“Which of the following was not listed as a physical barrier to mental health treatment?”

This is a question I hear asked often when suffering from anxiety, depression or other disorders. I have been asked to answer this question time and again by clients who are confused about which of the many symptoms they need to look for to confirm a diagnosis of the disorder. The truth is, there is no right or wrong answer to this question; the only correct answer is “yes” for those clients whose mental health is suffering.

The answer to this question depends upon the particular client and their unique situation.

As a mental health professional, I always instruct my patients to document their symptoms so that in the future, they can verify the presence of any psychological or mental health issues. This documentation can be as simple as a sheet of paper or an in-depth journal entry. Some people like to carry a pocket notebook with them wherever they go so that they can jot down their symptoms during their daily walk or ride in the elevator.

However, for some, there may be no need to document their mental health issues.

For example, for those people who are experiencing extreme or chronic pain, the presence of a doctor’s note or prescription is enough. For others, the presence of a referral from a doctor or care provider may be all that is needed. If someone like this ever comes into contact with a psychologist or therapist, it would not hurt to ensure that they are equipped with the proper mental health information and that they understand the difference between normal and abnormal mental health. Perhaps the most important factor is to ensure that the psychologist or therapist is qualified and practicing in the field of which they are trained.

Another common barrier to seeking psychological help is the belief.

That the symptoms they are experiencing are the result of something beyond their control. To an outside observer, these individuals may appear to simply be going through the normal process of life. This is not necessarily true. Because the majority of mental health issues begin within the brain, these individuals often feel that there is no way that they could possibly be creating such intense symptoms. Although the symptoms they are experiencing are often very real, oftentimes they can be reduced or eliminated by making changes to their lifestyle. For example, those who are addicted to drugs often believe that they are the only ones that suffer from drug cravings or withdrawal.

Often, the root cause of mental health issues is not something that an individual is able to control.

A major component of treating mental health issues is ensuring that the patient has access to the information, support, and tools that they need to manage their mental health on their own. Without access to these resources, the barriers to recovery become even more pronounced. Fortunately, many of these mental health resources are available online.

In short, it is important for those in recovery to think about which of the following was not listed as a barrier to mental health treatment? If you are ready for a mental health treatment plan, you do not have to wait. There are many resources available to help you regain your sense of personal fulfillment and improve your quality of life. These websites are staffed with licensed mental health professionals who understand how difficult it can be to overcome any mental health obstacles that you may face. Regardless of whether your greatest challenge is coping with a disorder or addiction, or simply finding the strength to continue on with your life, there is help available for you.