The term behavioral health was coined almost 40 years ago. However, over time, the meaning of this word has evolved. Most people use behavioral health synonymously with mental health, although there is a difference between the two.

Mental health deals with the mental state or psychology of a person, but behavioral health deals with the habits that a person possesses, such as the eating patterns, the sleeping patterns, the lifestyle choices that they make. etc. If a person struggles with a mental health issue, it may be comorbid with behavioral health issues and physical health issues. According to estimates, 70 percent of mental health problems exist in correlation with behavioral health problems. For this reason, behavioral health treatment centers or services have become essential to combat the disease.

According to one study, about 44 million people struggle with mental health-related problems each year, but only 40 percent of them are able to receive treatment. There are several reasons why people do not seek help for mental disorders. While 60 percent of people don’t seek treatment due to the associated social stigma, others don’t seek treatment because they haven’t been diagnosed, don’t have the money, don’t have access to a credible mental health facility, or don’t have credible behavioral health. centers near them.

behavioral health services

Behavioral health services are not limited to mental health treatment programs. With its evolving scope, the range of services offered has only increased. Some of these services include:

• Psychiatric
• psychology
• mental health counseling
• Family and marriage counseling
• Substance abuse treatment, including prevention, recovery, and intervention.
• Chronic disease management

Understanding behavioral health

Behavioral health refers to the relationship between daily habits (good and bad) and how they affect physical and mental health. Ideally, good habits (healthy eating, exercise, and sleep patterns) lead to a balance between good physical and mental health. On the contrary, bad habits often lead to poor physical and mental health.

Based on the lifestyle choices made, behavioral disorders may include:

• Living in unhygienic conditions
• Eating disorder
• Social isolation
• Sleep disorder (sleeping too little or too much)
• Substance abuse, including drugs, alcohol, or chemical dependency
• Addictive behaviors such as gambling, sex, compulsive shopping, etc.

Why is it so difficult to seek treatment?

Most people do not seek help for behavior disorders because they remain in denial. They find it hard to accept that they have a problem. Some people believe that it is a choice they have made and therefore cannot be called a problem. The reasons for not seeking treatment can be innumerable and varied. Some of the other reasons may include:

• Social stigma and shame
• Fear of being judged by society.
• Not being able to recognize symptoms effectively.
• Lack of trust and support.
• Feelings of loneliness and hopelessness

What are the benefits of seeking treatment?

Behavioral health disorders are complex and require personalized treatment, but convincing patients to seek treatment is difficult. However, knowing the benefits of treatment can provide the necessary push to seek treatment. The advantages of seeking treatment are as follows:

• Improves quality of life
• Fight mental illness from the root
• Improve personal and professional relationships.
• It reduces the chances of complications, especially for addiction-related issues.
• improve productivity
• Mitigates the risk of medical problems

What are the treatment options available?

A behavioral health disorder treatment plan may be a combination of multiple therapies, the most important of which would be group therapy. Encouragement and support groups provide personal therapy that helps the patient better understand himself and his goals. Group therapy also provides patients with contacts of others who have or face similar problems. Interacting with such people helps the patient realize that he is not alone. It also provides them with the moral support they need to take care of themselves and to seek and continue treatment. However, personalized treatment programs require the efforts of multiple types of professionals. These professionals may include:

psychiatrists: These service providers can address a wide range of issues. They deal with psychiatry in various aspects, such as problems of adolescence, childhood struggles, or substance abuse. They prescribe medication to treat behavioral health disorders.

psychologists: These professionals have experience in consulting psychology. This also includes clinical psychology. They perform diagnostic work and conduct psychotherapy to treat the patient’s condition.

Social workers: They help through government-run programs. They work in a variety of fields related to children’s mental health, substance abuse, and mental health in underprivileged society.

Licensed Professional Counselors: These counselors often specialize in treating patients with psychotherapy. These professionals may focus on specific areas of behavioral health, such as family problems, substance abuse, and relationship problems.

residential treatment centers: These are inpatient treatment centers where people can reside under medical supervision 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Patients undergo a personalized treatment plan based on the severity and duration of the disorder. These centers provide a controlled environment for the treatment and combat of relapse.

When to seek help?

Behavioral health disorders should never be undermined. They must be identified as early as possible, otherwise it will affect the relationship and the productivity of the patient as they become adults. The behavioral abnormalities have affected lives. There are numerous treatment programs available to treat the disorder.