Managing Mental and Physical Disabilities: Treatments and Strategies

Research has revealed that treating depression and chronic diseases together can be beneficial in helping people better manage both. A collaborative care approach that includes physical and mental health care can improve overall health. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can help you find effective treatments for serious mental illnesses in your area. The earlier treatment begins, the higher the chances of a better prognosis.

For confidential, anonymous help finding a specialized program near you, visit the SAMHSA Early Treatment Finder for Serious Mental Illness. Parents and healthcare providers should be on the lookout for signs of depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders (a group of conditions that can occur when someone has difficulty coping with a stressful life event) in young people and their families. It is not only physical symptoms that can affect a person, but lifestyle limits and living in constant pain can also have mental repercussions. Accurate diagnosis of asthma that begins in adulthood is essential, as symptoms can be mistaken for other disorders.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, almost one in five adults has a mental illness. The exact causes are unknown, but there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of mental illness, such as family history, brain chemistry, and significant life events, such as trauma or the death of a loved one. The programs consist of peer-led health promotion workshops taught by organizations that serve people with disabilities. This course, developed by Stanford University, is an interactive workshop for Spanish-speaking adults with all types of chronic conditions. They may have a more difficult time adjusting to their medical condition and have higher medical costs than those who do not have depression or a medical illness.

Stanford University developed this course to help people with one or more chronic conditions learn strategies to manage their condition and to have the confidence to carry them out. Use these free educational and outreach materials in your community and on social media to spread information about mental health and related topics. Chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes can increase the chances of having or developing a mental health condition. The Patient Association has some suggested questions to ask your family doctor if you have a long-term condition. In fact, research shows that individuals with long-term physical conditions are more than twice as likely to develop mental health problems.

These limitations put children and adolescents at greater risk than their healthy peers of developing mental illness. Fortunately, there are treatments available for people with mental or physical disabilities or chronic conditions that can help them manage their symptoms. Collaborative care approaches that involve both physical and mental health care can improve overall health outcomes. SAMHSA provides resources to help individuals find effective treatments for serious mental illnesses in their area. Additionally, Stanford University has developed an interactive workshop for Spanish-speaking adults with chronic conditions to learn strategies to manage their condition. It is important for parents and healthcare providers to watch for signs of depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders in young people and their families.

People with long-term physical conditions are more likely to develop mental health problems than those without them. Therefore, it is essential to use free educational materials in communities and on social media to spread awareness about mental health.