By: Joshua Finley

Your mental wellness is one of your precious resources, so when outpatient treatment doesn’t seem to work, take note. The human body stores emotions and often signals that something isn’t quite right, causing pain or discomfort to get attention. If your regular outpatient therapy sessions haven’t been giving you the boost they used to, it’s time to assess things. Recognizing this difference is crucial and a positive step toward advocating for your mental health and long-term well-being. 

Inability to Participate in Normal Daily Functions

One major signal that increased mental health support is needed is losing the ability to function normally. If you’re unable to get out of bed, work, or engage with your family, mental health rehab can help. Look out for signs like the inability to manage your personal responsibilities like work, school, and family needs consistently. Skipping basic self-care tasks like washing your hair, eating lunch, or drinking enough water may indicate the need for more support. 

Checking into a treatment center may feel extreme, or present challenges regarding who will manage things while you’re gone. However, if you’re unable to participate in life fully, you’re already missing out on life. Lean on your family and friends to manage the basics while you take care of your mental health.

Frequent Crises Events or Episodes

The occasional meltdown happens to everyone, but if a manic or depressive event becomes commonplace, get help. If you’re in a crisis that requires hospitalization or an intervention, it’s an indicator that your current treatment isn’t sufficient. These events zap the energy out of you in the moment and take days or even weeks to normalize. They also are taxing on your support system, meaning that during your vulnerable moments, everyone is drained. Plus, too many crisis events may cause your recovery to backslide, extending the healing process into dangerous territory. 

Worsening Symptoms

Your therapist uses an assessment tool to determine the severity of your mental health condition. While your rating may not be a peak agenda item in your discussions, it’s likely included in your post-visit notes. Look for worsening symptoms, like more days in a depressed or anxious state, feelings of hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts.

The onset of panic attacks, outbursts, or disassociation can mean your condition isn’t well-managed and your treatment needs revised. If you have thoughts of self-harm, causing harm to others, or dangerous thoughts, check into inpatient treatment. It may feel like you’re not making progress when your symptoms get worse, but recognizing that truth is a big step toward managing them.

The Appearance of New Symptoms

In addition to current symptoms getting worse, it is possible for new side effects to develop. If you start to notice the appearance of new symptoms, it may mean that your condition isn’t well-managed. Your condition may be deteriorating to the extent that it’s manifesting worsening behaviors. Without a revision to your treatment plan, environment, or both, you could spiral out of control. Review your symptoms with your current provider and discuss your experience with your loved ones to make an informed decision. 

Lack of Progress or Regression

Participating in therapy for your lifetime isn’t a bad thing, and many people enjoy it for life. However, if it feels like you’re in a standstill with your treatment, you may need a change. Sometimes, taking time away from daily responsibilities or your toxic environment is necessary for you to let your guard down. In many cases, this guarded behavior is a protective response that’s rooted in trauma. By relinquishing your normal environment for a time, you can focus on treatment and recovery without distractions. 

Participating in High-Risk or Out-of-Character Behaviors

There’s nothing wrong with having a little fun, but if you start to act out, it may be a cry for help. Sometimes, you may not even realize what you’re doing, especially if you’re prone to disassociation. If you’re suddenly saying “yes” to offers of drugs or engaging in atypical sexual behaviors, you may be in danger. Dangerous driving, shoplifting, and provoking fights are also red flags indicating you need more help. Seeking pleasure isn’t wrong, but when you’re managing your mental health, recklessness can’t be ignored. 

Unmanageable Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Unavoidable Trauma Exposure

When you’ve been exposed to trauma, you can’t control your response to repeat exposure until you heal. If your home situation is triggering or your professional environment is the source of trauma, distance is essential. Outpatient treatment can provide you with the necessary break from a toxic environment with support to help you recover. Facilities specializing in family, first-responder, or sexual trauma can place you with focused treatment specific to your triggering event. These treatment centers can customize your care and create exposure plans to help you better manage future trauma exposure. 

Compassionate Care and Focused Treatment Can Make All the Difference

Dedicated, caring, and well-trained professionals are ready and waiting to provide care for those who need it. When your mental wellness is in question, turn to the experts with the right tools, resources, and facilities to support you. Managing your mental health can take a toll but getting more intensive care is a sign of strength, not weakness. By recognizing the signs that you need inpatient care, you can make an informed decision that elevates your wellbeing. With a dedicated care team and time to focus on your treatment plan, recovery is possible.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Published By: Aize Perez