Introduction
The issue of mental health and it’s associated illnesses that can affect anyone at anytime is a big issues all around the world, particularly in developed nations. We live in a fast-paced environment that can be trying and stressful at the best of times. Add that on top of the fact that some people are born with or are at risk to develop mental illness to begin with and a serious social dilemma appears. Mental illness does not discriminate. While it is true that some people may inherit a disorder at birth or develop one during childhood because a parent or other family member has a mental illness, that does not mean that any person is not at risk to develop some sort of mental health issue at some point in their lives. No matter your age, sex, race or social status, there are many things that can contribute to a mental illness. An allergic reaction to a medication, recreational drug use, heavy drinking or a traumatic event such as a marriage break up, loss of a loved one of loss of employment can all contribute to mental health problems. Some mental illnesses are temporary while others are a lifelong battle. Fortunately all are treatable and some are even curable with the right counselling and medication. A mental health social worker is someone who works in the health care field and works with people who are suffering from mental illness.
History
No matter what your scenario, a mental health social worker can help you learn more about your illness, learn how to cope with it, learn how to treat it and learn how to control it. The first step is recognizing that you have a problem and committing yourself to getting help to deal with it. This is not always easy because you may not want to admit you have a problem due to the stigma that is attached. A mental health social worker will never judge you or attach any stigma to your illness. They are there to help you and support you.
Features
A mental health social worker will set up an appointment with you to meet you and determine your issues and your individual needs. Once this is determined, a mental health social worker will continue to work with you until you no longer need their assistance. Basically, they will determine if you need to be hospitalized for some time, medicated or just simply need counselling. Sometimes they may even refer to a doctor if needed but will continue to work with you as well.
Tips and comments
All the information that is collected by a mental health social worker is, of course, kept confidential. The only case where information about you may be released to another party besides a health care practitioner is if you present yourself as a threat to yourself or anyone else. Once your sessions with a mental health practitioner are done, they will still provide follow-up to make sure you are doing fine. Of course, you can start sessions again at any time if the need arises.
