Mental health disorders have been misunderstood for centuries. Historically, individuals suffering from mental health disorders were persecuted because they were viewed as witches or possessed by demons. Hippocrates was the first mental health pioneer, believing in changing a person’s environment and treating them with medications of the time. Modern mental health advocacy can be traced back to Dorthea Dix, a 19th-century activist who challenged the norms of mental health treatment by advocating for better conditions in mental institutions and more humane treatment of those with mental illness.
For decades, individuals who did not fit into the norms of society were institutionalized because we did not have the knowledge or understanding of mental health disorders that we have today. As recently as 50 years ago, people viewed common mental health disorders like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder as mysterious, untreatable conditions. Thankfully, scientific advances have shed light on mental health disorders and given rise to adult mental health treatment centers like Rose Hill Center.
If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of mental health that impact your daily functioning, Rose Hill Center is here to help. Contact us at 866.367.0220.
Understanding the Science Behind Mental Health
Mental health issues are not new, and rates of conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD have been rising for decades, particularly among our nation’s youth. Untreated childhood mental health disorders impact development and lead to long-term issues. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 17% of children and one in five adults experience mental health challenges annually.
The causes of mental health disorders have long been questioned and debated. While the exact cause of most mental health conditions is yet to be pinpointed, scientific research points to the notion that most mental health disorders result from biological, physiological, and environmental risk factors.
Essentially, the more risk factors a person has, the more likely they are to experience mental health disorders. Examples of these risk factors include:
- Genetics
- Brain chemistry
- Childhood trauma
- Environment
- Negative thinking
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Unhealthy habits
Sometimes mental health disorders develop gradually, and other times they can develop acutely in response to specific triggers. These risk factors do not just influence who will potentially develop a mental health condition but the severity of symptoms.
Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatment
While the science behind the causes of mental health disorders continues to be evaluated and fine-tuned, the science behind mental health treatments is flourishing. Evidence-based mental health treatment refers to therapeutic interventions and practices that have been backed by scientific evidence as being effective.
Multiple scientific studies and extensive research have been conducted on therapeutic approaches that have been proven effective for treating a wide range of mental health disorders. These evidence-based treatment modalities include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Exposure therapy
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Interpersonal therapy
- Family therapy
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- EMDR therapy
- Neurofeedback therapy
None of these therapies are 100% effective on their own. Mental health conditions are complex, particularly when individuals have co-occurring disorders, which is often the case. Comprehensive mental health therapy involves combining multiple evidenced-based treatments with holistic approaches to create a treatment plan catered to each person’s unique needs, circumstances, and treatment goals.
Contact Rose Hill Center for Adult Mental Health Treatment
On our 400-acre campus in Holly, Michigan, Rose Hill Center offers top-rated comprehensive adult mental health treatment. Residents receive individualized treatment customized to their unique needs. We utilize the most current evidence-based, holistic therapies designed to promote mental, physical, and spiritual healing.
At Rose Hill Center, our low resident-to-staff ratios ensure that each individual is well-known to their treatment team members and has easy access to care providers around the clock. If you are struggling with mental health issues, you must know that you are not alone, and we are here to help. Contact Rose Hill Center at 866.367.0220 to learn how you can benefit from our adult mental health treatment programs to live the life you deserve.
