JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Mental health services have risen by 57% in the last ten years, according to studies, as stigma around seeking treatment continues to decline.
Brooke Weaver, a licensed clinical social worker and mental health therapist at True Hope Counseling, said she has witnessed significant changes in attitudes toward mental health treatment during her 20-year career.
“Since I’ve become a therapist, I’ve seen the stigma go down quite a bit and I think it’s because it’s talked about more,” Weaver said. “We are seeing therapists go out into the community and talk more about it. Individuals aren’t as close-minded about getting therapy and help.”
Arkansas above national average for depression, anxiety
Weaver said about 1 in 3 adults in Arkansas deal with depression or anxiety, which is above the national average. She said mental health discussions have evolved since she first started practicing.
“Most of the time people were quiet about it. They weren’t telling their friends and family,” Weaver said. “Confidentiality is still a huge part of therapy but back then they were questioning the therapist. Now you don’t see that very often. People are telling their friends and neighbors, word of mouth is huge in our community about getting referrals. I have seen that drastically increase.”
Weaver, who works with adolescents and adults, said teenagers and young adults communicate more about their mental health to others.
Treatment requires work outside therapy sessions
Weaver said therapy extends beyond the therapy office and requires commitment from patients.
“You have to do the work in your own time. I am only seeing somebody about an hour a week,” Weaver said. “There’s a lot more hours of the week that they are on their own. They have to do the work too, it’s not just a quick fix, but you see the profits and benefits of it if you do the work outside of here.”
She said there are risks for people who do not address their mental health needs.
“Just like physical health, mental health is necessary. Both play a role together, physical and mental, work together for overall health,” Weaver said. “So if you are just abandoning a part of your health. That’s detrimental to your overall health.”
Self-care strategies can supplement therapy
Weaver said there are activities people can do outside of seeing a therapist that can help mental health and provide stress relief.
“Fidgets are always good for anxiety. Mindfulness is helpful, just being aware, and being in the present moment,” Weaver said. “Reading books, listening to uplifting music. Anything like that can go a long way.”
Weaver said people seeking help or wanting to improve their mental health should not be afraid to reach out to friends and family for therapist recommendations or advice on helpful strategies.
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