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Trevor’s friend kept insisting: Wellbutrin XL along with therapy significantly helped his depression. So a month ago, Trevor began taking an antidepressant (but skipped therapy). When asked about his progress, he grumbles, “Why don’t mental health treatments work for everyone?”
Do you think a few therapy sessions will lead you to happiness like everyone else? Expecting to achieve ‘normalcy’ can result in deep disappointment.
Like many Americans (and Trevor), you might come to the realization that one treatment alone isn’t enough to alleviate your mental distress.
Despite ongoing research into various conditions, why aren’t more individuals finding relief? Let’s explore some reasons why mental health treatments may seem ineffective.
The best results come from combining medication and therapy
Some individuals may perceive medication as a more cost-effective option compared to therapy sessions, which can lead to the misconception that it is a quick fix. Medications might seem to offer rapid relief, but effective treatment relies on your commitment to maintain the medication and work with a good therapist until you can start tapering off.
For example, a lack of serotonin may contribute to depression. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) can assist your body in utilizing the natural serotonin available. However, you may also need help to tackle ingrained negative thought patterns resulting from low serotonin levels.
Combining different treatment approaches could yield results up to 75% better, helping you build stronger mental health.
Therapy or meds: it’s not just luck
Psychiatric medications yield better outcomes when paired with proper therapeutic guidance that fosters self-awareness and positive actions.
A treatment strategy that focuses only on medications may lack comprehensive benefits, while combining them with effective counseling could be a successful approach. Furthermore, discussing any side effects or lack of progress with your healthcare provider is crucial, as finding the right prescription may require some trial and error.
If you’ve had success with medication before and choose to incorporate therapy into your regimen, it’s essential to find the right therapist—just as mismatched prescriptions can hinder progress.
Thus, success in therapy hinges on pairing the right medication with compatible counseling that aligns with your healing journey.
Misperceptions about “normal”
Do you think a few therapy sessions will transform you into a happy person like everyone else? Expecting to reach a state of “normalcy” can lead to significant disappointment. Therapy doesn’t “fix” you or ensure you conform.
Healthy expectations from therapy involve gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and learning to coexist more comfortably within your surroundings and capabilities. With 15% of the adult workforce facing a mental health condition, healing often involves discovering various ways to manage your situation.
Societal expectations of “improvement”
You might have lost confidence in therapy because others may question why you haven’t improved after a few medications and a brief chat with a therapist. They may not comprehend your journey, and by imposing their idea of what “better” means, society can undermine your healing process.
Progress is a personal metric. When you focus on external opinions about how much you’ve accomplished or how little you’ve progressed, you might feel discouraged and miss out on important breakthroughs.
The biomedical perspective
There’s a tendency in science to treat the brain like a machine with predictable parts. Just as you wouldn’t expect car parts that fit one model to work in another, there are specific medical standards for what “functioning” looks like. Perhaps your brain is like a Ford engine in a Tahoe, requiring ongoing and in-depth therapy for you and your therapist to truly understand.
Our complex brain: generic solutions won’t suffice
Generic solutions or thinking have no place in therapy. Treating the brain as a predictable entity can be misleading and may lead to the belief that mental health treatment doesn’t work because it disregards the individuality of the person facing these symptoms, instead labeling them as “diseased” needing a “cure.” Mental health is fundamentally about you, not an external fix.
Finding successful mental health treatment
So, how can you discover therapy that resonates with you? First, understand that the primary catalyst for healing is you. Improving your mental health isn’t about conforming to societal standards. It becomes essential to acknowledge that you must explore your inner self and take action to live a fulfilling life.
Modern medicine is a part of the equation for self-discovery and proactive change. Therapy is another piece, but how you integrate them depends on your personal circumstances.
For instance, studies examining mental health issues in Native Americans often offer a partial perspective because researchers applied measurement methods suited for other groups. Similarly, your cultural background, historical experiences, and family dynamics play a vital role in your well-being, making it essential for any effective therapy to consider these factors.
The right treatment provider will attentively listen to your concerns and collaborate with you to form a plan that leads you toward mental health and wellness. They should act as a partner, not as someone merely pushing you to do more.
Compatible therapists provide empathy, direction, and genuine concern. If yours dismisses your worries about a medication or fails to adjust their approach when it isn’t beneficial, it may be time to seek a more supportive professional.
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If you find that certain conversations aren’t supportive, they might not be suitable for your healing process.
A more effective way to approach your journey
Rather than depending solely on a single method, create a well-rounded and inclusive strategy to enhance your mindset and overall health. Treatment through therapy and medication shouldn’t be viewed as one-time fixes for your mental wellness. Instead of selecting just one, consider incorporating both along with:..
- Journaling: Keeping a gratitude journal can positively influence your self-image and overall well-being.
- Movement: Often, psychosomatic symptoms emerge as signals from your mind needing attention, yet many people overlook these cues. Engage in non-judgmental forms of exercise to alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Connection: Having a supportive friend or empathetic partner can provide comfort during tough times. Discussing your feelings and participating in uplifting activities can assist in your self-healing journey.
Enhancing your mental health treatments
If you feel that mental health treatments aren’t effective for you, it might be due to a lack of a holistic approach. A treatment plan that takes into account your health, context, culture, and individuality could be more beneficial.
Just like a reliable pair of running shoes can aid you in navigating life’s marathon, mental health treatment requires your active effort to achieve mental well-being.
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Beth is the mental health editor at Body+Mind, with over five years of experience writing about behavioral health, particularly mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. She also delves into how human design can unlock our full potential and purpose. Follow her on X @bodymindmag.