There is no part of mental illness that one could consider “easy,” and exploring your treatment options is an added challenge when it comes to navigating what works best for each individual. With the ability to do our own research online, in addition to the heightened attention to wellness that we see on various social media platforms, it can be overwhelming for someone seeking care to take that first step towards reaching out for help.
At The Mental Health Collective, we see someone’s mental health as unique to that individual, and as such, requires a tailored approach. Social media can be a wonderful source of connection and entertainment, but we urge you to view content with a critical lens and with respect for your own wellbeing, as current wellness trends can sometimes imply that seeking medical treatment is subpar to practicing other forms of self care through fitness, nutrition and “all-natural” remedies.
The reality is that while these all may be helpful for mental illness, there is much more that goes into the process of finding what works for you. It is important to remember that we are not necessarily witnessing the trials and tribulations that many social media wellness influencers or “Insta-therapists” may have endured before honing their current lifestyles and regimens. What works for them may not work for you, and that is okay.
We urge you to refrain from taking any supplements without consulting your doctor first, and with that, we implore you to share your thoughts on what you’ve seen work for others and what you are interested in trying based on your own research. There is absolutely nothing wrong with educating yourself. All we ask is that you seek reliable resources, share your questions with your doctor and that you take social media wellness fads as simply another perspective. Remember, we do not always see the full picture — i.e. a person’s genetic makeup and their treatment journey — on those platforms.
According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, “In contrast to the belief that patients’ internet research can erode the patient-physician relationship, [our] findings show that patients’ internet health information seeking has the potential to improve the relationship. Patients typically see the internet as an additional resource that can help them to better understand doctors’ recommendations and advice. Thus, it has the potential to change the structure of the traditional patient-physician relationship from one where patients perceive health care providers as the sole custodians of medical information.”
The Mental Health Collective is a partner in your mental health care, and with that, we hope that our patients will share their perspectives regarding their own wellness and treatment preferences. Whether you decide to treat your mood disorder with guided meditation, cognitive therapy, medication, or with a combination of methods, we’re here to help you find your fit.
If you or someone in your life is struggling with mental illness, it is important that you or your loved one seek professional help. The Collective is ready to talk through resources at 888.717.9355
Written By: S. Mishkin