Choosing to seek behavioral health care — and staying involved in the process — is a brave, loving act. Caring for a loved one with behavioral health symptoms is never easy. When it becomes clear that they need 24/7 professional care, the decision to seek residential treatment can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the truth: choosing help isn’t giving up — it’s stepping up. And it might be the most loving, courageous thing you can do.
The harmful effects of stigma and delaying treatment
Stigma — whether it’s from others or internalized — can be a powerful barrier to treatment. It can sound like, ‘What will people think?’ or ‘We should be able to handle this ourselves.’ In a 2023 narrative review on mental health stigma, researchers identified several common experiences that stem from stigma, including feeling ashamed or ‘less than’, believing negative stereotypes about mental illness, avoiding social situations to prevent judgment, and facing rejection from others.
When dealing with these experiences, it’s understandable why one might hesitate or delay seeking treatment. However, it’s important to recognize the consequences of putting off help. ‘Delays in seeking care can exacerbate mental health conditions leading to worse outcomes and reduced quality of life,’ says Ahmed A. Ahad et al. Early support can change the trajectory.
Thankfully, stigma isn’t forever. Learning to separate the person from the illness, joining a support group, and talking to trusted friends can help you overcome stigma and seek the help you and your loved one need.
The power of family engagement
What happens when families stay involved during treatment? Outcomes improve dramatically. A study in the Singapore Medical Journal found that family involvement leads to fewer relapses, shorter hospital stays, and better quality of life for patients. Other benefits include improved compliance to medication and treatment plans, better self-reported quality of life by patients, reduced general social impairment, and help gaining access to mental health services during times of crisis.
However, staying involved isn’t always easy. Many families worry about privacy, feel overwhelmed, or fear blame for their loved one’s struggles. ‘Families often worry that seeking behavioral health care means they’ve failed their loved one — but the truth is, it’s one of the most compassionate, courageous things they can do,’ said Scott Dagenais, director of therapy and mental health operations at Generations Healthcare. When families are involved, better outcomes, stronger relationships, and sustained recovery are consistently seen.
The caregiver’s role in recovery
Is it possible to be involved as a caregiver without succumbing to burnout? Yes! Understanding the different types of support you can offer can help focus on what fits best in your life. Emotional support, practical help, and companionship are all valuable contributions.
‘Caregivers can contribute to recovery by supporting the therapeutic interventions of professionals, helping with therapeutic exercises,’ say François Lauzier-Jobin and Janie Houle in research from the National Library of Medicine. Support can manifest through showing interest in interventions, asking questions, listening, and helping with tasks between therapy sessions.
Ultimately, choosing to seek behavioral health care and staying involved in the process is an act of strength. By overcoming stigma and staying engaged, recovery becomes attainable, and individuals don’t have to walk the path alone.
Isabella Markert is a content writer for Stage Marketing, a full-service content marketing agency based in Lehi, UT.
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