Mental health illnesses can take a significant toll on individuals and their families. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms of mental health issues can become increasingly more difficult to manage. Fortunately, mental health screening has made it possible for early intervention and, ultimately, better long-term outcomes for patients. Mental health screening is not only a useful tool for diagnosis and treatment but also helps reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Through mental health screening, affected individuals can be identified and provided with the support they need to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
In this blog, we will explore the importance of mental health screening and how it can help to inform early intervention. We will discuss the various screening methods, the benefits of screening, and the challenges of early detection. Above all, we will emphasize the importance of mental health screening in order to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden of mental illness on patients and their families.
Mental Health Screening – What is It?
Mental health screening is the process of identifying potential mental health problems through the use of standardized questionnaires, interviews, or assessments. The purpose of mental health screening is to detect mental health issues early on in order to provide appropriate treatment and support. Mental health screenings can be done in a variety of settings, including mental health care centers, schools, and workplaces.
Common mental health disorders that can be screened include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Depression
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Eating Disorders
If you or someone you love are going through a tough time, remember that you are not alone. Mental health screening is an important step in early intervention, and it can work to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
The Mental Health Screening Process: What Happens?
Mental health screening is a complex process that takes place over a period of time. Several tests are needed to assess mental health properly, and affected individuals may undergo a number of screenings. Mental Health Screenings involve various test forms, including:
1. Mental Evaluation
Mental evaluations are used to assess the current state of a person’s mental health. This can be accomplished through a series of interviews and questionnaires designed to reveal signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health difficulties. These tests can also reveal whether there is a family history of psychological problems or substance abuse.
2. Personal and Family History
The medical health professional conducting the screening will ask the person questions about how long the symptoms were there, the family’s history, and some treatments they had. During a mental health screening, patients are asked about occupation, family life, lifestyle, traumatic experiences, and childhood to determine any root cause of mental health issues like PTSD or generalized anxiety disorder. It is also vital to tell the mental health care provider of any prescription drugs that you are using, substance abuse, or excessive alcohol consumption.
3. Physical Exams
This exam may include blood tests to identify if a physical disorder is causing mental health problems like thyroid diseases. It also helps you to see what areas in the body need the utmost care.
4. Cognitive Evaluation
Mental health exams include an assessment of a patient’s ability to remember information, focus and ability to solve problems, think and reason clearly, as well as their ability to perform daily tasks.
Mental Health Screenings: Who Can Conduct Them?
Mental health screenings can take place in several settings and may be conducted by various health professionals. These professionals include:
1. Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They can evaluate a person’s mental health, prescribe medication and offer other forms of treatment.
2. Psychologists
Psychologists are mental health professionals with expertise in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They can offer psychotherapy and assess a patient’s mental health through the use of questionnaires and interviews.
3. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
This type of counselor specializes in the treatment of both mental and emotional issues. LCSWs are trained to assess the mental health of patients. While they do not prescribe medicines, they are trained in different therapeutic methods and treatments, such as therapy, nutritional counseling, stress management, and more.
In addition, there are also mental health screenings online that are reliable. Online screening is a great start to gathering basic details when diagnosing mental health issues. But it is advisable to consult with a professional for a full evaluation.
When Should You Consult a Mental Health Professional?
Consulting a professional for a mental health screening is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it is an act of self-care and a sign of strength. So, when to consult a mental health professional? What symptoms and signs should you watch out for in a loved one to determine whether they are experiencing a mental health illness? Here are some signs of mental illness and when to consult a professional.
1. Depression
A depressed person may withdraw from school or their friends, struggle to carry out normal day-to-day tasks, express feelings of hopelessness, feel worthless or helpless, feel guilty about their own actions and the actions of others, have difficulty sleeping and have low self-esteem.
2. Anxiety
Anxiety sufferers experience a constant sense of fear, dread, or unease. They may feel nervous, have trouble sleeping, and worry too much.
3. Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a substance used to affect the central nervous system (CNS). It is commonly abused by teens and young adults because it has a calming effect when consumed. It is abused in an attempt to relieve anxiety, stress, or depression and can cause cognitive impairment in the long term if not treated properly.
4. Suicide
It is the act of intentionally taking one’s own life. A person who is suicidal may want to end their pain or despair. They can also be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which can affect their ability to make rational decisions and impair judgment.
5. Aggressive Behavior
People may exhibit aggressive behavior when frustrated, angry, or depressed. This can include:
- Shouting or physically tormenting someone
- Using physical force to harm others
When you notice sustained and repetitive behavior within your loved one, it is important to seek help from a professional as soon as possible. Symptoms of mental health disorders can escalate rapidly and become fatal in the case of suicide, so you must be proactive about your loved one’s well-being.
What to Do When They don’t Accept Help
Most of the time, people who suffer symptoms of mental illness will not accept that they need help. They are most likely afraid that people will judge them because of their condition. They might even feel self-conscious or embarrassed by their symptoms, and thus, they keep it to themselves. So when they refuse help, you mustn’t pressure them because this will only push them away and make them feel worse.
But if they are adamant about not accepting help, then you must do the following:
- Explain that you care about them and want to understand and help them in any way you can.
- Discuss the importance of seeking professional help and how this can greatly benefit their mood, health, and well-being. Reassure them that taking a mental health screening is not a sign of weakness.
- Seek the help of a professional counselor with experience working with patients suffering from mental health problems to assist you in convincing your loved one to seek help.
- Offer to accompany them to a mental health screening or a psychotherapist.
- Don’t let them feel as though they are different from others; remind them that everyone goes through difficult times and that their condition is not a result of something they did wrong.
- Engage them in a conversation about their mental health, offer to listen, and provide good company.
- Encourage your loved one to talk about their problems and let them know you are here for them if they ever want to talk about anything related to their illness. This will help them open up more and make the subject of their illness more comfortable.
The Benefits of Mental Health Screening?
Mental health screening can help identify individuals who may be at risk for a mental health disorder, allowing for early intervention and treatment. Regular mental health screenings can also help individuals with existing mental health conditions manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Also, early intervention and treatment can lead to cost savings in the long term, as untreated mental health conditions can lead to more serious and costly problems. Additionally, mental health screenings can help reduce mental health stigma and encourage people to seek help.
Where Can You Go for Help When Seeking Mental Health Screening?
Undiagnosed mental illness can cause serious problems, but a person needs to seek help from a professional to get diagnosed and receive adequate treatment. Conditions such as depression, for example, can only be treated effectively with professional counseling and medication.
As mentioned before, it is advisable to consult a mental health expert for a full evaluation. Hanei Health Solutions is a trusted mental health care provider that offers Mental Health Screening services. The screening process involves evaluating the individual’s physical, emotional and social well-being and assessing the individual’s overall level of functioning. Through the screening, mental health professionals are able to identify any underlying mental health issues that may need to be addressed. The Mental Health Screening conducted by Hanei Health Solutions is comprehensive and tailored to the individual’s needs. It will provide an in-depth assessment of the individual’s mental health and can be used to develop an effective treatment plan if needed. Contact us today if you want to learn more about the Mental Health Screening process and how it can benefit your loved one.
