this thread I’ll tell you a little about what to expect when you seek help because I don’t see anybody else talking about this. 1/
Expect it to take some time for therapy to work. Be aware it can take considerably more time than insurance companies/public healthcare programs will pay for. 2/
Expect to try multiple providers, types of providers, and treatments before you find the right one (or the right combo). It took me at least 6 therapists to find the right one, and the right combination of meds took about 5 years. YMMV. 3/
Expect the process of therapy to be difficult and painful sometimes. You may be emotional or exhausted after sessions, so avoid scheduling anything afterward that would require you not to be. 4/
Expect things to get worse before they get better. Often the process involves breaking down unhealthy coping mechanisms, which can leave you with straight up fewer coping mechanisms for a while. 5/
If you think a diagnosis/treatment is incorrect (especially if you think the real problem is rarer or more complex than doctors realise), understand vigorous self-advocacy is often required in such situations. 6/
You will need to learn to use judgment about when things are getting worse before they get better and when the treatment you’re receiving is actually detrimental, which is also more common than you think. (I can’t help with this in a tweet.) 7/
Understand that one of the ways mental illness resists treatment is that many conditions make you think your condition is unique or untreatable. 8/
Expect it to take time to find a therapist or psychiatrist who is accepting clients or who takes your insurance. It can take several weeks or even months to get your first appointment. Don’t give up! 9/
Expect to take an active role in your own treatment. Comply with therapy even if you’re dubious it’s working (especially in the beginning). It won’t work if you don’t do the work. It’s not a broken bone where the docs do the work and you just wait. 10/
Expect hiccups with your insurance. They may ask for additional verification that certain medications are necessary, e.g.. Sadly, some plans don’t cover all diagnoses. 11/
Expect this to be an ongoing process. This isn’t always true, but mental health issues often recur and need additional/continuing treatment in the future. 12/
Remember you aren’t obligated to accept any treatment that isn’t right for you. It’s your right to refuse any treatment for any reason. 13/
It takes time to learn to navigate the mental health system, and to learn about your new condition and all the ways it affects you. 14/
I’m telling you all this not to discourage you from seeking treatment, but to remind you that the process can be more involved than you think and that doesn’t mean it’s not working, won’t work or isn’t worth it. 15/
If you’re overwhelmed or not sure where to start, some places I’d recommend are:
- your GP
- an EAP through work
- online support groups for ppl w/mental illness
- the suicide hotline in your area can often also point you to resources to get started
16/
- your GP
- an EAP through work
- online support groups for ppl w/mental illness
- the suicide hotline in your area can often also point you to resources to get started
16/
If you suffer from chronic mental illness, what advice would you give people who are experiencing it for the first time? /end
