Mental health and addiction struggles are widely known throughout the world. They are issues that others have experienced, or you may have faced yourself. Neither of these issues is simple to deal with on your own, especially if they co-occur together.
When mental health and addiction are actively happening in tandem, this is normally referred to as dual diagnosis, comorbidity, or co-occurring disorders. What can someone do about these real concerns regarding their mental health or addiction, other than turn to the internet?
The Role of Technology and Media in Self-Diagnosis
Considering how social media influences everyone’s daily lives, it makes sense that most people would turn to influencers, blogs, or even AI to figure out what’s going on in their behavior. This offers quick, simple answers about what we are currently experiencing. The idea of a quick resolve is what makes self-diagnosing seem like the answer. In reality, it’s crucial to rely on professionals to get the right care and gain the lasting recovery that is needed to maintain mental wellness [1].
Related: Social Media and Mental Health
We are the trusted specialists in dual diagnosis treatment throughout the Los Angeles, California area. Contact us today to begin your journey in recovery.
What is Self-Diagnosis?
Self-diagnosing is when you try to figure out what you may be experiencing based on what is seen online or heard from others. There are countless mental health conditions and substance use disorders to relate to around us, especially on different social media platforms where people share their lived experiences and symptoms.
Although seeking a diagnosis can be a helpful first step in becoming curious about your mental health, it is not the final destination on that journey. The urge to find answers is natural and valid, but self-diagnosing can lead to bigger issues [2].
Why is self-diagnosis so popular?
- Convenience: It’s tempting to quickly find a list of symptoms online that you identify with and stop there. While it can be comforting to have an idea of the diagnosis you feel aligns with your experiences, it’s important to remember that many symptoms overlap between different mental health disorders. In some cases, the full scope of a mental health condition may be less noticeable due to these overlapping symptoms.
- Financial barriers: Finances tend to be a daunting topic when searching for mental health assistance. There are moments in life when you may no longer have health insurance, or if you do, the cost of receiving mental health services is high. This can be difficult to navigate, which is why Clear Behavioral Health works with a broad range of insurance companies so people can receive high-quality insurance-covered assistance.
- Mental health stigma: A barrier to receiving help that has been long-standing is the stigma surrounding mental health. Although a lot of progress has been made over the years to demystify the mental health industry, it can be a reason for some to not seek treatment. It’s critical to remember that asking for help is the strongest action you can take to better your future.
The Dangers of Self-Diagnosing
While it might feel helpful, self-diagnosing can cause more harm than you may realize such as:
- Misdiagnosing yourself: With so many diagnoses that have similar symptoms, it’s common to misdiagnose yourself.
- Trying unsafe treatments: Without professional advice, trying unsafe treatments has proven to be dangerous.
- Worsening addiction and mental health: When mental disorders and addiction feed off each other, untreated symptoms can spiral. The longer you do not seek professional help, the complexity of your disorder grows.
- Turning to substances: Many people try to self-medicate when dealing with mental health issues, which can lead to substance abuse and dependence over time.
Why You Need a Professional Diagnosis
Working with a professional to receive a proper diagnosis gives you a clear understanding of what conditions may be transpiring and some concrete actions for your next steps [3]. Here are a few examples of what a mental health professional will work on with you:
Mental Health Evaluation
A professional mental health clinician will use structured interviews, and standardized assessments, and comb over your family history to get a comprehensive picture of the symptoms you are experiencing. Understanding your family history and health history paints a better picture for your clinician so they can rule out any physical health issues that may be causing or mimicking symptoms.
Related: What is a Psychological Evaluation?
Substance Use Assessment
Regarding substance use, professionals go beyond the typical mental health assessments. Clinicians will help you explore your substance use history, evaluate dependency, assess withdrawal risks, and understand how your addiction impacts your daily life. With these critical details, a professional can create a treatment plan that works for you.
Related: Substance Abuse Evaluation
What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
If you struggle with a mental health condition and addiction, dual diagnosis treatment will be the most effective approach to help you recover. This approach treats both issues at the same time as they are intricately connected [4]. Ignoring one while trying to fix the other can lead to complications in your recovery.
Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Works
Dual diagnosis treatment takes an integrated approach. It ensures that both your mental health and alcohol or drug abuse are addressed together through evidence-based methods.
Key Parts of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Individual therapy: Work one-on-one with a therapist to address your personal struggles, and understand how to cope with your mental health and addiction disorder.
