Answering the question "Am I sick enough?" when it comes to mental health doesn't need to be complicated

OREM, UT, USA, October 19, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Mountain Peaks Family Practice today announced guidelines for when to see a doctor--and when to stay home.

"If you have ever delayed treatment or denied that you need it on the basis that you're not 'sick enough', you're not alone," said Dr. Robert Durrans, primary physician and owner of Mountain Peaks Family Practice. "This is common among people with mental illnesses--especially eating disorders or other illnesses that damage your image of yourself. But putting it off because you don't fit your own image of 'real' sickness may be causing you unnecessary harm."

Why would anyone want to feel worse?
---------
People with mental illnesses, physical or mental disorders, or other psychological problems may struggle with feeling "sick enough" to seek treatment. Especially with media portrayals or with the more dramatic stories of mental illnesses like eating disorders, milder or different symptoms--or different stories--can feel invalid, or not worthy of more serious treatment. This is especially true of eating disorders. Or, stigmas in our society about attention seeking, or the cost of insurance, may deter others with different illnesses that still require treatment.

Sometimes, illnesses are a handy crutch. On one hand, the person suffering wants to keep those dangerous or self-destructive behaviors on-hand. This isn't necessarily because we like hurting ourselves; it's because whether it's anxiety or an eating disorder, there's some part of these illnesses that feels like protection. It might keep them from facing overwhelming situations on a regular basis. It might help them hide from the difficulties of day-to-day life. Or, it might feel like a safe way to express past pain or anger.

Finally, perhaps the viewpoints of others contribute to this way of thinking. Especially if one doesn't "look" or "act" a certain way, peers, friends, and family might not think they require some form of treatment. However, remember that this reaction may come from disbelief or helplessness on their part, and is not a reflection on them.

Not "sick enough" for treatment?
---------
Does one have to get worse before they can get better? People who are well, who don't need serious treatment, don't want to get worse. So, if one really wants to recover from an illness, one must challenge this thought. One's life and health may depend on it.

Durrans said, "If you struggle with getting treatment, ask yourself what crutch you're leaning on. What is your illness doing for you that keeps you getting rid of it? Or, what are you afraid of happening if you didn't have this illness? You may find that your illness makes promises it can't keep, and that you're better off treating it."

Every mental illness is valid and deserves treatment. This is true even if you:
---------
- Don't look or act like a media representation of the illness. For example, if one has an eating disorder but isn't underweight.
- Can function on a day-to-day basis
- Friends or family aren't aware of the illness
- Don't have a dramatic, "rock bottom" story about the illness
- Have never visited a therapist
- Has existing treatment or therapy that is going well
- Are a different gender/age/race/class/identity from common portrayals of your illness

Durrans said, "Remind yourself that you will never be "sick enough" when your illness damages how you view yourself. Trying to put off treatment is a sign that you may need it more than ever. If you still struggle with not feeling "sick enough," remember that you are sick. You have an illness. You are also enough. And that is reason enough to seek treatment. Be brave and reach out now."

About Mountain Peaks Family Practice
----------------
Mountain Peaks Family Practice has been servicing Utah Valley patients for many years. Since our beginnings, we have grown to be an amazing family practice today. We offer a variety of services to ensure that you and your family are properly cared for. Our services span all ages and a wide range of medical needs. We are the simple solution for families.
We understand the importance of having a team of professionally trained doctors, nurses, and staff to care for you and your family. Learn more about our personable and professional team members who look forward to assisting you with all of your healthcare needs.
To find out more about the services we offer and the doctors on staff, please visit http://mountainpeaksfamilypractice.com.

####

Mountain Peaks Spokesperson
Rainboost Digital Communications
+1 801-361-6600
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
Twitter

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.