Mental Health Boosting

FAQs

At Monobonbon, we take pride in providing you with accurate and insightful information about mental health. Our mission extends beyond creating unique stickers; we aim to raise awareness and promote the destigmatization of mental health issues. By sharing vital knowledge and encouraging open conversations, we strive to empower individuals and communities alike. Join us in fostering understanding and compassion through our creative designs, as we work together to break down barriers and support mental well-being for all.

How many people suffer form mental health?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 57.8 million adults live with some form of mental illness.1 The severity of a mental illness can vary from person to person. Some individuals can perform daily tasks, including work, with mental illness, and some people may qualify for disability due to their mental illness.2

How to help a loved one trhough a mental health crisis

First and foremost, if someone you love has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, it is ok to be uncertain, but remember it is a disease like any other disease and they will need your compassion and support. Although there are an array of new forms of therapy, medications and community support services, support from family and friends and peers is an essential element for a long-term positive treatment outcome.

We know the process can be confusing and uncertain! Crisis episodes related to mental illness can feel overwhelming for both the individual. It is not uncommon to ask “why me,” “why is this happening,” “what did I do” or “what can I do.” It is easy to feel hopeless. Staying positive is important.

Try to remind your loved one of these examples of positive reinforcement (they help us too):

• You are not alone
• This is not your fault
• You deserve help and support
• There is support available for you

1. Obtain a complete psychiatric evaluation.
2. There are more references to HIPPA below, but have your loved one sign a release of medical information. Then request to attend a treatment team meeting.
3. Once you have a diagnosis, try to understand what the diagnosis means (some of these are discussed more below):
4. What is the general course of the illness and its long-term prognosis?
5. What is the specific treatment plan?
6. What symptoms cause the most concern and should be monitored?
7. What medications are being prescribed, why these medications, dosage and expected
8. response and side effects?
9. What is the reasoning for the medication?
10. How often can the family meet with the treatment team to discuss progress of concerns?
11. Who is a point of contact if there are issues in between meetings?
12. Determine if there is a co-occurring substance use issue. This is important to understand so that any
13. therapy and treatment options include recovery treatment.
14. Substance abuse issues can be marijuana, alcohol or prescription drugs. It does not solely have to be street drugs. Substance use is common for those struggling with a mental illness.
15. At a treatment team meeting, describe any factors you think contributed to the crisis, stressors, or any other information that could be helpful for effective treatment. This includes the individual’s past unwillingness to adhere to a plan. It’s crucial the doctor knows potential setbacks that may occur. Also discuss the most appropriate living situation, even if living with you is not an option.
16. Ask the treating doctor for recommendations as to the TYPE of therapy, based on the treatment:
17. In-patient
18. Intensive out-patient
19. Weekly therapy
20. Peer-to-peer options
21. Medication is often prescribed to help control the symptoms of mental illness just like any other disease. Be sure to ask about potential side effects that could lead to other problems so that you are aware of things to look for in your loved one. Sometimes these side effects can lead an individual to stop taking their medication, so ask about signs of that happening.
22. Find a doctor who is willing to include the support system of the patient in some way. Inclusive, productive conversations about symptoms, medications and issues is a key element in recovery.
23. Remember that your loved one may be scared, confused and even resistant towards a diagnosis. Try to remind them that it is a disease and if they had cancer or diabetes, they (and you) would do everything you could to lead to a positive, long-term treatment option.
24. Recognize that it may take time to find proper medication and therapies that work for your loved one. Sometimes it can feel more art than science and every individual is different. That’s ok.
25. Understand that medication alone is not enough to sustain a long-term outcome. Self-esteem, social support and feeling good about oneself (having a job, going to school) are essential elements. Sometimes this takes time, so remember that helping a loved one through a mental health crisis is a marathon.
26. Walking this can be difficult. Give yourself some grace to figure it out.



Obtaining mental health assistance

Californians in need of mental health assistance should get help as early as possible. Mental health is part of everyone’s overall health, and effective treatments and supports can help people recover.

All county mental health departments have 24/7 hotlines for local residents seeking assistance in a crisis and to access local mental health programs. Any resident can call 24/7, or walk-in to a county mental health office during business hours, and speak with a crisis worker. We encourage family members to call or come in if they are concerned a family member may harm themselves or is considering an act of violence – county mental health departments can help them to develop a safety plan. County Mental Health Crisis Numbers are provided at the link below.

Contact Us

For further information or help contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.