- Group therapy: Connect with others who understand what you are going through and improve interpersonal skills.
- Medication management: Collaborate with a psychiatric provider who can prescribe medication to help stabilize your symptoms safely.
- Familial or platonic support: Gain support from your loved ones as you progress through your treatment.
- Life skills development: Learn new coping strategies to tackle everyday challenges and triggers.
- Relapse prevention: Learn different methods to maintain your sobriety and mental health over the long term.
Clear Behavioral Health’s Comprehensive Approach
When you are concerned about where to find the right program for treatment, we can assure you that Clear Behavioral Health offers a seamless continuum of care to support you through every stage of recovery:
Medical Detoxification
If you are physically dependent on substances, your treatment journey will begin with the medical detoxification process. You will have access to 24/7 medical supervision along with medication-assisted treatment when necessary. This will ensure that your withdrawal symptoms are managed safely, with medical professionals readily available to monitor you. Mental health support will also be provided so you can manage the emotions that come with withdrawals and work on the next step towards recovery.
Residential Treatment Program
Once your withdrawal symptoms have subsided, you will transition into a residential treatment program that offers a structured therapeutic environment incorporating an intensive daily program. Therapeutic tools included in this level of care are individual and group therapy, along with psychiatric care and holistic healing approaches. This level of care is recommended if you need a more hands-on and monitored approach.
Related: The Glow Up Journey: Using Residential Rehab and Alcohol Detox Facilities for Lasting Change
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient treatment programs are a more flexible treatment option, where you do not live in a residential treatment center. You come and go from the facility, continue to engage in therapy, and have time to fill your schedule while managing your mental health and recovery. Outpatient treatment programs offer ongoing emotional and social support while teaching real-world skills that can be applied immediately. This is the best option if you would like continued support as you navigate being reincorporated into your everyday life.
Related: The Benefits of In-Person Care Vs. Online Addiction Treatment
Integrated Treatment Features
If you’re entering a treatment program due to mental health issues or addiction, multiple treatment features exist. Clear Behavioral Health specializes in personalized, evidence-based care. Evidence-based care means using therapeutic approaches backed by scientific research that aligns with your personal experiences.
What Evidence-Based Care in a program entails:
- Simultaneous treatment of mental health and addiction
- Personalized treatment planning
- Evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medication management
- Holistic wellness programs
- Aftercare planning
The Path to Lasting Recovery
Choosing professional care over self-diagnosis provides in-depth and comprehensive professional health care, which increases your long-term outcome. Professional treatment also has higher success rates, reduced relapse risk, improved quality of life, and stronger support systems.
Long-Term Recovery Strategies
Professional programs also provide you with long-term strategies for recovery which include:
- Ongoing support services, relapse prevention planning, and life skills development.
- Community integration, family healing, and access to support groups.
Learn more about our dual diagnosis programs in the Los Angeles, California area. Reach out to our expert team today to take the first step toward recovery.
Take the First Step
If you are struggling with mental health and addiction challenges, self-diagnosing might have been your first step. Now it’s time to seek out professionals who can guide you to a healthier, happier life.
Contact our team at Clear Behavioral Health to learn more about our mental health and addiction treatment programs. We provide in-person treatment options throughout Los Angeles, CA, conveniently located in Gardena, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Van Nuys, El Segundo, and Pasadena, California.
If in-person treatment does not seem feasible, we also have a virtual option for all adult California residents.
Seeking treatment doesn’t have to be done alone, Clear Behavioral Health is ready to be with you every step of the way. Call us today to begin your journey to professional diagnosis and treatment.
Resources:
- Lynx Life Library. (n.d.). https://www.ucdenver.edu/student/stories/library/healthy-happy-life/down-the-rabbit-hole-of-self-diagnosis-in-mental-health
- Self-diagnosis in a digital world. (n.d.). www.counseling.org. https://www.counseling.org/publications/counseling-today-magazine/article-archive/article/legacy/self-diagnosis-in-a-digital-world
- MentalHealth.com. (2024, May 31). Diagnosis vs. Self-Diagnosis. https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/diagnosis-vs-self-diagnosis
- Dual Diagnosis: Addressing mental health & substance use disorders together. (2024, December 4). https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2024/12/04/dual-diagnosis-addressing-mental-health-and-substance-use-disorders-together
